With existing-home sales expected to surge 14% next year, it’s clear buyers will be on the move. But where will they choose to settle down? Midwestern and southern metros may dominate buyer interest in 2026, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.
NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun forecasted 2026 U.S. homebuying hot spots based on economic, demographic and housing criteria as part of NAR’s seventh annual Real Estate Forecast Summit.
Many cities on the list have experienced recent high levels of domestic migration, an indicator of stronger sales, household formation and upward price pressure, according to NAR. Plus, standout cities demonstrated a built-in base of younger households, income and job growth and increased renter-to-owner transitions — qualities found in many midwestern and southern cities.
The 2026 forecasted hot spots include:
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- Columbus, Ohio
- Indianapolis
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Minneapolis-St. Paul
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- Richmond, Virginia
- Salt Lake City
- Spokane, Washington
“Lower mortgage rates and larger inventory will attract buyers back to the market in 2026,” said Yun. “The top 10 housing hot spots for 2026 have a combination of strong demand potential, projected improvements in affordability and, most critically, a housing stock that matches the budgets of the buyers who are returning to the market.”