Realtor.com’s 2026 Forecast Suggests These Markets Will be Big Winners
Summary
According to Realtor.com's 2026 forecast, emerging markets in the Northeast and Midwest, such as Hartford, CT and Rochester, NY, are projected to have strong real estate growth, offering potential for landlords due to affordability compared to rental income. Hosts should research these markets for potential investment opportunities, but also conduct thorough due diligence and manage expectations, as the market is not without its risks. Consider consulting local experts and underwriting deals for cash flow, not hype.
Key Insights
- •Cities in the Northeast and Midwest, like Hartford, CT, and Rochester, NY, are projected to have strong home sales and price growth in 2026, driven by affordability and demand, with expected price growth of 17% and 15.5% respectively.
- •The article mentions that in the third quarter of 2025, 40% of listing views for the top 10 cities originated from out-of-state people, often in pricier cities, highlighting the need for affordability.
Action Items
- ✓Underwrite deals for cash flow at conservative numbers rather than hype figures, stressing the importance of evaluating each neighborhood on a street-by-street basis.Effort: mediumImpact: medium
- ✓Factor in additional funds for renovations and upgrades, particularly in cold-weather markets. Consider replacing copper with PEX and installing hard-wearing vinyl plank flooring.Effort: mediumImpact: medium
- ✓Target spillover neighborhoods early and conduct thorough due diligence before investing in these markets; consult local experts.Effort: mediumImpact: medium
Tools & Resources
- →Rentometer: The article references a report from Rentometer.
- →Apartments.com & Homes.com: The article references apartments.com and Homes.com.
Watch Out For
- ⚠Avoid splashing cash based on low prices without thorough research, as this could lead to more problems than it's worth.
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