Buyers, sellers, and real estate agents are expressing cautious optimism about the housing market in the coming year. However, uncertainty still looms.
A recent survey by Clever Offers reveals that 86% of likely buyers and sellers, along with 75% of agents, believe 2026 will favor real estate transactions. Yet, underlying concerns about a market crash or an economic downturn impacting personal finances remain prevalent.
The survey, which involved 500 prospective buyers and sellers for 2026, 500 non-participants in the market, and 804 real estate agents, highlights conflicting perceptions about the market’s trajectory, which could influence key trends moving into 2026 and beyond.
A generally positive outlook on the market Agents maintain an optimistic stance about their local property markets going into 2026. The majority (63%) predict greater stability compared to recent years. Similarly, consumers share this optimism, with nearly three-quarters of buyers (73%) and sellers (72%) believing 2026 will be favorable for their respective housing goals. This shift is encouraging news for agents following a challenging year of low demand and record delistings.
Concerns about economic stability persist Despite confidence in their ability to navigate the market, only 22% of buyers and sellers anticipate overall market improvements next year. Additionally, 40% express fears of a potential housing market collapse, while a significant share (60%) believes the economy is heading in a negative direction. Over half expect an economic recession or depression to occur in 2026, compounding their concerns.
These sentiments echo broader trends. Fannie Mae’s Home Purchase Sentiment Index recently indicated growing consumer apprehension, with many seeing this as a poor time to buy amid economic uncertainty. Similarly, the University of Michigan’s Index of Consumer Sentiment continues to reflect subdued confidence levels. Though optimistic about the housing sector, real estate agents ranked economic instability as their most pressing challenge for the year ahead.
Affordability challenges loom large A staggering 93% of buyers and sellers acknowledged concerns about financial stability in 2026, primarily driven by inflation. Rising costs across insurance, healthcare, and home maintenance are also noted as potential hurdles. Notably, 40% worry they may struggle with housing affordability. Prospective buyers face additional challenges as two-thirds fear that escalating home prices or economic instability could delay their plans. Nearly half say they will require financial assistance to make purchases feasible. On the other hand, sellers are focusing on preparing homes for sale (40%), navigating offers (36%), and contending with elevated mortgage rates (35%), while acknowledging that general economic conditions could determine the pace of sales.
Agents, however, emphasize that pricing strategies will significantly influence sale timelines. Shifting dynamics in commissions and client relationships. Many agents remain confident about job stability in 2026, anticipating minimal changes to commission rates. But there’s tension brewing: while 70% of buyers expect sellers to cover agent commissions, only 45% of sellers intend to do so, which could create friction during transactions.
Furthermore, more than half of agents foresee increased challenges in closing deals compared to 2025—a trend exacerbated by a shrinking client base. Nearly half of potential buyers and a notable proportion of sellers indicated they might bypass engaging with an agent, reflecting a growing shift in consumer behavior. As 2026 approaches, optimism surrounding the housing market is tempered by significant economic uncertainties. These contrasting perspectives among buyers, sellers, and agents suggest that adaptability will be key in navigating the evolving real estate landscape.
