If you’ve been waiting for the Brevard County housing market to finally settle down, you’re not alone. I’ve been hearing one big question from both buyers and homeowners lately:

“Will 2026 finally make it easier to make a move?”

While we’re not heading into a dramatic reset, national experts agree on one thing: the real estate landscape is gradually shifting in a better direction—with more opportunities opening up for buyers and sellers alike.

Let’s break down what the latest forecasts mean for Brevard County real estate and how you can start planning for a confident move in the year ahead.

🏡 Home Sales: A Slow but Steady Comeback

National housing forecasts from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), Zillow, and Realtor.com all point to more home sales in 2026 as affordability slowly improves.

They’re not predicting a huge surge, but we’re moving toward better balance—which is exactly what our market needs.

Here’s what the experts are projecting:

• NAR: A 14% bump in home sales

• Zillow: A 4.3% increase, reaching around 4.26 million sales

• Realtor.com: A more cautious 1.7% growth, citing low turnover from homeowners locked into lower mortgage rates

In Brevard County, the speed of change may look a little different. One of the best ways to spot shifting demand locally? Watch how quickly new listings go under contract. Homes that linger may signal a more balanced market, while homes flying off the shelf still reflect competitive demand.

📈 Home Prices: Still Rising—Just Not as Fast

If you’ve been hoping for a big drop in prices, here’s the honest truth: a steep dip just isn’t in the cards. But for buyers, a slower pace of growth means a bit more breathing room. And for homeowners, continued equity gains are a strong reason to feel good about your investment.

Forecasts show:

• Zillow predicts a 1.2% price increase

• NAR expects closer to 4%

• Fewer cities are seeing price drops (Zillow expects just 12 major markets with declines in 2026, compared to 24 in 2025)

Here in Brevard, resale values remain strong, and while buyers may find a little more room to negotiate, pricing right is still key to standing out.

💰 Mortgage Rates: Better Than 2025, But No Return to 3%

Let’s set expectations: mortgage rates are coming down—just not to pandemic-era levels. Most experts expect rates to hover just above 6% in 2026.

• Realtor.com projects an average rate of 6.3%

• Zillow sees more buyers returning as payments become manageable

• NAR says don’t count on 3% ever again—but that’s okay

In short: 2026 won’t be perfect, but it will feel more doable. If you’re thinking about buying, connecting with a trusted local lender early can help you figure out exactly what your numbers look like—so you’re ready to act when the right home shows up.

🏘️ Inventory: More Choices, Still Catching Up

One of the biggest challenges in recent years has been low inventory. That’s finally shifting. More homes are hitting the market nationwide, and new construction is offering more variety, especially in growing areas like West Melbourne, Palm Bay, and Viera.

Here’s what national experts are saying:

• 8.9% more existing homes on the market

• Supply reaching 4.6 months—that’s approaching a balanced market

• Builders offering incentives, like rate buydowns and design upgrades

Locally, this means more choices for buyers, but sellers still need to price competitively and prepare their homes well—especially with more inventory to compare.

🧮 Affordability: Slowly Getting Better

Finally, some good news for buyers and renters: affordability is trending in the right direction for the first time in years.

• The typical buyer’s mortgage payment is expected to dip below 30% of income for the first time since 2022

• More first-time buyers will be able to qualify

• Renters may be able to save faster, thanks to improving rent affordability

If you’re currently renting in Brevard County, this could be the window to start planning for homeownership in the near future. Imagine walking into a space that’s finally your own—no rent hikes, no landlord rules, just your own slice of the Space Coast.

What This Means If You Want to Buy in Brevard County

Even small improvements in affordability, rates, and inventory can have a big impact on your buying journey. If you're thinking about making a move in 2026, here’s how you benefit:

✅ Slightly lower mortgage rates
✅ More homes to choose from
✅ A little less competition compared to recent years

Start now by defining your budget and ideal timeline. That clarity gives you confidence—and leverage—when the right home hits the market.

What This Means If You Want to Sell in Brevard County

Sellers are still in a strong position—but the market is shifting toward more balance, so strategy matters more than ever.

If you’re thinking of selling in 2026, you can expect:

✅ Strong resale values and continued buyer demand
✅ A growing pool of buyers who can afford to act
✅ Solid equity to put toward your next move

Whether you're relocating, upsizing, downsizing, or making a lifestyle shift, 2026 could be your moment to make a smart move while conditions are still in your favor.

Final Thoughts: 2026 Could Be the Sweet Spot

There’s no crystal ball, but all signs point to a more balanced and navigable market ahead. And that’s good news whether you’re buying, selling, or just weighing your options.

In Brevard County, local market knowledge is key. Every neighborhood—from Titusville to Melbourne Beach—has its own story, pace, and pricing trends.

If you’re curious about what 2026 might look like for you, let’s talk. I’m always here to help you explore your options, build a strategy, and move at your own pace—with confidence.

Sources: NAR, Realtor.com, Zillow