As of today, February 28, 2026, the housing market in Florida and across the United States is showing some notable trends. Recent research from Knightvest Capital reveals a significant shift in how people are viewing renting. No longer just a temporary solution, renting is increasingly seen as a lifestyle choice, with more households opting for long-term apartment living. This trend could reshape the dynamics of the housing market in the years to come.
Forecasts for home prices in 2026 suggest a modest increase nationwide. Redfin anticipates a 1% gain in home prices, while Realtor.com is slightly more optimistic with a projected 2.2% increase. Zillow and Fannie Mae are also on board with positive predictions, estimating rises of 1.2% and 1.3% respectively. However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows—some areas in the Sun Belt, including Cape Coral–Fort Myers and North Port–Sarasota–Bradenton in Florida, are expected to see price declines of over 10% and just under 9% respectively, according to Realtor.com data. This mix of forecasts indicates a complex landscape for homebuyers and sellers alike.
Market Adjustments and Future Outlook
Fannie Mae’s Economic and Strategic Research Group has adjusted its 2026 home-sales outlook, now predicting a 7.3% increase in sales, down from nearly 9%. This adjustment reflects the evolving conditions of the market as buyers begin to gain leverage, particularly in areas where prices are softening. Alongside these trends, total single-family originations are expected to grow to about $2.34 trillion, largely fueled by a surge in refinance activity. Redfin projects refinance volume to skyrocket by more than 30%, hitting approximately $670 billion.
For homeowners, this could be a golden opportunity. As of mid-2025, typical mortgaged homeowners have about $181,000 in untapped equity, thanks to strong home-value appreciation over recent years. This equity presents options for those looking to refinance or invest in other properties.
As we move through 2026, it’s clear that the housing market is in a state of flux. The combination of rising home prices in some areas and declines in others creates a challenging yet intriguing environment for buyers and sellers. Keeping an eye on these trends is crucial for anyone looking to navigate the ever-changing landscape of Florida’s real estate market.
For more detailed insights into these market trends, you can check out the full analysis by following this link.