Zillow’s Best Markets for Home Buyers in 2026: Where Buyers Have Leverage and Upside
26 Jan 2026
National
After several years of tough conditions for buyers, there are reasons for optimism in 2026. Zillow’s outlook for 2026 calls for the housing market to settle into a healthier state, with buyers seeing a bit more breathing room.
But the housing market isn’t moving in lockstep nationwide. An inventory crunch is creating competition among buyers in some markets — including Hartford, Zillow’s hottest housing market of 2026 — while strained affordability is limiting buyers in others.
To help identify where conditions may be most favorable, Zillow ranked the most buyer-friendly housing markets of 2026.
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