Home buyers over the past few years would likely describe their home purchase as anything but affordable.  Home prices and mortgage interest rates were both rising, causing a buyer's monthly payment to increase year after year.  But looking ahead to 2026, there are a few trends that might combine to bring at least some relief to buyers.

Let's take a look at three factors that could make home buying slightly more affordable in 2026...

1. Wages Are Slowly Increasing

Wages don't always rise quickly, but over time we've seen consistent upward movement. Even a small increase in income can improve your purchasing power -- especially when combined with stable home prices or lower borrowing costs. If wages continue to trend upward into 2026, it could give you a bit more breathing room.

2. Mortgage Rates Are (Slowly) Heading Down

After a few years of sharp increases, mortgage interest rates have been trending downward -- though at a slow and steady pace. If this trend continues into 2026, even slightly lower rates can make a meaningful difference in monthly mortgage payments. Lower rates = higher affordability.

3. Home Prices Have Flattened Out

Locally, we have seen very little change in the median sales price over the past year. That's a significant shift after several years of rapid price growth. If home prices remain stable moving into and through 2026, that will help keep monthly payments under control for new buyers.

So, Will You Be Able to Buy a Home More Affordably in 2026?

It's possible. If wages continue to inch up, mortgage interest rates continue to inch down, and home prices remain relatively flat -- the combined effect could be a slight increase in affordability if you are looking to buy a home in 2026.

Of course, each of these trends could shift in a different direction -- but if they move in the directions that are expected and predicted, you may find more success in buying a home in 2026 than you did in 2025.