Zillow Group Inc. has released its latest market analysis, highlighting the most buyer-friendly real estate markets in the United States for 2026. The report identifies that most of the top ten markets are located in the Midwest and Sun Belt regions, where home value growth has cooled and affordability remains relatively strong. In five of these markets, a median household can afford a typical home with mortgage payments costing below 30% of income, assuming a 20% down payment. Zillow’s forecast anticipates modest home value growth following a flat 2025, with mortgage rates expected to gradually decrease toward 6% or possibly lower, which may stimulate home sales. The analysis also notes that new construction in the Sun Belt has helped inventory recover, reducing competition for buyers. Tools such as Zillow Showcase are recommended for sellers aiming to stand out, as Showcase listings tend to sell for 2% more than comparable non-Showcase listings.

Disclaimer: This news brief was created by Public Technologies (PUBT) using generative artificial intelligence. While PUBT strives to provide accurate and timely information, this AI-generated content is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial, investment, or legal advice. Zillow Group Inc. published the original content used to generate this news brief via PR Newswire (Ref. ID: SF70249) on January 26, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained therein.