What San Antonio Buyers & Homeowners Can Expect from the 2026 Housing Market

The 2026 housing market is starting to reveal its direction, and one big question is on the minds of San Antonio buyers and homeowners: Will it finally feel easier to make a move.

National experts from the National Association of REALTORS®, Realtor.com, and Zillow see gradual progress ahead. Nothing dramatic or overnight, but real movement toward a healthier and more balanced market.

Below is what leading forecasts suggest and what it could mean for your own plans.

Sales Activity: Slow but steady improvement
All three forecasts show an increase in home sales across the country in 2026 as affordability slowly improves. The exact growth depends on who you ask, but the trend is positive.

National projections
• NAR expects about a 14% jump in transactions
• Zillow is forecasting about a 4.3% gain, reaching roughly 4.26 million sales as more buyers return from the sidelines
• Realtor.com sees growth as well at about 1.7%, reaching around 4.13 million transactions

Realtor.com remains the most cautious because four out of five homeowners currently have mortgage rates below six percent, keeping many locked into their homes longer.

Here in San Antonio, one of the clearest ways to monitor shifting demand will be the speed at which new listings go under contract.

Home Prices: Still moving upward
Price growth is expected to continue next year, just not at the wild pace seen during the pandemic years. Waiting for prices to fall significantly will likely lead to disappointment. For current owners, the positive news is continued equity growth.

Forecasts indicate
• Price appreciation ranging from a little above one percent to around 4%
• More markets holding steady without declines
• Fewer large metro areas dealing with price drops compared to 2025

San Antonio homeowners should continue seeing strong resale value. Buyers gain a bit more room to negotiate than in the recent frenzied years.

Mortgage Rates: An improvement from 2025
Rates are expected to stay above 6% in 2026 but comfortably below the highs of early 2025. As monthly payments become more manageable, more buyers will be able to step back in.

Industry expectations
• Average rates around 6.3%
• No realistic return to the 3% era
• A slow increase in qualified buyers entering the market

Anyone planning to buy in San Antonio in 2026 will benefit from an early conversation with a trusted lender. It helps clarify budgets and unlock opportunities before the perfect home appears.

Inventory: Growing selections
Supply is steadily recovering after years of historically low availability. More homes on the market benefits both sides. Buyers get choices. Sellers see more eyes on their listings.

Forecasts point to
• Nearly a 9% increase in existing home supply
• Months of inventory climbing toward a more balanced level near 4.5 months
• Builders continuing to offer incentives and rate buydowns to keep new homes attractive

Locally, additional inventory should ease the competition a bit. At the same time, buyers still need a strong strategy when making offers.

Affordability: Movement in the right direction
Housing will not suddenly feel cheap, but the numbers show progress. A slightly better payment to income ratio means more households can remain active in the market.

Indicators show
• The typical mortgage payment dropping to about 29.3% of income
• More first time buyers qualifying
• Renters finding relief, making it easier to save for a down payment

For San Antonio renters, 2026 could be the moment to trade rent checks for equity.

What this means for buyers:
Small improvements add up. A little more affordability and a few more options can make the difference between settling and securing the right home. The key is clarity. Understanding price range and timing early gives you confidence when the right home surfaces.

What this means for sellers:
San Antonio sellers will face more competition than in the past few years. Buyers are focused on monthly payments and value. Pricing strategy and presentation remain essential. If a move better supports your goals and lifestyle, 2026 looks like a smart time to take that step.

Bottom Line
The big picture points toward a more navigable market in 2026. Not a reset, but a step closer to balance with improving affordability and rising inventory. Planning ahead, especially at the local level, will help you take advantage of the shift.

If you want to explore whether 2026 is the right year to buy or sell in San Antonio, I am always happy to talk strategy and help you get closer to your goals. Reach out anytime.