Who doesn’t love a top 10 list? Here are two top 10 lists for the housing market this year, but first a quick heads-up you should know.

If you're planning a move in 2026, here's the key thing to know: there isn't a single housing market this year. There are many different markets, each with its own trends and conditions.

Experts agree 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most geographically split housing markets in years. Some areas favor sellers, while others are opening real doors for buyers. Who has the advantage depends almost entirely on location. Selma Hepp, chief economist at Cotality, puts it this way:

““Looking ahead to 2026, regional differences will remain pronounced, with demand favoring areas that offer both economic opportunity and relative affordability.”
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— Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at Cotality

To show how divided the housing market is, here’s where sellers are likely to have the advantage and where first-time buyers might finally get their chance this year.

Where Sellers Are Poised To Win Big in 2026

Zillow identified several metro areas expected to be the strongest seller markets for 2026 based on buyer demand, pricing momentum, and how quickly homes are likely to sell.

In markets like this, buyers will be competing for a small number of homes, so sellers have the upper hand.

Homeowners in seller’s markets this year can expect:

• More buyers showing serious interest

• Homes selling faster

• A stronger chance of selling at or even above the asking price

That doesn’t mean every listing will succeed. It does mean sellers who prepare well and rely on an agent’s expertise can expect to be very pleased with their results in 2026.

Markets Where There’s More Opportunity for First-Time Buyers

On the flip side, here’s where buyers—especially first-time buyers, who’ve struggled to enter the market recently—are likely to have more leverage. Realtor.com highlights the top metro areas where first-time buyers should see better opportunities in 2026:

These markets stand out because they offer a mix of:

• More affordable home prices

• More homes available to choose from

• Strong local amenities and a healthy local economy

For first-time buyers, that combination matters — it’s what can turn “someday” into “this could actually work.” In a buyer’s market, they should expect:

• Less competition from other buyers

• More room to negotiate

• A clearer path to getting your offer accepted

 What Matters More Than Any Top 10 List

Not seeing your city on the list? Don’t worry, this is just a national snapshot, not a verdict on your local market. The aim is to show how much the market can vary depending on where you are.

And remember, you can buy or sell no matter which way your local market is leaning. You just need the right agent to help you plan the best strategy to make it happen. For example:

• A seller in a buyer-friendly market may need to price competitively and make sure their home is well prepared.

• A buyer in a seller-leaning market should be ready to come in with a strong offer.

To learn where your market stands and what to expect, ask a local expert for guidance.

Bottom Line

The housing market in 2026 isn’t one size fits all. Local conditions matter more than ever.

Whether your market favors buyers or sellers, the right strategy can put you in a strong position. A local expert can help. Let’s connect.