Wondering what to expect from the housing market in 2026? You're not alone. For the past few years, affordability has been the biggest obstacle between buyers, sellers, and their next move. High mortgage rates, limited inventory, and rapid price growth forced many households across Central Oregon to sit on the sidelines.
The good news is this: conditions are finally shifting. In 2025, affordability improved to its best level in three years, and most economists agree that progress should continue into 2026. That outlook is based on three fundamentals that matter everywhere—including Bend, Redmond,
As the holidays approach, many Bend homeowners find themselves asking the same question: Should I list my home now or wait until after the New Year?
The truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all answer—but there are compelling reasons to consider making your move before the year ends.
Click Here to see the Q3 Market Trends for Bend Real Estate and Redmond Real Estate, as well as the Q3 real estate trends in Sunriver, La Pine, Sisters, Prineville, Madras, Powell Butte, and Black Butte Ranch. In Q3 2025, the Bend Oregon Real Estate market and surrounding communities experienced a change when mortgage interest rates dropped in late summer. This enabled many Buyers who had been on the fence to finally make offers when their financed purchase became more affordable. Sellers who hadn't sold during the peak summer selling season were more inclined to consider below asking offers and to negotiate repairs. The number of active listings grew in all markets but Redmond, days on market increased in all markets but Redmond, and prices were up or down depending on the city. There was more balance in the market in most cities with the exception of La Pine, Madras and Powell Butte which reflect strong buyer's market. It is suggested that sellers in these cities list their homes at a price which is extremely competitive if their goal is to sell in a timely basis. A Bend Premier real estate broker understands the local Central Oregon real estate market trends, which is crucial to properly representing buyers and sellers. We can provide insights into which areas are popular, price trends, and the average time properties stay on the market. We can also provide you with access to listings that match your criteria, some of which may not be widely advertised. We also have the first word on properties about to hit the market, giving you an edge in a competitive market. 541-323-2779
If you paused your plans to move because of high rates or prices, it may finally be time to take a second look at your numbers. Affordability is improving in 39 of the top 50 markets, according to First American. And that's the 5th straight month where buying a home has started to get a little bit easier.
Let's break this down into real dollars, so you can see the difference this could make for you (and your move).
One of the clearest signs of this shift is in monthly payments. The latest data from Redfin shows mortgage payments on a median-priced home are now $283 lower than they were just a few months ago (see graph below):