🏠 What’s Coming in 2026: Fort Lauderdale & Broward Market Outlook

Could 2026 be the year the South Florida housing market finally rebalances?
With national projections hinting at stabilized rates, rising inventory, and modest price gains, Fort Lauderdale and Broward County may be in for a healthier market—better for buyers, sellers, renters, and investors alike.

📉 Mortgage Rates & Affordability: A Calm Window

According to the latest forecast from Realtor.com, mortgage rates in 2026 are expected to average around 6.3%, compared with recent volatility.

That stability could lower the typical monthly payment share to ~29.3% of median income—the first time since 2022 that housing costs dip below the common 30% benchmark.

For buyers and renters in Broward and Fort Lauderdale, this translates into a window of slightly improved affordability and breathing room to plan ahead.

🏡 Inventory & Sales: Supply Is Recovering Gradually

Realtor.com forecasts an approximate 8.9% increase in active listings in 2026, with inventory slowly moving back toward pre-2020 levels.

That means more options—not just limited to hot properties.

On the sales side, projections suggest existing-home sales will increase modestly to around 4.13 million units nationally (up ~1.7%) in 2026.

For Fort Lauderdale and Broward County, this shift could mean a more balanced market:

• More inventory easing bidding wars
• Better choices for buyers and renters
• Still enough demand to keep home values stable

📈 Price Forecast: Growth Returns… Gradually

While prices aren’t expected to skyrocket, the consensus among major forecasts (Realtor.com, National Association of REALTORS® / NAR, and others) is modest growth:

Realtor.com projects home price increases of about 2.2% in 2026.

NAR expects nationwide prices to rise around 4% next year, supported by job growth and persistent inventory shortages.

Translation for Broward → Expect stability with gentle appreciation. For many, the market could shift from “fast-paced scramble” to “smart, steady decisions.”

🧭 What This Means for Residents, Sellers & Investors

Buyers & Renters: Stability and more choices ahead. Mortgage rates holding steady + rising listings = more time and flexibility to find the right fit.

Sellers: You may not see pandemic-era bidding wars again—but a steady market with measured demand and less frenzy can still translate to fair value sales.

Investors: With rising inventory and stable rates, long-term holdings—especially rentals—look more predictable. Opportunity for rental properties remains solid, especially in high-demand areas like Broward.

Renters: As new supply enters the market, rents may ease slightly, while tighter inventory in certain areas might keep demand stable—watch your neighborhoods closely.

✨ The MPH Team Takeaway

2026 is shaping up as a year of balance—not dramatic swings, but gradual recovery and leveling. For Fort Lauderdale and Broward County, that means a chance to make more strategic decisions: buy, rent, sell, or invest with more clarity and less pressure.