Buyers, sellers, and real estate agents are entering 2026 with cautious optimism about the housing market, according to a recent survey by Clever Offers. While most respondents believe the coming year will offer opportunities to buy or sell, concerns about economic instability and affordability continue to shape expectations.
The survey, which included 500 consumers planning to buy or sell a home in 2026, 500 consumers not planning to enter the market, and 804 real estate agents, highlights a generally positive outlook alongside lingering fears about a potential market downturn. About 86% of likely buyers and sellers and 75% of agents believe 2026 will be a good year to complete a real estate transaction. However, many also worry that a housing market correction or broader economic slowdown could affect their financial stability.
Agents remain particularly optimistic about local market conditions. Nearly two-thirds (63%) expect more stability in 2026 compared with the volatility of the past two years. Consumers share this confidence in their personal prospects, with 73% of buyers and 72% of sellers saying they expect favorable conditions for buying or selling. For agents, this optimism is encouraging after a year marked by slow demand and a high number of delistings.
Despite this positive sentiment, concerns about the broader market remain widespread. Only 22% of buyers and sellers believe the overall housing market will improve in 2026, and 40% fear a possible market crash. Economic anxiety is also strong: 60% of surveyed consumers think the economy is heading in the wrong direction, and more than half expect a recession or depression next year. Even optimistic agents cite economic uncertainty as their biggest challenge for the year ahead.
Affordability continues to be a major issue for both buyers and sellers. An overwhelming 93% expect financial pressures in 2026, with inflation topping the list of concerns. Rising insurance, healthcare, and home maintenance costs are also weighing on households, and 40% worry about affording their housing payments. Among buyers, roughly two-thirds fear that higher home prices or a recession could delay their plans, and nearly half expect to need financial assistance. Sellers, meanwhile, see preparing their homes, negotiating offers, and selling in a high–mortgage–rate environment as their biggest hurdles. While sellers believe economic conditions will most affect how quickly homes sell, agents point to listing prices as the key factor.
Commission expectations reveal another potential friction point. Most agents feel secure about their careers and do not anticipate major changes in commission rates. However, 70% of buyers still expect sellers to cover their agent’s commission, compared with only 45% of sellers who plan to do so. Additionally, more than half of agents expect it will be harder to close deals in 2026, and nearly half of buyers and sellers say they may not work with an agent at all, signaling a more competitive and challenging year ahead.
