With 2026 on the horizon, participants in the housing market—buyers, sellers, and agents—display a blend of confidence in personal transactions and anxiety over broader economic conditions. Recent data from a Clever Real Estate survey (conducted in October 2025) captures this duality, showing strong intent to move forward despite widespread worries about affordability and potential downturns.

Key Survey Highlights

The Clever survey polled 500 consumers planning to buy or sell in 2026, 500 not planning to transact, and 804 real estate agents. Findings reveal high motivation levels tempered by financial and economic concerns.

Sources of Confidence

-> 86% of prospective buyers and sellers believe 2026 will be a suitable time to enter the market.

->73% of buyers and 72% of sellers express personal confidence in transacting next year.

->Agents remain upbeat, with 63% forecasting more market stability in 2026 than in the prior two years, following a sluggish 2025 with elevated delistings.

Agents also anticipate positive shifts, including falling mortgage rates (69% expect declines) and improved buyer demand (77% optimistic).

Underlying Anxieties

->Only 22% of buyers and sellers predict overall market improvement in 2026, while 40% fear a crash or significant downturn.

->60% of consumers view the economy negatively, with over half anticipating a recession or depression.

->Broader sentiment indicators align with this caution: Fannie Mae's Home Purchase Sentiment Index reflects persistent affordability worries, while the University of Michigan's Consumer Sentiment Index remains low (around 53 in early December 2025 readings).

Even bullish agents rank economic uncertainty as their top 2026 challenge.

Affordability as the Core Issue

->93% of buyers and sellers expect financial obstacles, driven by inflation, soaring insurance/healthcare costs, and home maintenance expenses.

->40% worry about sustaining mortgage payments amid economic pressures.

->Two-thirds of buyers fear rising prices or a recession could derail plans; 50% expect to require financial aid for a purchase.

->Sellers highlight hurdles like home prep (40%), negotiations (36%), and high-rate selling (35%). Agents emphasize accurate listing prices for faster sales.

Agent Views and Industry Shifts

Agents largely feel secure professionally, expecting stable commissions. However:

->A disconnect emerges: 70% of buyers assume sellers will pay commissions, versus only 45% of sellers intending to.

->Over half of agents predict harder closings; nearly half of consumers may bypass agents, potentially shrinking business.

Many agents (86%) plan to incorporate AI for tasks like listings and analysis.

Broader 2026 Forecasts

Expert predictions suggest modest improvement: slight home price growth (2-3%), mortgage rates around 6%, and sales up marginally. Inventory rises could tilt toward buyers in some regions, fostering balance without dramatic swings.

Key Takeaway

2026 offers opportunities for prepared buyers, sellers, and agents, but success hinges on navigating economic headwinds and cost pressures. Staying adaptable, informed, and realistic will be essential in this evolving market.