What Will the Fort Wayne Housing Market Look Like in 2026?

By David Brough

Hey there, I'm Dave Brough, and I'm proud to be the owner of Anthony REALTORS. As a seasoned Fort Wayne Realtor, I've learned that putting clients first, staying accessible, and being a great listener and communicator are the keys to success.

Are you starting to wonder what the housing market will look like next year? In 2025, homebuyers and sellers in Fort Wayne are worried about a crash, but they don’t want to miss out on better timing either.

After reviewing current trends and expert forecasts, I noted three key trends that I believe could shape real estate in 2026:

Modest growth, not wild swings in home prices. The past year showed that real estate rarely moves in extremes. Sellers held off expecting a crash, and buyers waited for rates to drop, but the market didn’t fall; it simply slowed.

Fort Wayne’s numbers reflect that steady shift: appreciation is up 3%, new listings are up 9%, days on market are up 21%, and the absorption rate is down 14.4%. Nationally, Zillow expects about a 0.4% rise in home values from mid-2025 to mid-2026. It’s modest growth, supported by steady demand in cities like Fort Wayne, while some overheated coastal markets may cool slightly. Overall, the outlook points to stability, not a boom or a bust.

Sales activity set to rebound if rates improve. After two slower years, 2026 could finally bring more movement, if mortgage rates ease. Some experts project a 14% jump in sales activity next year, with up to a 10% rise in existing-home sales.

Buyers haven’t disappeared. Most are just waiting. The moment rates dip, many are expected to reenter the market quickly. That opens the door for sellers, especially those in desirable Fort Wayne neighborhoods where inventory is limited. If rates stay higher for longer, the pace may remain slow, but history shows that once rates shift, buyer activity follows fast.

Inventory and buyer power may slowly return. Inventory is still tight because many homeowners are locked into ultra-low mortgage rates. An estimated 55% to 60% of U.S. homes with a mortgage carry a rate of 4% or less. That keeps would-be sellers from moving.

But as mortgage rates ease, more homeowners will begin listing, whether to upsize, downsize, or relocate. That shift gives buyers more options and more negotiating power. For sellers, it brings more competition.

The homes that win in 2026 will be priced correctly and well prepared. Even simple steps like a pre-listing inspection or fresh paint can make a big difference. As the saying goes, if the home isn’t compelling, it’s simply not selling.

Fair forecast. The 2026 housing market looks steadier than the wild swings of the past few years. Fort Wayne remains in a strong position thanks to consistent demand and affordability. Buyers should see more opportunities as inventory grows. Sellers will need a strategy and presentation to stand out.

If you’re planning to buy or sell in 2026, now’s the time to start preparing. Let’s talk about what makes the most sense for you. Call, text, or message me at (260) 750-2818 or david@anthonyrealtors.com for a free consultation. I’m here to help.