Reacting to Zillow’s 2026 Housing Market Predictions

Episode #1224 Try REsimpli, The Only All-In-One Real Estate Investor CRM Software That Helps You Manage Data, Marketing, Sales, and Operations: https://resimpli.com/biggerpockets/ Get Tickets to the Cash Flow Roadshow: https://www.biggerpockets.com/texas?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=none Episode Show Notes: https://lnk.to/biggerpocketsYT Join BiggerPockets for FREE 👇 https://www.biggerpockets.com/signup?utm_source=owned_media Let Us Know What You Thought of the Show! https://www.BiggerPockets.com/Podcastfeedback Grab Dave’s Book, _Start with Strategy_ : https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/start-with-strategy?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=none Sign Up for the BiggerPockets Real Estate Newsletter: https://www.biggerpockets.com/email-subscribe?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=none Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area: http://biggerpockets.com/agentmatch 2026 Mortgage Rate Predictions: This “X Factor” Could Change Everything: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1207?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=none Connect with Dave: https://www.biggerpockets.com/users/davem27?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=none Zillow released its new 2026 housing market predictions and…I’m not sure I agree with them. From home price to mortgage rate predictions, “kidfluence” steering decisions, and the rise of the lifestyle renter, I’m going through all 10 of Zillow’s predictions and sharing which I agree with, which I’m confused by, and which made me laugh. Even with a few very interesting predictions, I do think some core forecasts will actually play out in 2026. When’s the last time you asked your kid, “Hey buddy, where do YOU want to live?” and rented based on their answer? Well, Zillow believes that your toddler does have a serious influence on your next home. But that’s not all. In 2026, renting could become cool again as more “lifestyle renters” plan NOT to buy, even if mortgage rates drop. This could be a good sign for investors looking to keep long-term tenants, but you’ll need the right type of property. We’ll also touch on Zillow’s home price prediction (and why they’re more positive than Dave), the floor for mortgage rates in 2026 (will we break into the 5s?), and why buying a new-build could get even better. 00:00 Intro 01:25 1. Home Price Prediction 05:16 2. Fewer “Underwater” Mortgages 08:12 3. Mortgage Rate Prediction 11:59 Sponsor: REsimpli! 12:36 4. Home Sales Will RISE 14:57 5. Worst Year for Builders? 19:08 6. Rent Price Prediction 22:28 The Cash Flow Roadshow is Back! 23:04 7. More Americans WANT to Rent 26:53 8. “Kid-fluence” Steers Renters 29:14 9. Wait…Seriously? 31:43 10. AI Finds Your Next Home