Updated September 2026

If buying a home is on your radar, you may be asking yourself:
Should I buy a home now or wait until 2027?
It is a reasonable question. Mortgage rates, home prices, and affordability have changed significantly over the past several years. As we look ahead to 2027, many buyers are wondering whether waiting could lead to lower rates, lower home prices, or better buying opportunities.
The reality is that no one can perfectly predict the housing market. However, current housing data can help you better understand today’s market and decide what may make sense for your individual circumstances.
2026 Housing Market Snapshot
What Are Mortgage Rates Doing?
Mortgage rates remain one of the biggest considerations for today’s homebuyers.
According to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was 6.76% as of September 10, 2026. The average 15-year fixed-rate mortgage was 6.09%.
These figures are national averages and do not represent the rate available to every borrower. Your individual mortgage rate can depend on factors such as your credit profile, loan program, down payment, property type, loan amount, and other qualifications.
Mortgage rates can also change frequently, which makes trying to perfectly time the market difficult.
Can I comfortably afford the home and monthly payment under today’s conditions?
Are More Homes Available for Buyers?
One potentially encouraging trend for buyers is increased housing inventory.
According to the National Association of REALTORS®, approximately 1.62 million existing homes were available for sale nationwide in August 2026. That represented a 5.9% increase from August 2025.
The supply of unsold existing homes reached approximately 4.9 months.
More inventory can give buyers additional choices and, depending on the local market, potentially more time to evaluate properties and negotiate.
However, real estate conditions vary significantly by city, neighborhood, and price range. National housing trends should always be considered alongside local market conditions.
Will Home Prices Go Down in 2027?
This is another major question for prospective buyers deciding whether they should purchase now or wait.
The National Association of REALTORS® reported that the median existing-home sales price nationwide was $429,100 in August 2026, approximately 1.6% higher than one year earlier.
Meanwhile, Fannie Mae’s Q3 2026 Home Price Expectations Survey gathered forecasts from more than 100 housing experts. The panel’s average expectation called for approximately 2.5% national home-price growth in 2026 and 2.2% growth in 2027.
These figures are forecasts, not guarantees. Actual home-price performance can vary considerably depending on the location, property type, and broader economic conditions.
Waiting until 2027 does not necessarily mean a home will cost less. Home prices could rise, fall, or remain relatively stable depending on the market.
Should You Buy Now or Wait Until 2027?
The right answer depends more on your personal finances, goals, and timeline than on trying to predict exactly what the housing market will do next.
Buying Now May Make Sense If…
- Your income and employment are stable
- You are comfortable with the monthly payment
- You have savings for closing costs and reserves
- You have found a home that fits your needs
- Buying fits your long-term financial goals
Waiting May Make Sense If…
- You need additional time to save
- You are working on improving your credit
- You want to reduce existing debt
- Your income or employment situation may change
- You are unsure where you want to live long term
What’s Happening in Florida’s Housing Market?
Florida buyers have another factor to consider because the state’s housing market does not always follow national trends.
Florida Realtors reported renewed buyer activity in July 2026, including increases in both single-family and condo and townhouse sales.
July 2026 data. Source: Florida Realtors®
Florida Realtors also reported approximately a 7.8-month supply of condos and townhouses. This difference demonstrates why buyers should consider not only the location they are purchasing in, but also the type of property they are considering.
Not Sure If You’re Ready to Buy?
You don’t have to figure it out alone. A Trident Home Loans mortgage professional can help you better understand your potential financing options and what a home purchase could look like based on your individual situation.
Look Beyond the Mortgage Rate
It can be tempting to focus entirely on mortgage rates when deciding when to buy a home. Your interest rate matters, but it is only one part of your total housing expense.
Your Housing Payment May Include:
- Principal and interest
- Property taxes
- Homeowners insurance
- Mortgage insurance, if applicable
- Homeowners association fees, if applicable
Buyers should also consider their down payment, closing costs, emergency savings, maintenance expenses, and other costs associated with homeownership.
Understanding the complete financial picture can be much more useful than simply waiting for a particular mortgage rate to appear in the headlines.
Planning to Buy a Home in 2027? Start Preparing Now.
You do not have to wait until 2027 to begin preparing for homeownership.
| ✓ Review your credit profile | ✓ Determine a comfortable monthly budget |
| ✓ Continue building savings | ✓ Gather income and financial documents |
| ✓ Learn about available loan programs | ✓ Speak with a mortgage professional |
| ✓ Prepare for potential closing costs | ✓ Get pre-approved when you’re ready to shop |
Start the Conversation Before You Start Shopping
Speaking with a mortgage professional before you begin seriously shopping for homes can help you better understand your financial position, potential loan options, and estimated homebuying budget.
Starting early may also give you additional time to address potential obstacles before you are ready to make an offer.
At Trident Home Loans, our mortgage professionals can help you understand the financing process and explore mortgage options based on your individual circumstances and homeownership goals.
Whether you are considering purchasing before the end of 2026 or preparing for a move in 2027, having the right information can help you make a more informed decision.
Ready to Start Planning Your Next Move?
You do not need to predict the housing market to start preparing for homeownership.
Sources
Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey
National Association of REALTORS® Existing-Home Sales
Fannie Mae Home Price Expectations Survey
Florida Realtors® Housing Statistics
Disclaimer:
This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice or a commitment to lend. Mortgage rates, loan programs, guidelines, and market conditions are subject to change. Loan approval and terms are subject to borrower qualifications, applicable underwriting requirements, and program guidelines.