The pace of closed sales is only expected to increase through the summer, Illinois REALTORS® said. 

Despite a monthly decline, the rate of new-home construction still came in above consensus estimates. 

Homes that sold quickly in Chicago were significantly more likely to go above asking price than those in the broader market in early 2026, according to a Zillow analysis. 

Among the top 50 metro areas, Boston and Miami led the pack. 

Home prices increased in 71% of U.S. metro areas in the first quarter of 2026, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. 

Americans are prioritizing sunlight in their home search, with 44% saying they would choose a smaller home with more sunlight over a larger home with less sunlight, according to a Redfin report. 

The median-existing sales price for all housing types rose 0.9% year over year to $417,700, its 34th consecutive increase. 

Luxury spaces that focus on well-being, comfort and personal meaning are shaping everything in the home, from material selection and layout to color, light and more.

Nationally, home sales in the 50 metro areas surveyed by REMAX posted their largest monthly gain in three years, increasing 31.6%. 

The 2026 spring housing market is neither surging nor stalled, but moving forward as both buyers and sellers adjust their expectations.

Short answer: Yes. But not quite in the way mom and dad did it, according to a survey of over 2,000 American renters and would-be homeowners.

S&P Dow Jones Indices noted that inflation outpaced national home-price appreciation for the ninth month in a row.

That timeline is typical for a family saving 15% of their income, assuming a 15% down payment.

The spring market is off to a competitive start across Chicagoland suburbs, according to Mainstreet REALTORS®’ March data report. 

Among over 600 home features and design aspects, exposed beams were the most popular — home listings featuring the element saw 19.7% more engagement on Zillow.com.

Boomers made up 42% of all homebuyers during the period from July 2024 to June 2025, unchanged from the same time a year prior. Millennials lost market share, making up 26% of buyers, down 3% year over year.