Real Estate Trends to Watch in 2026
Industry experts are forecasting an active year for Southern California real estate, with several trends shaping the market across coastal and inland communities. As interest rates stabilize, more buyers who had been waiting on the sidelines are expected to re-enter, creating renewed competition, particularly in sought-after areas like Orange, Los Angeles, and San Diego Counties. Inventory is projected to gradually improve as new construction projects and planned communities come online, while many homeowners with strong equity may take the opportunity to upgrade, downsize, or relocate. Lifestyle-driven features such as energy efficiency, smart home technology, and outdoor living spaces will remain top priorities for buyers, alongside proximity to quality schools, jobs, and recreation. Altogether, 2026 is set to bring fresh opportunities for both buyers and sellers across Southern California’s diverse housing markets.
- When you need to work on your credit. Maybe your credit score is just starting to recover, but you need more time to pay down debts for a couple of years. With rent-to-own, you could start investing in a home while you bring up your score.
- You’re close, but not quite ready to secure a mortgage. You might have a good job with a significantly bigger salary, but you haven’t been there long enough for a lender to consider it a stable source of income. Or maybe you’re self-employed and you’re still building a reliable track record. Rent-to-own allows time to build personal wealth and financial credibility while working toward your homeownership goals.
- When you know you’re going to buy when the lease expires. If you’re not ready to buy when the lease expires, then you will lose any rent credit, i.e. investment, you’ve put into the home.
