2026 Housing Market Forecast: Increasing Inventory for Greater Boston Buyers

February 11, 2026

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Home Inventory is Back: Why Your Search Just Got Easier 🏠

Inventory is making a comeback in the real estate market

Historic inventory levels looking to 2017

The Big Picture

After years of scarcity, housing inventory is making a major comeback in 2026. For the first time since 2020, buyers are finding actual breathing room in the market.
Why It Matters
According to Realtor.com, January’s inventory reached its highest level in six years. Nationally, we are seeing a steady return to “normal” market conditions.

More Leverage: Buyers are regaining the power to negotiate.

More Time: The “rush” is fading; you can actually think before you offer.

More Options: Half of the top 200 metro areas are now at or above pre-pandemic supply levels.

What’s Next

Forecasts predict inventory will grow by another 10% this year. By this fall, national supply is expected to mirror the healthy levels seen between 2017 and 2019.

 

If inventory rises by 10% this year we will be back to levels that not seen since 2019

Historic inventory levels looking back to 2017

“The market is starting to work with buyers again—not against them.”

The Bottom Line

The “seller’s market” extreme is cooling. If you’ve been waiting for a moment where you have choices and less stress, the strongest setup in years is happening right now.

Read the full article on Inventory of Homes for Sale

Let’s Connect
If you want to know exactly how much inventory is available in your specific Greater Boston neighborhood, reach out today.