The National Association of Home Builders’ monthly survey found continued pessimism among the nation’s homebuilders at the end of a tough year. 

Midwestern and southern metros may dominate buyer interest in 2026, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.

Atlanta placed No. 4, just behind Miami and Orlando, Florida, and Las Vegas.

Young residents emerged as drivers of population change in growing counties.

Geographically, trends varied widely, with formerly hot areas like Florida and the Southeast posting the deepest declines and formerly cool areas, like the Midwest, showing healthy gains.

Spa-style amenities, customizable lighting options, integrated technology, storage solutions — and ample space for these features — all surfaced as top trends.

By region, sales rose in the Midwest, Northeast and South but fell in the West. 

Bold, geometric designs like chevrons, sunbursts, zigzags and stepped shapes are making a huge comeback as of late — and Houzz said that will continue into 2026.

The chief economist for the National Association of REALTORS® also predicts home prices will climb 4% compared to 2025. 

At the same time, the average age of the first-time buyer hit an all-time high of 40, according to the 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers. 

At the top of the list? WaterSense fixtures — the plumbing solution, which claims to reduce water use by more than 20%, increased in popularity by 289.6%.

Atlanta has seen rapid growth in the sector and ranked No. 8 on the list. The pipeline hit 4,208 units in 2024 after increasing 44% from the year before.

The city offers buyers the most space per dollar in the nation for homes in the $1 to $2 million price range.

Nationwide, the median price for a single-family home increased 1.7% year over year to $426,800. Prices increased by the same annual rate during the second quarter.

Given the rate of sales, the nation had a 4.6-month housing supply, up from 4.2 months a year prior.

Nationally, home sales in the 52 metro areas surveyed by RE/MAX increased 8.5% year over year for the fourth time in 2025, but declined 4.6% month over month.