After five years of worsening, housing affordability has finally started to improve, according to a new Redfin study. 

With mortgage rates approaching 6%, 5.5 million additional buyers that could not qualify for a mortgage one year ago would qualify at today’s lower rates, the National Association of REALTORS® said. 

It’s the fifth consecutive monthly increase.

As the housing market continues to adjust, design and community strategy have become drivers of buyer preference, according to Jenni Nichols, vice president of design at John Burns Research and Consulting.

Zillow’s Home Value Index shows that in 13 of the past 20 years, home values in the metro area of the Super Bowl champion grew faster than the national average.

Both Miami and Fort Lauderdale will experience a wind-down in the pace of new apartment construction this year, according to Marcus & Millichap’s 2026 Miami Multifamily Investment Forecast.

Miami offered prime conditions for buyers — meaning options abounded and price remained in check.

While some trends flicker before fading away, others are here to stay, according to experts. To help make sense of this, we dove deep with the professionals to better understand key local trends.

Middle-income seniors stand to be affected most by projected shortages — those who don’t qualify for subsidized housing but can’t afford new construction.

Affordability challenges continue to bedevil homebuyers, despite mortgage rates falling to a three-year low, the National Association of Home Builders reported. 

Research showed a disproportionately high share of foreign-born workers active in the construction trades nationally in 2024.

Sales of existing homes jumped 5.1% month over month, topping analyst expectations. 

Access to musical events and industry jobs might drive Miami’s high artist population.

Contract signings were up in all four U.S. regions. 

Evidence points to home shoppers prioritizing the experiences they’ll have in their home over the style or size, Zillow said.

The NAHB’s monthly survey found the nation’s homebuilders remain optimistic about home sales next year.