Welcome to 2026! If you’ve been watching the Brevard County real estate market from the sidelines, you aren't alone. After a rollercoaster few years of rate hikes and inventory shortages, the "wait and see" approach was a common strategy.

But as we settle into the new year, the data is painting a clearer picture. The Space Coast market is shifting from chaotic to balanced. We are entering a period of "firmer ground"—a stabilizing market that offers distinct opportunities for both sides of the closing table, provided you know where to look.

Here is the Ocean to River Properties forecast for 2026 and what it means for your real estate goals.

The "Big Three" Forecast: Rates, Inventory, & Prices

Before we dive into strategy, let’s look at the numbers driving the market this year.

1. Mortgage Rates: Finding a "New Normal"

The days of 3% rates are behind us, but so are the steepest peaks of the recent past. Most economic forecasts for 2026 place the 30-year fixed rate in the low-to-mid 6% range, with potential dips into the high 5s if inflation data cooperates.

• The Takeaway: Stability is the keyword. Rates are no longer volatile enough to freeze the market, allowing buyers to budget with confidence rather than fear.

2. Inventory: A Tale of Two Markets

Inventory is rising, but it isn't uniform across the county.

• Single-Family Homes: Inventory is normalizing but remains competitive in desirable areas like Viera, Satellite Beach, and West Melbourne.

• Condos & Townhomes: We are seeing a significant increase in supply. Between new safety regulations and rising HOA/insurance costs, the condo market is softening, creating a "buyer’s market" in several beachside communities.

3. Home Prices: Modest, Sustainable Growth

Forget the double-digit price explosions of 2021. For 2026, we anticipate modest single-family appreciation (roughly 2–4%). This is a healthy, sustainable pace that protects equity without locking out new buyers. However, condo pricing may remain flat or see slight corrections as the market absorbs higher holding costs.

Local Economic Drivers: Why the Space Coast Wins

Real estate is hyper-local. While national headlines talk about gloom, Brevard County has a secret weapon: Jobs.

The "Space" in Space Coast is doing heavy lifting for our property values in 2026:

• Aerospace Expansion: Continued growth from SpaceX, Blue Origin, and NASA supports a steady stream of high-income relocations.

• Defense & Tech: Companies like L3Harris and Northrop Grumman provide the economic backbone that insulates our market from broader national dips.

• North Brevard Booms: Keep an eye on Titusville. Once a quiet neighbor, it is rapidly becoming a hotspot for workforce housing and new development due to its proximity to the launch pads.

What This Means for Buyers in 2026

If you are planning to buy this year, you have more leverage than you’ve had in a long time—especially if you are strategic.

• Date the Rate, Marry the Price: With prices stabilizing, you don't have to overpay to win a bidding war. Lock in a home at today’s fair market value. If rates drop in late 2026 or 2027, you can refinance, but you’ll have already secured the asset.

• Look for "Stale" Inventory: Homes that have sat on the market for 30+ days are prime targets for negotiation. Sellers are becoming more open to concessions, such as buying down your interest rate or covering closing costs.

• Condo Opportunities: If you are a cash buyer or have flexible budget room for HOA fees, the condo market has ample inventory. You have the power to be picky and negotiate hard.

What This Means for Sellers in 2026

Selling in 2026 requires a return to fundamentals. The "put a sign in the yard and get 10 offers" days are gone.

• Pricing is Everything: Buyers are price-sensitive. Overpricing by even 5% can lead to your home sitting on the market for months. We need to price it correctly from day one to generate momentum.

• Showcase "Move-In Ready": With insurance costs high, buyers are terrified of "fixer-uppers" that might have old roofs or outdated electric panels. Pre-listing inspections or handling minor repairs upfront will make your home significantly more attractive.

• Highlight "Total Cost of Ownership": If your home has a newer roof, impact windows, or is in a lower flood zone, flaunt it. Buyers are looking at their monthly payment (mortgage + insurance), so energy efficiency and insurability are major selling points.

The Ocean to River Bottom Line

2026 is shaping up to be the year of balance. It isn't a crash, and it isn't a frenzy. It’s a normal real estate market where well-prepared buyers and realistic sellers can both succeed.

Whether you are looking to capitalize on the condo inventory or sell your single-family home to upgrade, success this year comes down to having the right data and the right partner.

Are you ready to make your move? At Ocean to River Properties, we don't just watch the market—we guide you through it.