Maryland + Washington, D.C. Real Estate Outlook for 2026

The biggest swing factor: mortgage ratesRates have been the primary “on/off switch” for buyer activity. Early January 2026 brought notable volatility and renewed focus on rate policy, including high-profile actions aimed at pushing mortgage rates down.Even economists who expect improvement generally describe it as gradual, not dramatic—meaning affordability may loosen, but buyers will still be selective and value-driven.Inventory is improving—unevenlyAcross the broader housing landscape, many forecasts point to slightly higher inventory and modest price growth, which is healthier for transacti