The most buyer-friendly housing markets in the US

• The top five most buyer-friendly markets are Indianapolis, Atlanta, Charlotte, Jacksonville, and Oklahoma City, all benefiting from inventory boosts and relatively stable pricing
• In half of these markets, typical households can afford the average home with mortgage payments below 30% of income, assuming a 20% down payment
• Midwest markets avoided steep pandemic-era price increases while Sun Belt cities expanded inventory through new construction, reducing bidding wars and giving buyers more decision-making time

Housing Market Summary: Most Buyer-Friendly U.S. Markets

Key Findings:

Zillow has identified the most buyer-friendly housing markets in 2026, with Indianapolis topping the list of 50 metros analyzed. The top five markets are Indianapolis, Atlanta, Charlotte, Jacksonville, and Oklahoma City, primarily located in the Midwest and Sun Belt regions.

Market Dynamics:

These favorable conditions stem from increased housing inventory driven by new construction activity, particularly in the Sun Belt, and more stable pricing in Midwest markets that avoided pandemic-era price spikes. Buyers in these markets benefit from:

• More available homes within budget
• Reduced competition and bidding wars
• Extended decision-making timeframes
• Strong long-term appreciation potential

Affordability Metrics:

In half of the identified markets, typical households can afford average homes without financial strain, with mortgage payments consuming less than 30% of income (assuming a 20% down payment). However, Zillow cautions that buyers may still need to compromise on property size, location, or features.

National Context:

While these specific markets show improvement, the broader U.S. housing market remains challenging. Inventory shortages persist in many regions, driving competition, and elevated borrowing costs continue sidelining most potential buyers nationwide. Zillow projects the overall market will gradually settle into healthier conditions with modest improvements for buyers.

Complete Top 10 List:

Indianapolis, Atlanta, Charlotte, Jacksonville, Oklahoma City, Memphis, Detroit, Miami, Tampa, and Pittsburgh.

Investment Implications:

These markets present opportunities for homebuyers seeking affordability and growth potential, particularly benefiting younger generations. Real estate investors may find attractive entry points in these metros with favorable supply-demand dynamics.