2025 End-of-Year Housing Market Update & 2026 Outlook

(Photo Credit: Snap-Shot Photography)

As 2025 wraps up, the Greater New Orleans housing market shows resilience despite affordability challenges nationwide. Local buyers, sellers, and investors are moving confidently and the year ended with market conditions that set the stage for a competitive and opportunity-rich 2026.

National Overview: Stabilization & Slow Growth Ahead

Across the U.S., the 2026 housing market outlook is shifting into a more stable phase.

• Realtor.com forecasts a 1.7% increase in existing-home sales in 2026.

• Redfin projects a 1% rise in U.S. median prices as the market cools into balance.

• NAR anticipates 4% home-price growth due to limited supply and solid job markets.

• Mortgage rates are expected to hover near 6.3% through 2026, improving predictability for buyers.

Together, these trends suggest that while affordability remains a hurdle, a more balanced market is emerging — one where informed buyers and sellers can move strategically.

New Orleans Market Spotlight — November 2025 Data

The New Orleans Metro market (spanning Jefferson, Orleans, St. Tammany, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. John, St. James, Plaquemines, Tangipahoa, and Washington Parishes) delivered a mixed but encouraging November.

Supply & Activity

• New Listings: 1,432 (-1.0% YOY)

• Pending Sales: 933 (+14.1%) - a strong indicator of buyer demand

• Closed Sales: 810 (-6.1% YOY), but Year-to-Date closings are up 1.8%

Pricing

• Median Sales Price: $274,000 (+3.6%)

• Average Sales Price: $346,015 (+3.8%) - Pricing remains stable and slightly rising, reflecting healthy demand.

Market Pace

• Days on Market: 61 days (improved by 6.2%)

• Percent of List Price Received: 96.3%

Inventory

• Homes for Sale: 5,847 (-7.4%)

• Months of Inventory: 5.8 months - Inventory tightening signals a shift toward a more balanced not buyer-dominated market.

Affordability

• Housing Affordability Index: 107 (+1.9%) - A slight improvement, driven by wages and a small dip in borrowing costs.

What This Means for Buyers, Sellers & Investors

For Buyers

With inventory shrinking and pending sales rising, buyers should prepare early and be decisive. Mortgage-rate stability expected in 2026 provides room for long-term planning.

For Sellers

Rising prices + fewer listings = stronger positioning heading into Q1. Well-maintained homes and move-in-ready properties perform best in this climate.

For Investors

New Orleans continues to reward strategically chosen rentals — especially in areas with limited supply or adaptive-reuse appeal. With prices rising modestly and demand stable, early 2026 may offer prime opportunities to acquire cash-flowing assets.

2026 Housing Market Outlook for Greater New Orleans

Based on national forecasts and local November numbers, expect:

• Gradual price growth

• Stronger buyer activity

• Competition for well-priced homes

• Continued appeal for investors in walkable or historically significant areas

• A balanced market — not extreme in either direction

👉 Ready to make your next move? Whether you’re planning to buy, sell, or invest in 2026, I can help you build a clear and confident strategy. Schedule a strategy call with me today.