Dear Friends and Family,
As we step into a brand new year, I want to wish you and your loved ones a happy, healthy, and inspired start to 2026. January always feels like a reset, a moment to reflect, recalibrate, and dream forward. Whether this year brings you a new chapter, a new address, or simply a deeper appreciation for where you already are, I’m grateful to be part of your world and your journey.
Now, let’s take a look at what’s ahead.
National Housing Market Forecast: What Experts Are Saying
Across the United States, housing market forecasts for 2026 point toward a gentler rhythm then we’ve seen in recent years. Existing-home sales are expected to increase modestly and median prices are anticipated to edge up slightly, signaling a market that’s steady but more balanced. (1)
C.A.R’s 2026 predictions suggest that home price growth nationwide will be modest, with increases constrained by still-elevated mortgage rates and ongoing affordability challenges. (2)
The overall theme? A shift from a high-octane seller’s market toward a more normalized cadence where buyers and sellers each find their footing.
San Francisco Has Its Own Story
San Francisco’s market isn’t just following national trends, it’s writing its own script. After a long period of relative quiet compared with other Bay Area markets, 2025 saw significant momentum return to the city, particularly in competitive segments and luxury neighborhoods. Multiple reports show that demand is increasingly concentrated in areas like Pacific Heights, Cow Hollow, and the Marina, where median sale prices reached record highs in late 2025, driven by affluent buyers and all-cash offers. (3)
Unlike broader markets where price growth has softened, SF’s single-family sector recorded robust year-over-year increases, and strong interest from buyers willing to act.
Looking toward 2026, most local observers expect San Francisco to continue outperforming many parts of the Bay Area with modest price growth and highly localized hot spots, especially where lifestyle factors and long-term appeal are strongest. (4)
Looking Ahead: What 2026 May Bring
Here’s how local experts are framing what’s next:
Modest Price Growth Unlike the double-digit surges of prior years, prices in the Bay Area are expected to climb — but at a more moderate pace. (1)
Ongoing Inventory Challenges Limited supply continues to be a key theme, especially for desirable properties that move quickly off the market. (2)
Luxury Demand Remains Strong High-end buyers are showing resilience, often with all-cash transactions and quick closes even during slower months. (2)
A Market for Planners 2026 won’t be about overheated bidding wars — it will be about strategy, clarity, and timing. Ready buyers and prepared sellers retain an edge in this environment.
Whether you’re considering a move this year or simply keeping an eye on opportunities, 2026 feels like a year for intentional decisions over impulse — and that’s good news for everyone.
Warmly,
Cece & Team
Sources: 1. N.A.R.; 2. C.A.R; 3. SFChronicle; 4. SFGate