REMAX: 88% of Prospective Buyers Plan to Take Plunge Next Year

(Image courtesy of Hanna Pad/pexels.com)

REMAX, Denver, conducted a survey finding that 88% of respondents said they are “very likely” or “somewhat likely” to purchase a home in 2026.

And, 71% said that current market conditions have caused delays in their homebuying timeline.

As for what would motivate them, 78% said that more affordable home prices would prompt them to buy within the next six months. Fifty-eight percent indicated lower mortgage rates would encourage them to buy.

These prospective buyers are interested in amenities: 60% report that they would pay a premium for shared community features, like pools or gyms, and 76% said they would pay 5% or more of the home’s price for such amenities.

Younger prospective buyers are more likely to say they’d pay more for their desired amenities, with 71% of Gen Z and 67% of millennials.

“Today’s buyers aren’t just looking for a house–they’re looking for a sense of community,” says Chris Lim, REMAX chief growth officer. “It’s clear that lifestyle and connection are just as important as the property itself.”

Just over half–51%–of respondents are looking to buy a home in a suburb, and 32% are looking in a city.

Seventy-one percent are willing to pay more for a neighborhood known for strong community engagement and friendly neighbors, and 53% say future neighborhood development–such as new housing, retail or transit connections–is “very important.”

Safety is also weighing on prospective buyers, with 80% listing it as a top concern.

And, with more workers continuing to return to in-person work, 58% said proximity to their jobs is an important geographic consideration when looking for a new neighborhood.