“The Big Money Show” panel discusses how the real estate market is being mobilized to give young people a piece of the American dream.
There are a handful of housing markets in the Midwest and Sun Belt that have more available inventory, in part due to an increase in new construction, giving buyers more choice and negotiating power.
Indianapolis takes the top spot on Zillow’s list of metros with the most favorable housing conditions for buyers in 2026. Indiana’s capital was ranked No. 1 among 50 metros analyzed by Zillow. Atlanta, Charlotte, Jacksonville and Oklahoma City round out the top five most buyer-friendly real estate markets.
Zillow’s outlook for 2026 The property market is expected to return to a healthier state, with buyers enjoying a little more breathing room.
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Still, the market has not improved across the country as stock shortages in some areas have intensified competition among buyers. THE high real estate prices and borrowing costs continue to marginalize a majority of buyers.
Indianapolis, Indiana, was No. 1 on Zillow’s list of metros with the most buyer-friendly housing conditions in 2026. (Getty Images)
Buyers in the aforementioned markets, however, can expect to see more homes within their budget, according to Zillow. This, coupled with expected appreciation, suggests strong long-term financial potential.
These markets There’s also not as much competition, giving buyers more time to make decisions. There is also less risk of being drawn into stressful bidding wars.
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Midwest housing markets, for example, have mostly avoided the steepest price increases of the pandemic era. This has helped maintain their relative affordability. In the Sun Belt, new construction has helped increase inventory and ease competition for each home.
Atlanta, Georgia was in the top five on Zillow’s list of metros with the most buyer-friendly housing conditions in 2026. (Alex Slitz/FIFA via Getty Images)
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In half of the markets, the typical household can afford an average home without being financially strained, with monthly mortgage payments representing less than 30% of their income. This assumes buyers have a 20% deposit.
Still, Zillow cautioned that buyers may still have to compromise on size, location or features.
Charlotte, North Carolina, was ranked third on Zillow’s list of metros with the most buyer-friendly housing conditions in 2026. (iStock)
Here are the most buyer-friendly markets in 2026:
- Indianapolis
- Atlanta
- Charlotte
- Jacksonville
- Ololama Town
- Memphis
- Detroit
- Miami
- Tampa
- Pittsburgh
