Zillow’s 2026 housing forecast crowns Hartford, Connecticut as the nation’s hottest market, ending Buffalo, New York’s two-year streak at the top. Hartford led major metros in price growth in 2025 and is expected to keep rising in 2026, though at a slightly slower pace. Buffalo ranks second with strong competition and a seller-friendly environment, followed by the New York City metro in third. Rounding out the top contenders are Providence and San Jose.
The ranking weighs recent price gains, projected appreciation, market competitiveness, and job growth relative to new housing supply. Nationally, Zillow expects modest home-value increases and a slight easing in mortgage rates in 2026.
Read the full report: https://zillow.mediaroom.com/2026-01-08-Hartford-edges-out-Buffalo-to-become-Zillows-hottest-market-for-2026