Zillow’s Best Markets for First-Time Home Buyers in 2026
Key findings: Zillow identified the best markets for first-time buyers among the nation’s 50 largest metros by analyzing rent affordability, the share of affordable for-sale listings and proxies for competition among other buyers. Jacksonville ranks No. 1 for first-time home buyers in 2026, followe
Mortgage rates in the mid-6% range
In short: Mortgage rates are fluctuating in the mid-6% range, after falling below 6% weeks prior. The bulk of home activity typically happens between March and October, such that the longer the oil shock’s drag on housing, the smaller the window for catch-up activity before shoppers delay until next
Higher mortgage rates undo a third of this year’s affordability gains
In short: Affordability is still better than last year, but rising rates have eroded recent gains and shaken buyer confidence – meaning some may hesitate or delay until a clearer picture emerges. Mortgage rates back to mid-6% Mortgage rates have risen back to the mid-6% range, after briefly falling
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