The dream of homeownership can feel increasingly out of reach for many, especially as the housing market continues to present significant challenges for prospective buyers. While headlines might suggest a recovering market, the reality on the ground often tells a different story for those looking to buy.
This growing disparity is highlighted in the 2026 Housing Mismatch Report, a collaborative analysis from Realtor.com® and the National Association of Realtors®. The report reveals that middle-income households continue to face the largest supply gap in the housing market.
Buyers earning around $75,000 can currently afford homes priced up to about $261,140, yet homes priced below this point account for only about 23% of listings nationally, compared with about 44% in a balanced market. This represents an effective shortage of about 311,000 listings within reach of these buyers…