Summer has traditionally been one of the busiest times of year for the housing market, and according to local real estate analyst Arthur Sterbcow, 2026 is following that trend.
“May, June, July and August are historically some of the hottest months for residential real estate,” Sterbcow said. “Kids are out of school, families are planning for the next chapter, and that’s when many people decide to make a move.”
Sterbcow says the New Orleans metro area’s housing market remains healthy despite concerns about inflation, insurance costs and interest rates.
In fact, pending home sales are up six percent compared to the same period last year.
“Last spring was already a very active market, so being six percent above those numbers is encouraging,” Sterbcow said.
Recent declines in mortgage interest rates have also helped bring some buyers back into the market.
For first-time homebuyers, Sterbcow says inventory remains available in several parts of the metro area, including the West Bank, East New Orleans, St. Bernard Parish and portions of Mid-City.
The median home sale price across the New Orleans metro area currently sits around $290,000.
“That means there are just as many homes selling above that number as below it,” Sterbcow explained. “There’s still a good amount of inventory available in that price range.”
The rental market also remains active, particularly as some potential buyers choose to wait for lower interest rates or insurance costs before purchasing a home.
Sterbcow estimates there are roughly 1,500 rental units currently available throughout the greater New Orleans area.
“It’s not that there’s a shortage of rentals,” he said. “People just need to shop around and do their homework.”
While inflation has created challenges for many households, Sterbcow says incomes have generally kept pace enough to keep many buyers engaged in the market.
He notes that one major advantage of buying over renting remains the ability to build equity over time.
“You’re not building equity when you’re renting,” Sterbcow said. “Many people are looking at the long-term financial picture and deciding whether it makes sense to buy now and refinance later if rates come down.”
For buyers, renters and sellers alike, Sterbcow says this summer is shaping up to be another active season in the New Orleans housing market.
