Slowly, steadily and carefully, the Downriver home sales market is making the pivot to 2026 with greater strength and stability.
The quest for steadiness follows a half-decade of residential real estate turbulence generated by COVID, rising mortgage rates, tight inventories for sale and nagging uncertainty among potential buyers and sellers.
For 2026, however, local and national real estate veterans see slightly expanding inventories and modest increases in total sales and selling prices.
“As we begin a new year, inventory levels are strong with median sales prices steady,” said Karen Kage, chief executive of Realcomp II Ltd. “We are looking forward to the year ahead and what the marketplace will bring.”
The Downriver market last year topped the previous year in new listings and pending sales. Closed sales were essentially flat to 2024 (3,509 for 2025 and 3,552 for 2024). The median sales price for a Downriver home increased 7.1 percent, to $210,000, Realcomp reported, adding the percent of list price received was 99.9 percent last year, compared with 100.4 percent in 2024. Days on market until sale increased 13 percent, to 26 from 23.
Nationally, the National Association of Realtors predicts an improved homes sales market.
“After three years of flat home sales, a solid double-digit percentage increase is expected in 2026,” said Lawrence Yun, the trade group’s chief economist. “In 2026, we expect higher inventory, modest improvements in affordability and more accommodating monetary policy from the Federal Reserve will help more Americans by their next home.”
The median sales price in the Downriver market in December increased 6.5 percent – to $217,500 – compared with the year-earlier month, according to the ReMax Housing Report. Closed sales in December trailed December 2024 by 1.1 percent. Days on market to sale declined by two days, to 33, ReMax said.
“”December provided an encouraging close to the year with home sales up despite the typical seasonal slowdown,” said Jeannette Schneider, president of ReMax of Southeastern Michigan. “As we head into the new year, steadier pricing and more options are giving prepared buyers and sellers opportunities to make smart, well-timed decisions.”
Downriver trends
Sales – Compared with 2024, Downriver home sales in December declined 0.2 percent, Realcomp reported. Communities showing year-over-year gains were: Rockwood, up 36.1 percent (49-36); Trenton, up 24.7 percent (222-178); Riverview, up 21.6 percent (124-102); Southgate, up 13.1 percent (319-282); Allen Park, up 9.3 percent (436-399); Romulus, up 8.7 percent (207-194); and Lincoln Park, up 3.5 percent (472-456).
Prices – Realcomp said Downriver closing prices rose 7.1 percent in 2025, compared with the previous year ($210,000-$196,000). Communities showing double-digit percentage gains were: Rockwood, up 18.4 percent ($240,000-$205,000); Riverview, up 17.6 percent ($241,000-$205,000); Flat Rock, up 17.5 percent ($282,000 -$240,000); River Rouge, up 15.6 percent ($104,000-$90,000); (Melvindale, up 14.8 percent ($155,000-$135,000); and Lincoln Park, up 10 percent ($164,950-$150,000).
Percentage of asking price – Downriver homes sold for 99.9 percent of the asking price, Realcomp reported. Among those showing at least 100 percent of asking price or greater were Trenton, 100.9 percent; Lincoln Park, 100.7 percent; Riverview, 100.5 percent; Allen Park, 100.4 percent; Southgate, 100.4 percent; Woodhaven, 100.4 percent; Flat Rock, 100.2 percent; Rockwood, 100.2 percent; and Wyandotte, 100.2 percent.
What brokers say
The News-Herald asked several Downriver residential real estate veterans to size up the 2026 market. Responses were provided by:
Doris LaBeau, broker/owner, RE/MAX Masters, Flat Rock, with 50 years’ experience.
Susie Armiak, associate broker, MBA Realty, Grosse Ile, with five years as a Realtor and 27 years as a licensed residential builder.
Thomas Long, Manager/Associate Broker, Real Estate One Southgate, MBA Realty, Real Estate One Trenton, with 25 years’ experience.
Scarce inventory of homes for sale has shaped the market for several years. How do you see inventory levels for 2026?
LaBeau: “A modest increase is expected due to more new construction, improved supply availability and more contractors in the market.
“Life changes over the past few years are prompting many homeowners to move forward, and sellers now have better options.
“The National Association of Realtors predicts a 14 percent increase in inventory in 2026. Lower interest rates, job growth, metro and industrial expansion and growing millennial families are making moves more feasible.”
Armiak: “Inventory should improve modestly in 2026, but it will remain below historical norms. As interest rates stabilize, more sellers — particularly downsizers and life-change movers — are reentering the market.
“However, limited new construction Downriver means well-priced, well-presented resale homes will continue to move quickly. The market won’t be oversupplied, but buyers will have slightly more choice than in recent years.”
Long: “We expect inventory to continue to rise throughout the year but remain below historical levels. With a large number of buyers sitting on the fence, waiting for more choices and a leveling of prices, the increased inventory will create increased home sales over 2025. Increased inventory will cool home value increases (up, but less than 2025), allowing home buyers to catch up a bit on affordability, as household incomes rise and mortgage rates hold steady.”
What do you see as the “hotspots” for Downriver home sales 2026? Which communities, and why? What types of homes, and why?
LaBeau: Affordability is the most important factor, while proximity to work plays a role. Among the most affordable communities (average pricing about $200,000- $225,000) are Wyandotte, Southgate, Lincoln Park, Allen Park, Rockwood, and Taylor (has lowest inventory). River Rouge (average price $101,000) may also be a consideration, as the development and growth of south Detroit may have positive impact.
“Having good schools, nearby shopping, access to expressways also important. Yes, the American Dream of Home ownership is still alive!”
Armiak: “Trenton and Wyandotte remain strong due to walkability, schools and lifestyle appeal. Southgate and Woodhaven offer value for first-time and move-up buyers. Grosse Ile continues to attract lifestyle and water-focused buyers.
“Move-in-ready ranches and updated colonials are in highest demand, especially homes with functional layouts, updated kitchens, home offices and outdoor living space.”
Long: ““Hotspots” could be defined a couple of different ways. If your definition is by the number of sales, Taylor will always win that title of “hotspots” because it’s the largest city Downriver by homes sales, followed by Lincoln Park. If your definition of “hotspots” is by the shortest average number of days on market before accepting an offer, in 2025 that would go to Riverview with 19 days and Allen Park with 21 days.
My definition of “hotspots” is based on many factors. Trenton and Riverview are always desirable because they have a great mix of smaller, mid-size and large homes for buyers to choose from, along with a great reputation for good schools. Brownstown, for example, has several neighborhoods with newer construction and larger homes to choose from, making it a hotspot for sure. Each city has several positive attributes that buyers admire and typically base their decision on, from affordability, home size, lot size, proximity to major freeways, parks and recreational opportunities, schools, shopping and dining. How each buyer values these criteria typically guides their rating and preference for each city.
What is your best advice for the year ahead to a likely home seller? To a potential home buyer?
LaBeau: “For sellers, cleaning comes first, followed by organizing, packing, staging preparation, minor repairs, and cleaning again. Presentation matters. Pricing right matters, too!
“Buyers will have lower interest rates. More inventory will give them time to get estimates and make decisions with increased confidence and less pressure for rushed, multiple-offer decisions, giving buyers time to move forward comfortably. As interest rates ease and more programs help reduce up-front costs, well-prepared homes will stand out and sell successfully.”
Armiak: “Sellers: Price strategically from Day One and focus on presentation. Homes that show well sell faster and likely for more.
“Buyers: Get pre-approved early and be decisive. Focus on location, condition, and long-term value rather than short-term rate changes.
“In 2026, Success favors Prepared Buyers and Realistic, Well-Advised Sellers.”
Long: “Sellers will notice that the market feels less exciting as prices rise slower with fewer chances of multiple offers. While it is still a strong market for sellers from a historical perspective, they will need to adjust their expectations as we adjust to a more balanced market.
“For buyers, while there will be more to choose from, those homes in the best location and condition will still sell in days with multiple offers. (Sellers should take note of this when preparing for the market). If a buyer is willing to do some of the updates or repairs there will be more opportunities and more flexible sellers.”
