Looking Ahead: How Our Local Market Is Shaping Up for 2026

The start of a new year always brings fresh conversations around real estate. What will the market do next? Is now a good time to buy or sell? While we’re careful not to make predictions that could shift as the market changes, we can look at what we’re seeing right now in Lawrence and share insight into the trends shaping the year ahead.

“Our market continues to be driven by strong demand and limited inventory,” says Chris Earl, co-owner and supervising broker at Stephens Real Estate. “Those two factors alone influence how both buyers and sellers approach their decisions.”

What We’re Seeing in the Lawrence Market

One thing that continues to stand out is how balanced demand has been across price points. Buyers remain active whether they are shopping at the entry level or looking for something more substantial.

“We’ve seen solid demand across all price ranges the past few years,” Chris explains.

“Inventory constraints are pushing entry-level homes higher, and the cost of construction is driving a strong middle to upper-end market.”

Many buyers are doing the math and realizing that purchasing an existing home and remodeling sometimes makes more sense than starting from scratch with new construction. That comparison has kept well-cared-for homes in established neighborhoods especially appealing.

Inventory Still Tells the Story

Inventory, particularly for entry-level homes, continues to be one of the biggest factors shaping our local market. While this is not new, it has become more noticeable in recent years.

“The entry-level market has been tight for quite a few years, but it’s been most evident recently,” Chris says. “Unfortunately, the lack of new construction homes over the past 15 years following the recession has added to the overall shortage, and I expect that to continue.”

For buyers, that often means being prepared and acting with confidence. For sellers, it reinforces the importance of pricing and presentation.

Local and Regional Influences to Watch

There are a few broader factors that could subtly influence the market in 2026. The Panasonic facility in DeSoto and the newly announced Chiefs stadium could affect construction labor availability and costs in the region in the coming years.

Another interesting question surrounds the 2026 World Cup. “I will be curious to see how the market reacts,” Chris notes. “Will the need for accommodations disrupt the typical rental market, or will some homeowners choose to rent out their home for an extended period of time? And if they do, where will they go?”

These are the kinds of local considerations that don’t always show up in headlines but matter here at home.

How Buyers and Sellers Can Position Themselves Well

No matter what the market does next, one thing remains consistent. Good guidance matters.