As the housing market continues to adjust, design and community strategy have become drivers of buyer preference, according to Jenni Nichols, vice president of design at John Burns Research and Consulting.

Zillow’s Home Value Index shows that in 13 of the past 20 years, home values in the metro area of the Super Bowl champion grew faster than the national average.

The broader Chicagoland area, meanwhile, saw a slight uptick in sales during the year. 

Several suburban communities experienced significant declines in prices during December, however.

Affordability challenges continue to bedevil homebuyers, despite mortgage rates falling to a three-year low, the National Association of Home Builders reported. 

Research showed a disproportionately high share of foreign-born workers active in the construction trades nationally in 2024.

Sales of existing homes jumped 5.1% month over month, topping analyst expectations. 

The firm expects price growth to pick up again with the start of spring selling season. 

Contract signings were up in all four U.S. regions. 

The number of homes for sale in Chicagoland fell 9.7% from 14,513 homes in November 2024 to 13,111 properties last month.

At the same time, single-family home prices remained flat, which could result in increased affordability in 2026. 

Evidence points to home shoppers prioritizing the experiences they’ll have in their home over the style or size, Zillow said.

The NAHB’s monthly survey found the nation’s homebuilders remain optimistic about home sales next year. 

Midwestern and southern metros may dominate buyer interest in 2026, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.

The increase came as the median sales price climbed 20.2%, and housing inventory fell 10.1%. 

Geographically, trends varied widely, with formerly hot areas like Florida and the Southeast posting the deepest declines and formerly cool areas, like the Midwest, showing healthy gains.