After several years of high mortgage rates and cautious buyers, something is shifting in the Redlands and Inland Empire real estate market. Sellers are resurfacing. Buyers are quietly stepping back in. And for the first time in a long while, we’re seeing real momentum again.
No, it’s not a dramatic swing — but it is a meaningful one. And it could set the stage for a healthier, more active market heading into 2026.
Here are the three major trends driving the comeback locally.
1. Mortgage Rates Are Slowly Improving — and It’s Helping Inland Empire Buyers
Yes, we still see day-to-day fluctuations, but the general trend is what matters — and that trend has been downward for most of the year.
Over the past few months, we’ve seen some of the best rates of 2025. According to Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist Sam Khater:
“On a median-priced home, this could allow a homebuyer to save thousands annually… affordability is slowly improving.”
For local buyers, that improvement translates to real purchasing power.
Redfin data shows that buyers working with a $3,000 monthly budget can now afford roughly $25,000 more home than they could a year ago. That’s a big shift — especially in markets like Redlands, Yucaipa, Highland, and Beaumont, where the mid-$500Ks to mid-$700Ks price range is extremely active.
2. More Homeowners in the Inland Empire Are Listing
One of the biggest things holding back the market these past few years was homeowners staying put because of their very low mortgage rates — the “lock-in effect.”
We’re finally seeing that loosen up.
As rates ease, more homeowners in the Inland Empire are choosing to list. Some are relocating, some are upsizing or downsizing, and others are simply acting on life changes they delayed.
Realtor.com data confirms that inventory has grown significantly, and in many local cities, we’re approaching availability levels we haven’t seen in over five years.
This is good news for buyers:
✔ More options
✔ Less pressure
✔ Better negotiating opportunities
And it’s good for sellers too — because a more balanced market attracts more qualified buyers.
3. Buyer Activity Is Rising Again
With more listings available and slightly improved affordability, buyer demand in the Inland Empire is strengthening.
The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reports that purchase applications are up from last year, which is a clear sign of renewed buyer interest.
Economists from Fannie Mae, MBA, and NAR all forecast steady sales growth going into 2026 — and the Inland Empire typically experiences this earlier than coastal counties because affordability attracts more buyers from Los Angeles and Orange County.
We’re already seeing this locally: more showings, more pre-approvals, and more buyers exploring Redlands, Mentone, Loma Linda, Beaumont, and the surrounding areas.
Bottom Line
After a few slower-than-normal years, the Inland Empire housing market is finally turning a corner. With improving mortgage rates, more homes hitting the market, and buyers stepping back in, 2026 is shaping up to be a stronger, more balanced year.
If you want to understand what this shift means for your situation — whether buying or selling — let’s talk. Every neighborhood moves differently, and I can help you strategize the smartest next step.
