2026 OutlookCommunity associations poised for continued growth
The housing market is expected to build on the gradual stabilization that began in 2025, with improving inventory, sales activity, and affordability indicators. Community association housing remains resilient—and a preferred choice for millions of Americans.
80M
Americans living in community associations
1 in 3
U.S. homes represented by the sector
377,000
projected community associations in 2026
Key Trends to Watch
A market moving toward greater balance
Mortgage-rate movement remains a key variable, but most forecasters anticipate continued moderation across the major housing indicators.
Supply
Rising Inventory Levels
Most economic and housing analysts expect inventory to increase again in 2026, supported by steady new construction and more owners listing as mortgage-rate lock-in pressures ease.
Demand
Continued Recovery in Home Sales
Sales activity is expected to strengthen following the improvements seen in 2025, as affordability gradually improves and buyers return to the market.
Prices
Modest Price Appreciation
2–3%National home prices are projected to grow 2–3%, reflecting a more balanced market and slower inflation in the housing sector.
Financing
More Predictable Mortgage Rates
Mid-5%Mortgage rates are expected to continue stabilizing, with some forecasts projecting a shift toward the mid-5% range by late 2026.
Building
Sustained Construction Activity
New housing construction is anticipated to remain close to long-term historical norms. Continued building should ease inventory pressure, especially in high-growth regions.
Communities
Growth in Community Associations
Developers, planners, and local governments increasingly rely on planned communities, condominiums, and cooperatives to support new housing growth.
Growth Projection
Another 3,000–4,000 associations expected in 2026
Updated projections from the Foundation for Community Association Research show continued expansion as planned communities, condominiums, and housing cooperatives support new housing growth.
End of 2025
~373,000
community associations nationwide
2026 Outlook
Up to 377,000
according to the Foundation’s U.S. National and State Statistical Review for Community Association Data
Market Stability
Why community association living remains resilient
Despite broader economic or geopolitical volatility, community associations continue to draw buyers with amenities, predictable governance, and an emphasis on community standards. Buyers of both newly constructed and existing homes continue to prioritize the benefits these communities offer.
Since the 1970s, association living has expanded rapidly—especially among condominium and townhome buyers seeking proximity to job centers, schools, and transit.
Sustainable Local Growth
Services shared by the community
Planned communities can transfer certain service costs away from municipalities, supporting growth without significant taxpayer expansion.
Growing Demand for HOA Specialists
Homeowners are seeking professionals who know HOAs
As community associations continue expanding across the United States, the need for professionals who understand HOA communities is growing as well.
For millions of Americans, buying a home increasingly means becoming part of a homeowners association, condominium association, or planned community. These communities often come with unique considerations, including governing documents, architectural guidelines, resale requirements, assessments, and community rules.
As a result, homeowners are increasingly seeking guidance from professionals who understand the complexities of HOA living.
Realtors With HOA Expertise
For buyers and sellers, working with a Realtor who understands community associations can help create a smoother real estate experience. Association rules and disclosures shape what a home actually costs and how it can be used. HOA-experienced Realtors help clients better understand:
- HOA fees and assessments
- Community rules and restrictions
- CC&Rs and governing documents
- Resale requirements
- Association amenities and limitations
- Potential issues before purchasing a home
As HOA communities continue to grow, Realtors who develop expertise in this area have an opportunity to stand out as trusted resources for homeowners navigating one of the most important decisions of their lives.
Are you a Realtor who specializes in HOA communities?
HOAReviewer partners with real estate professionals who want to increase their visibility, build trust with homeowners, and become recognized as knowledgeable resources in the communities they serve. Partners showcase their expertise, connect with homeowners researching HOA communities, and position themselves as trusted advisors in an increasingly HOA-focused housing market.
Learn About Becoming a Realtor PartnerAttorneys Advocating for Homeowners
While many homeowners value the benefits of community associations, conflicts can arise over enforcement actions, fines, assessments, and board decisions. When they do, homeowners look for legal professionals who understand HOA law. HOA-focused attorneys help homeowners with:
- Unfair enforcement, fines, and violations
- Board misconduct and governance concerns
- Improper assessments or fees
- Architectural review disputes
- Access to HOA records and documents
- Homeowner rights under CC&Rs and governing documents
As the number of community associations continues increasing, the demand for attorneys who advocate for homeowners in these disputes is expected to grow along with it.
Are you an attorney who represents homeowners in HOA matters?
HOAReviewer partners with attorneys who help homeowners understand their rights, resolve HOA disputes, and navigate the complexities of community association law. Partners gain visibility among homeowners actively researching their HOA, looking for answers, and seeking experienced legal guidance.
Learn About Becoming an Attorney PartnerAs community associations continue growing nationwide, transparency, expertise, and access to trusted resources will become increasingly important. HOAReviewer is building a network of professionals who help homeowners better understand, navigate, and protect their interests within the communities where they live.
Homeowner Sentiment
Residents continue to report strong experiences
The 2024 Homeowner Satisfaction Survey, conducted biennially by Zogby Analytics for the Foundation, shows broad confidence in association living, elected boards, community managers, and property-value protections.
86%
rate their overall experience as very good, good, or neutral
82%
say their elected board serves the community’s best interests
72%
say their community manager provides value
87%
say rules protect or have no effect on property values
Looking for more national and state-level community association data? Explore the Community Association Fact Book and our statistics overview.
View HOA StatisticsResearch Base
Sources for the 2026 outlook
This outlook draws from major housing-market forecasts and the Foundation for Community Association Research’s national data and resident research.
Housing Market Forecasts
- 01Fannie Mae Economic & Strategic Research Group — Housing Forecast, Mortgage Rate Outlook, and Economic Commentary (December 2025 / January 2026)
- 02Freddie Mac Economic, Housing & Mortgage Market Outlook — Quarterly Forecasts for 2026
- 03Mortgage Bankers Association — Mortgage Finance and Housing Market Forecast
- 04National Association of Realtors — Existing Home Sales, Affordability Trends, and 2026 Forecast
- 05Zillow Home Value Index Forecasts — 2025–2026 Home Price Expectations
- 06Redfin Research Center — Housing Outlook for 2026
- 07Realtor.com Economic Research — Inventory, Pricing, and Market Conditions Forecasts for 2026
- 08National Association of Home Builders — Housing Starts Projections and Builder Confidence Surveys
Community Association Data
- 01Foundation for Community Association Research — U.S. National and State Statistical Review for Community Association Data (2025 Edition)
- 02FCAR Market Projections (2025–2026) — Estimates of 3,000–4,000 new community associations annually
- 03Community Association Fact Book — National and state-level community association housing trends
- 042024 Homeowner Satisfaction Survey — Conducted by Zogby Analytics for the Foundation