Are Rochester Home Prices Going Up or Down in 2026?

If you're thinking about buying or selling a home in Rochester, NY, you've probably wondered: Are home prices going up or down in 2026?

The short answer? Home prices across the Greater Rochester area have remained surprisingly resilient despite higher interest rates and fewer homes changing hands.

What's Happening in the Rochester Housing Market?

Throughout Monroe County, Ontario County, and many surrounding communities, inventory remains one of the biggest factors influencing home values.

While some buyers have stepped back due to affordability concerns and mortgage rates, there are still not enough homes available to meet demand in many price ranges and neighborhoods. As a result, well-priced homes continue to attract strong interest and multiple offers.

We're seeing this firsthand across Rochester, Fairport, Penfield, Pittsford, Webster, Victor, Farmington, Canandaigua, and many other local communities.

Why Prices Haven't Dropped Significantly

Many people expected home prices to decline when interest rates increased. Instead, Rochester has experienced a different reality.

Several factors continue to support home values:

• Limited housing inventory
• Strong buyer demand
• Homeowners holding onto low mortgage rates
• Continued demand from first-time buyers
• Relocations into the Rochester and Finger Lakes region

Unlike some larger metropolitan areas that saw dramatic price swings, Rochester's market has remained relatively stable due to its affordability and steady demand.

What Buyers Should Know

Waiting for a major market crash may not be the strategy many buyers hope it will be.

While every neighborhood and price point is different, many buyers who have delayed their purchase are finding that home prices have remained strong while rents and other housing costs continue to rise.

The most important factor isn't necessarily timing the market perfectly. It's understanding your budget, your goals, and whether purchasing a home makes sense for your situation.

What Sellers Should Know

Sellers still have opportunities to achieve excellent results in today's market, but pricing strategy matters more than ever.

The days of simply putting a sign in the yard and expecting dozens of offers regardless of condition are becoming less common. Homes that are priced correctly, marketed professionally, and presented well continue to stand out.

The strongest results are typically achieved when sellers prepare their home properly and develop a pricing strategy based on current market conditions rather than headlines.

So, Are Rochester Home Prices Going Up or Down?

For most of the Greater Rochester area, we're continuing to see home values remain stable to modestly increasing in many neighborhoods.

Every market is local. A home in Canandaigua may perform differently than a home in Greece, Victor, Pittsford, or Irondequoit. That's why it's important to look at neighborhood-specific data rather than relying on national headlines.

If you're curious about what your home may be worth or what to expect as a buyer in today's market, we'd be happy to help.

At The Friend Team, our goal is to provide education first so you can make confident real estate decisions when the time is right for you.

Have a Friend on Your Side.