5 Greater Phoenix Markets Agents Should Be Watching in 2026

The Greater Phoenix housing market continues to show resilience as we move through 2026. Single-family home sales have now posted year-over-year growth for 12 consecutive months, with May closings rising 4.6% compared with May 2025 and year-to-date closings up 4.7%.

At the same time, the Valley is not moving as one uniform market. Pricing, inventory, buyer activity, and days on market vary significantly from one city to another. For agents referring clients to Arizona, understanding those differences can help determine which areas may best support a client’s lifestyle, budget, and real estate goals.

Here are five Greater Phoenix markets worth watching right now.

1. Scottsdale: Strong Luxury-Market Momentum

Scottsdale continues to stand out as one of the Valley’s strongest-performing markets. Its year-to-date median sales price increased 2.1% to approximately $1.27 million, while closed sales rose 10.3% compared with the same period last year.

Pending sales also increased 6.1%, even as new listings declined 3%. That combination suggests continued demand despite fewer new properties entering the market.

Homes are taking slightly longer to sell, with average days on market increasing from 76 to 82. That makes presentation, pricing, and strategic marketing especially important, even in a market where buyer interest remains strong.

For referral clients considering luxury homes, second residences, golf communities, or a lock-and-leave lifestyle, Scottsdale continues to offer a wide range of opportunities.

2. Surprise: One of the Valley’s Fastest-Growing Sales Markets

Surprise recorded the strongest year-to-date closed-sales growth among the cities highlighted in the Phoenix REALTORS® report. Closed sales increased 16.1%, while pending sales rose 6.8%.

The median sales price remained stable at approximately $435,000, matching 2025 levels. New listings declined 4.8%, while average days on market increased from 79 to 89.

For agents referring clients who want more space, newer communities, and a lower entry point than many central Valley markets, Surprise deserves attention. The increased sales and pending activity show that buyers are continuing to respond to the value and lifestyle available in the Northwest Valley.

3. Chandler: Steady Demand With Limited New Inventory

Chandler posted a balanced but encouraging performance during the first five months of 2026. Closed sales increased 6%, while pending sales remained almost completely steady with a slight 0.2% increase.

New listings, however, declined 8.7%. That reduction in new inventory may create stronger competition for well-positioned homes, particularly those in sought-after neighborhoods and school districts.

The median sales price decreased slightly by 1.1% to approximately $555,000. Homes averaged 61 days on market, up from 56 last year, but Chandler still maintains one of the shorter selling timelines among the Valley markets included in the report.

For clients prioritizing East Valley employment centers, established neighborhoods, schools, and convenient access throughout the metro area, Chandler remains a strong and practical option.

4. Phoenix: A Stable Core Market With Broad Opportunity

Phoenix continues to serve as the center of the region’s real estate activity. Although May single-family closings dipped slightly, year-to-date sales remained 1.9% higher than the same period in 2025.

The median home price held relatively steady at approximately $490,000. Pending sales declined 5.4%, while new listings were down 6.6%. Average days on market increased only slightly, from 63 to 65 days.

Because Phoenix includes such a wide variety of neighborhoods, housing styles, and price points, the city cannot be evaluated as one single experience. Conditions in Arcadia, North Central Phoenix, Downtown Phoenix, and the Ahwatukee Foothills can differ considerably.

For referral clients, Phoenix often provides the broadest range of options, from first-time purchases and urban living to established luxury neighborhoods and investment opportunities.

5. Buckeye: Affordability Continues to Drive Interest

Buckeye remains one of the more accessible single-family markets in the Greater Phoenix area. Its median sales price declined 2.9% to approximately $400,000 during the first five months of 2026.

While pricing softened, pending sales increased 3.7%, showing that buyer interest remains present. New listings were nearly flat, declining only 0.1%, while average days on market increased from 81 to 86.

Buckeye may appeal to clients seeking newer homes, master-planned communities, additional square footage, or a more attainable entry point into the Valley. Buyers should still consider commute times, future development, and daily lifestyle needs when comparing the West Valley with more centrally located communities.

What the Broader Numbers Tell Us

Across Greater Phoenix, the year-to-date median sales price held steady at approximately $485,000. The region’s housing affordability index also improved slightly, meaning more median-income households may be able to afford a median-priced home than they could last year.

Inventory reached 4.3 months of supply, while average days on market increased. These conditions give many buyers more time and negotiating room than they had during the most competitive years of the market.

For sellers, however, the increase in available choices means that preparation matters. Homes that are thoughtfully priced, properly maintained, and clearly presented are more likely to stand out.

The Opportunity Is Different in Every Market

Scottsdale is showing continued strength in the luxury sector. Surprise is posting substantial sales growth. Chandler remains steady despite fewer new listings. Phoenix offers variety and relative stability, while Buckeye continues to attract buyers focused on affordability and space.

The strongest market for a client depends on more than one statistic. Their timeline, price range, lifestyle priorities, commute, and long-term plans all shape where they may be best positioned.

For agents with clients considering a move to Arizona, having a trusted local partner can make those distinctions easier to navigate. With insight across Scottsdale, Phoenix, and the surrounding Maricopa County communities, Claire can help referral clients compare their options and move forward with a strategy tailored to their needs.