Rocky Sniffing Out the Condo Market: A Dog’s-Eye View of 2026

Woof! Rocky here — back for my second installment of Rocky on Real Estate, sniffing out trends in housing and the world at large. If you’re wondering what a dog thinks about the national condominium market, let me tell you: there’s a whole lot more to sniff than just fire hydrants in front of tall buildings.

The Lay of the Land (and the Scent of Change)

Something smells different in 2026 — and it’s not just my human’s shoes.

Across the country, there are more condos for sale than this time last year, and even a dog can tell when inventory is rising. Nationally, condominium inventory is up roughly 20% year-over-year, giving buyers more options and — thankfully — less frantic barking over bidding wars. More listings mean less pressure, more time to sniff around, and better negotiating power for buyers.

That shift is backed up by a January 2026 front-page story from The Wall Street Journal, which bluntly declared: “Condo Owners Face Worst Market Since 2012.” According to the Journal, demand for second-home condos has cooled noticeably, and prices fell 1.9% year-over-year during September and October 2025. That kind of number definitely gets a dog’s attention.

Price Tags, Interest Rates, and Treat Budgets

Condo prices aren’t leaping the fence the way they used to. Most forecasts expect modest appreciation of just 1–4% in 2026, a far cry from the pandemic-era frenzy. Fewer bidding wars, slower decision-making, and steadier pricing mean buyers can breathe — and maybe even afford a few extra treats.

With mortgage rates expected to stay north of 6%, humans are being more cautious. Instead of sprinting into purchases, they’re taking longer walks around the block, weighing HOA fees, insurance costs, and long-term value. From a dog’s perspective, that’s a healthier pace.

Florida: Sunshine, Surf… and a Condo Reset

Now let’s talk about Florida — my favorite place to nap in the sun.

Florida’s condo market has had a ruff couple of years. After the Surfside tragedy, building safety, structural reserves, insurance premiums, and HOA dues all jumped higher than a squirrel up a palm tree. Those rising costs made some condos harder to sell and pushed certain buyers to the sidelines.

But lately? Things are starting to stabilize.

According to data and industry commentary from Mortgage Professional America, Florida is entering a market reset. More listings are coming online, sellers are adjusting expectations, and buyers are regaining leverage — especially in older condominium buildings.

Per statistics published by the Community Associations Institute:

• Florida has over 1.5 million condominium units
• 37% of those units are located in Miami-Dade and Broward counties alone — roughly 550,000 units
• 75% of condo associations with 20–49 units were built before 1990
• 59% of condo associations with 50+ units were built before 1990

That’s a lot of aging buildings… and a lot of dogs living in them.

New Trends: Townsizing, Lifestyle Living & International Sniffs

Humans are changing how — and where — they want to live.

Instead of crowding into major metros, buyers are sniffing out smaller, lifestyle-focused markets like Vero Beach, Naples, and mountain-town destinations such as Telluride. International buyers are also re-entering the U.S. condo market, particularly at the luxury end, where pricing has softened but amenities remain top-notch.

Developers are responding with more walkable layouts, green spaces, pet-friendly amenities, and community features that make sense for long-term living — not just short stays. Personally, I approve of anything that includes parks, trails, and room to chase squirrels.

What’s Next? More Wags, Less Worry

According to market outlooks from Zillow, slower appreciation and elevated rates are likely to keep the condo market balanced rather than booming in 2026. That’s not bad news — it’s a return to normal.

For Florida and the nation as a whole, housing remains central to the American Dream — and we dogs understand that better than anyone. A good home means safety, stability, a sunny spot by the window…

…and, of course, plentiful treats.

Until next time,
This is Rocky on Real Estate 🐶📊