Tips for buying a house in 2026: a strategic guide to deciding with confidence

Is 2026 a good time to buy a house?

Buying a house in 2026 can be a good decision if your financial situation is stable and the mortgage payment fits comfortably within your budget. More than the market timing, what really matters is your saving capacity, job stability and your medium- and long-term outlook.

As for the real estate market, after the interest rate increases of recent years, it is now showing greater stability. In some areas prices are moderating, while in high-demand locations they remain strong.

Mortgage costs continue to be a key factor. Monthly payments are higher than they were a few years ago, so before buying it is worth asking yourself:

• Do I have job stability?

• Can I comfortably afford the monthly payment?

• Do I have sufficient savings?

Ultimately, there is no “perfect moment” for everyone. The best time to buy a house is when your financial situation allows you to do so safely without putting your stability at risk.

Tips for buying a house in 2026 and making a good decision

Tip 1: Analyze your financial situation before buying

The first tip before buying a house in 2026 is to clearly understand how much you can afford without compromising your financial stability. Pay particular attention to:

• Real net monthly income: not only your base salary, but also recurring variable income and its stability over time.

• Job stability and professional outlook: having a long-term permanent contract is very different from being in a period of professional transition.

• Existing debts (loans, credit cards, financing): your level of debt directly affects the amount the bank will be willing to lend.

• Current saving capacity: analyze how much you can allocate to the purchase without leaving yourself without liquidity after the transaction.

As a general reference, your mortgage payment should not exceed 30–35% of your net income. It is also advisable to have:

• Emergency savings: equivalent to several months of fixed expenses.

• Enough savings for the down payment and costs: without relying on external financing.

• Monthly margin to maintain your quality of life: even in less favorable scenarios.

Tip 2: Calculate how much money you actually need

One of the most common mistakes when buying a house is focusing only on the property price, since you will need additional upfront capital. You should take the following expenses into account:

• Down payment: usually around 20% of the property value.

• Taxes:Property Transfer Tax (ITP) for resale properties or VAT for new developments.

• Notary and land registry fees.

• Mandatory property valuation.

• Administrative management and other administrative costs.

• Moving expenses.

In total, it is common to need around 30% of the property value between the down payment and associated costs. Knowing this figure from the beginning will allow you to search within a realistic price range and avoid frustration during the process.

Tip 3: Choose the right property location

Another important tip when buying a house is to carefully consider the location. You are not only choosing a home, but also the environment where you will develop your daily life.

Before deciding, pay attention to several aspects before buying the property:

• City or municipality where you want to live: analyze not only the present but also the development potential and possible appreciation.

• City center, outskirts or residential area: each option implies differences in price, lifestyle and available services.

• Proximity to essential services: public transport, healthcare centers, schools, shops and green areas directly influence your daily life.

• Connection to your workplace: reducing commuting time improves quality of life and saves money.

• Future outlook of the area: new infrastructure or urban development projects may influence the future value of the property.

Choosing a good location not only affects your daily quality of life, but also the strength of your real estate investment in the long term.

Tip 4: Define the features your ideal home should have

Beyond the budget, it is essential that the property fits your current reality and future plans. Key aspects to consider include:

• Number of bedrooms needed.

• Workspace for remote work (if required).

• Enough bathrooms for the family.

• Garage or storage room.

• Natural light and orientation.

• Shared amenities (pool, gym, garden).

Remember that a house is not just an investment: it is your home. It should be functional, but also a place where you feel comfortable and where you can confidently plan your future.

Tip 5: Research the real estate market before making an offer

Before buying a house in 2026, you should have a good understanding of the market in the area you are interested in. This will help you determine whether the price is reasonable and negotiate with greater confidence.

Pay particular attention to:

• Average price per square meter in the area, comparing it with similar properties in terms of size and condition.

• Comparable properties currently on the market, to determine whether the asking price is in line with market conditions.

• Average time on the market, which can indicate whether demand is high or supply is abundant.

• Recent price trends, especially over the last 12–24 months.

• Level of supply and demand, as this directly affects negotiation margins.

The more information you have, the easier it will be to identify opportunities and avoid paying above the real market value. At Engel & Völkers we prepare an annual report analyzing market trends based on the results of our agents.

Tip 6: Check the condition of the property and its documentation

Once you find a property that suits your needs, avoid rushing the process. Before signing any contract, make sure you carefully review both the condition of the property and its legal documentation.

Check:

• Structural condition and possible dampness or cracks.

• Electrical and plumbing systems.

• Need for immediate renovations.

• Land registry extract and possible charges or liens.

• Energy efficiency certificate.

• Community fees and the situation of the homeowners’ association (if applicable).

A thorough review can save you legal problems and unexpected expenses in the future. Buying a home is exciting, but it also requires analysis and caution to make a solid long-term decision.

Tip 7: Compare several mortgage options before deciding

Another key tip for buying a house in 2026 is choosing the right mortgage, as it will be one of the most important financial decisions you make. Before signing, it is important to compare:

• Fixed-rate vs. variable-rate mortgages.

• APR (Annual Percentage Rate) vs. nominal interest rate.

• Opening or cancellation fees.

• Linked products (insurance, credit cards, salary account).

• Monthly payment under different scenarios.

Do not settle for the first offer. Comparing several proposals can make a significant financial difference over the years. The key is not only obtaining the bank’s approval, but ensuring that the monthly payment comfortably fits within your budget.

Tip 8: Surround yourself with professionals who can advise you

Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions of your life. Professional advice can make a substantial difference.

A real estate expert can help you:

• Accurately assess the property, avoiding paying above its real value.

• Detect potential technical or legal risks before signing.

• Negotiate the price and transaction terms, protecting your interests.

• Review legal documentation with professional criteria, preventing unpleasant surprises later.

• Guide you throughout the entire process, from the search to the final signing before a notary.

If you do not have experience in the sector, relying on specialized professionals will give you confidence and help you avoid costly mistakes. At Engel & Völkers we have real estate advisors ready to guide you throughout the entire purchasing process.

Costs after buying a house in 2026

Buying a house in 2026 does not end on the day you sign the contract. Becoming a homeowner means taking on a series of recurring expenses that you should anticipate to maintain your financial stability.

Among the most common are:

• Monthly mortgage payment: this will be your main financial commitment for many years, so it should comfortably fit your budget.

• Property tax (IBI): an annual mandatory tax that depends on the cadastral value of the property and the municipality.

• Community fees: if the property is part of a building or residential complex, you will contribute to the maintenance of common areas, cleaning, elevators, gardens or pools.

• Home insurance: often mandatory if you have a mortgage and advisable to protect the property against damage or unforeseen events.

• Maintenance and repairs: small breakdowns, system inspections or future improvements are part of homeownership.

Planning these expenses from the beginning will allow you to enjoy your new home without financial stress or unpleasant surprises.

Checklist: key tips before buying a house in 2026

Before making the final decision, review these key tips for buying a house in 2026 that can help you avoid mistakes and buy with greater confidence:

• Have at least 30% of the property value saved: this includes the down payment and the associated purchase costs.

• Do not allocate more than 30–35% of your income to the mortgage: this will help you maintain financial stability.

• Analyze the local market: comparing prices per square meter and similar properties will help you determine whether the price is reasonable.

• Review the property condition and documentation: check for possible charges, installation conditions and the energy certificate.

• Compare several mortgage offers: conditions can vary significantly between lenders.

Mistakes to avoid when buying a house in 2026

Even with good planning, it is easy to make mistakes that can cost you money, time and peace of mind. These are the most common ones when buying a house:

• Falling in love with the property without analyzing the numbers: emotions can make you overlook whether it truly fits your budget or whether the price is above the market.

• Not calculating all the real costs: focusing only on the purchase price and forgetting taxes, notary fees or valuation costs can completely disrupt your plans.

• Not researching the area in enough depth: visiting only once or failing to analyze services, noise levels or the future outlook of the area can affect both your quality of life and the property's future appreciation.

• Signing without carefully reviewing the documentation: failing to check for charges, debts or the situation of the homeowners’ association can lead to legal problems later.

• Not negotiating the price or conditions: many buyers accept the first price without attempting to improve the offer, losing potential financial margin.

• Ending up without a financial cushion after the purchase: using all your savings for the down payment and costs may leave you vulnerable to unexpected events.

Buying a home is a strategic decision. Avoiding these mistakes can make the difference between an impulsive purchase and a solid, well-considered decision.

How to buy a home in 2026 with confidence

Buying a home in 2026 requires more than enthusiasm: it requires planning, analysis and a clear strategy.

To do it safely, you should follow three basic principles:

• Financial realism: buy within your means, leaving room for unexpected events and avoiding compromising your long-term stability.

• Information and analysis: study the market, compare prices, review documentation and fully understand the conditions of your mortgage.

• Future vision: do not buy thinking only about the present. Consider how that property will fit your life in five or ten years.

The real estate market evolves constantly, so carefully analyzing each transaction is essential before making a decision. But if your financial situation is solid, you choose the right location and make informed decisions, you will be minimizing risks.

Having the right support also plays a key role when buying a house in 2026. At Engel & Völkers we accompany our clients through every stage of the purchasing process, combining local market knowledge, personalized advice and an international network of real estate experts.

Frequently asked questions about buying a house in 2026

How much savings do I need to buy a house in 2026?

To buy a house in 2026, it is common to have approximately 30% of the property value saved. In general, banks finance up to 80%, so you will usually need to provide around 20% as a down payment.

Is a fixed or variable mortgage better in 2026?

It depends on your financial profile and your tolerance for risk. A fixed-rate mortgage offers stability and constant payments throughout the life of the loan, providing peace of mind. A variable-rate mortgage may start with a lower interest rate but is subject to changes in interest rates.

Will housing prices fall in 2026?

There is no single answer that applies to the entire market. In some areas prices may adjust, while in high-demand locations they tend to remain stable.

What costs are there besides the purchase price?

In addition to the property price, you should consider the down payment, taxes (ITP or VAT depending on the case), notary and land registry fees, the property valuation, and other administrative procedures.

Is 2026 a good time to buy a home?

It can be if you have job stability, sufficient savings and a mortgage payment that comfortably fits your budget.