Is a Housing Crash Coming? Let’s Talk About What the Experts Actually Say

by Hilary Betley

You’ve probably seen those dramatic headlines or TikToks claiming the housing market is on the verge of collapse. But here’s what the data — not the doomscroll — is really saying:

📈 Prices aren’t crashing. They’re just growing more slowly.

According to the latest Home Price Expectations Survey from Fannie Mae and shared by our friends at Keeping Current Matters (KCM), over 100 housing experts expect steady price increases nationally through at least 2029.

So, what’s the forecast?

Even the most conservative experts expect home prices to rise nearly 5% over the next few years.
The average forecast? Around 15% appreciation by the end of 2029.
And the optimists see prices jumping up to 26% in that same time frame.

✨ Key takeaway: No group is projecting a crash. Not even close.

But what about locally?

Every market has its own tempo. Some areas will see more growth than others. Some may dip slightly in the short term. But the big picture is clear — nationally, we’re heading up, not down.

Compared to the past?

You might remember those wild 15–20% jumps during 2020–2022. That was the market on caffeine — low rates, high demand, and ultra-low inventory.

Now? We’re seeing 2–3.5% annual increases, which is a return to normal, sustainable growth — and honestly, that’s healthier long-term.

Why we’re not headed for a repeat of 2008:

📉 Low inventory is still the name of the game. Even with affordability challenges, there simply aren't enough homes for the number of people who want to buy. That mismatch is what’s keeping prices from falling.

And if the economy’s giving you pause, here’s some comfort: the housing market has consistently recovered after every major economic disruption over the last 50 years. This time is no different — we’re already seeing signs of recovery.