53% of Americans Now Prefer Buying Over Renting — Here’s What It Means for Sioux Falls, SD Homebuyers in 2026

For the first time since 2023, more Americans say buying beats renting — and if you are watching the Sioux Falls, SD real estate market from the sidelines, this data is your wake-up call.

According to Bank of America’s 2026 Homebuyer Insights Report, 53 percent of Americans now say it is better to buy a home than to rent or move in with family. That number was a minority position just a year ago. Something significant is shifting in how people think about homeownership — and it matters right here in Sioux Falls.

Why This Shift Matters in Sioux Falls, SD

Sioux Falls is not immune to national trends — and this data reflects what we are already seeing on the ground across neighborhoods like Harrisburg, Brandon, Mystic Heights, Prairie Tree, and the growing southeast corridor. Buyer confidence is building. Inventory is moving. And the 22 percent of current homeowners nationally who plan to sell within the next year signals that more listings are coming to the Sioux Falls market sooner than most people expect.

The mindset shift happening nationally is happening here too. Buyers who spent the last two years waiting for lower rates and perfect conditions are starting to accept that this is the market — and they are getting to work. If you are buying, selling, or simply holding a home in Sioux Falls right now, understanding what is driving this shift gives you a real competitive advantage.

What the 2026 Homebuyer Insights Report Tells Us

Homeownership confidence is surging year over year.

90 percent of Americans say a home is a valuable investment, up from 79 percent in 2025. 94 percent say it provides stability, up from 83 percent. 87 percent say it feels like a milestone, up from 78 percent. And 86 percent say it brings emotional fulfillment, up from 75 percent. These are not small jumps — this is a significant single-year swing in consumer confidence.

Fewer buyers are waiting for the perfect moment.

In 2025, 75 percent of buyers said they were holding out for lower prices and rates. In 2026, that number dropped to 71 percent. Gen Z dropped from 74 percent to 68 percent. Millennials dropped from 77 percent to 70 percent. The direction matters — buyers are done waiting for a market that may never come.

Younger buyers are getting creative to make it happen.

28 percent of Gen Z buyers are taking on extra jobs to save for a home. 32 percent are considering co-buying with friends or family. 31 percent are exploring down payment assistance programs. There are real programs available in South Dakota that most buyers do not know about — our team can walk you through every option.

Buyers are more willing to compromise on location and price point.

76 percent are willing to move to a more affordable area, up from 71 percent in 2025. 75 percent would move when their dream home becomes available, up from 69 percent. 71 percent would move for a better location, up from 65 percent.

Affordability pressure is real — and increasing.

58 percent cited expensive home prices as a top barrier, up from 46 percent in 2025. 47 percent cited high interest rates, up from 40 percent. This is real. But the people who act strategically within the conditions that exist are the ones who build wealth. After 26 years in this business, that truth has never changed.

How Amy Stockberger Real Estate Can Help

At Amy Stockberger Real Estate, we don’t just monitor the Sioux Falls market — we help you move through it with confidence. As the #1 ranked real estate team in South Dakota since 2017 and ranked #37 nationally by RealTrends, our team of expertly trained specialists is built to deliver results for buyers, sellers, and longtime homeowners alike.

When you work with Amy Stockberger Real Estate, our relationship doesn’t end at the closing table — it grows. Through our exclusive Lifetime Home Support™ model, we connect you with trusted Home Support Team Partners across HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing, landscaping, and more. Our VIP Club perks include moving resources, lifestyle benefits, and exclusive savings that extend well beyond the transaction.

And every client receives access to their own free Lifetime Home Hub — a personal homeowner command center that includes real-time home value tracking, document storage, a seasonal maintenance calendar tuned to Sioux Falls weather, home inventory tools, Home Assist AI, and access to 120-plus vetted local vendors.

Whether you bought with us or not, you can claim your free Lifetime Home Hub today. You spent a lot to get into your home — let us help you protect and grow it.

Local Resources to Explore

Whether you are just starting to explore your options or ready to make a move, visit Amy Stockberger Real Estate to browse everything we offer — or give us a call at 605-376-6780 and let’s talk through where you are in the process.

Every homeowner deserves a command center for their biggest investment. Claim your free digital hub to track equity, store documents, and stay ahead of home maintenance — at no cost, no subscription, and no expiration.

Own a home service business in the Sioux Falls area? See if your company is a fit for our Home Support Team — or reach out directly at HST@AmyStockberger.com to start the conversation.

Have a specific real estate goal in mind? Reach our team anytime at Amy@AmyStockberger.com or by calling (605) 376-6780 — we are here for exactly that kind of conversation.

Thinking about selling this summer? Our comprehensive seller’s guide breaks down everything you need to know to maximize your value in today’s market.

Ready to find your next home? Browse our current featured listings and discover properties across Sioux Falls and the surrounding area — updated and handpicked for buyers who know what they want.

Thinking about a career in real estate or considering a brokerage change? Learn what it looks like to join the #1 team in South Dakota and see if we are the right fit for where you want to go.

Did you know our clients get free lifetime access to moving trucks, party equipment, and tools? Explore the full VIP Club benefits here and see what homeownership with ASRE actually includes.

Get instant answers to your Sioux Falls real estate questions anytime — day or night — with our Sioux Falls, SD Real Estate Help Center AI Assistant. Available 24/7 and completely free to use.

Come Celebrate With Us at Lallycooler 2026

We believe in this community. We live here, work here, and invest here right alongside our clients. Amy Stockberger Real Estate is proud to be a sponsor of the VIP section at Lallycooler 2026 — Sioux Falls’ biggest summer music festival — happening July 10-11th at Sioux Falls Stadium.

Friday night features Darius Rucker and Braxton Keith. Saturday brings Jason Derulo, Bow Wow, and Gavin DeGraw. Two nights, world-class artists, right here in our backyard.

🎟️ Grab your tickets at lallycooler.com/tickets and join us in the VIP section for the best weekend of the summer.

As Featured on SiouxFalls.Business

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Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you are ready to buy, sell, or simply want to understand what this market means for your specific situation in Sioux Falls, SD, our team is here to serve — before, during, and forever.

💬 Have more questions about buying or selling real estate in Sioux Falls, SD? Ask our 24/7 Sioux Falls, SD Real Estate Help Center AI Assistant — available anytime you need answers.