Buying or selling a home often comes with a certain level of risk. If you know what is going to happen in the market, you can mitigate those risks and make more confident decisions. However, no one can predict with absolute certainty what will happen in the future. We’re only one month into 2026 and there is a long year ahead of us.

With that said, here at CFH Real Estate, our 30+ years of experience in the Park City and Deer Valley real estate market has given us the ability to identify trends and patterns in order to make educated predictions based on facts.

We’ve seen every type of real estate market you can imagine. In 2025, we correctly predicted that inventory would remain low in the area, interest rates would remain status quo, and new developments like Deer Valley East Village would change the game in the local real estate market.

What do we see for the year ahead? Keep reading to see what you can expect in luxury real estate in 2026.

A Disclaimer

Before we dive into our predictions, it’s important to note the unique market in Park City and Deer Valley. It’s easy to paint a picture using broad strokes, but the nuance of the area cannot be overstated. When it comes to Park City real estate, you can see the forest through the trees.

Our market is multifaceted. Between the resort properties, residential properties, ski-in, ski-out, golf properties; there are numerous micro-markets in Park City, and what is true for one area of the market might not be true for others.

Whether you are buying or selling a home in Park City, education and awareness are invaluable. This list of predictions should not replace the advice of a trained professional.

For insights specific to your unique situation, we strongly recommend reaching out to an expert.

A More Balanced Market

In previous years, we’ve seen a busy seller’s market with very limited inventory. This drove up prices and created competition, making things more difficult for buyers. In recent years, that hot seller’s market has cooled slightly, and we will likely see that trend continuing into 2026.

The market will be more balanced, with buyers having more negotiating power than they did before. Historically, inventory is still low, particularly in sectors like ski-in, ski-out properties, but prices will start to level off.

But that’s not to say that the market as a whole is bad for sellers. Although buyers are taking more time with their purchases, homes that are well-prepared and well-priced will move quickly. We have already seen multiple offers on homes priced to sell.

Whether buying or selling, here are a few more posts to help you navigate the real estate market in Park City:

• How to Get Your Home to Sell Fast
• When is the Best Time to Buy a Home in Park City?
• How to Sell a Rental Property with Tenants

A Cautious Approach

2025 was a whirlwind year for many reasons. Both politically, economically, and culturally, there has been a huge shift. Whether we’re talking about trade deals or the greater adoption of AI (particularly how its use will affect the stock market), it’s safe to say that there is a high level of uncertainty that buyers and sellers are dealing with.

As a result, the market as a whole is taking a cautious approach. Investors might want to diversify their portfolios, buyers will take longer to make decisions, sellers might decide to hold off on their plans to sell.

There is nothing inherently wrong with this. In fact, even in the best of times, making measured decisions is a good thing. There is always a level of uncertainty in the world, but if you educate yourself, and work with a professional with the tools and experience to protect your best interests, you’ll always see better results.

Looking for more articles about the logistics of owning vacation real estate in Park City? Here are a few more posts you might find interesting:

• Capital Gains Tax in Utah: What Homeowners Need to Know
• What’s the Best Way to Finance a Vacation Home in Park City
• What are the Tax Implications of Owning a Vacation Home

Seasonal Impacts

In 2025, we predicted that summer recreation would support a healthy year-round rental market in Park City and Deer Valley. With golf club memberships on the rise and new golf communities gaining popularity, this trend might persist in 2026 as well.

However, in a market like Park City, where outdoor recreation plays a big role, we are often at the behest of seasonal changes. This has been quite apparent with the unseasonably dry and warm winter Park City is currently experiencing.

Poor snow conditions cause some strife in the rental market with declining room rates. While we can’t predict the weather (turn to local meteorologists for that!), we can say that the area still offers plenty to do when skiing is not an option, thanks to La Niña.

Although property appreciation in some areas may not be rising as fast as previous years, Park City and Deer Valley still present great opportunities for buyers and sellers. Learn more about what it’s really like to own a home here with these posts next:

• 20 Reasons Why You Should Live in Park City
• Pros and Cons of Living in Deer Valley, Utah
• How Luxurious is Deer Valley?
• Why Park City is the Best Home-Base for Recreating in Utah

Navigating the Park City Luxury Real Estate Market in 2026

The world stops for no one, and while current events, seasonality, and market statistics have a place in influencing your decision to buy or sell real estate, they are only part of the picture. Individual circumstances, personal goals, and the changing needs of your family are important considerations within your control.

No matter what is going on in the market, the best results come from working with a trusted professional who understands your goals and needs and can offer a strategy designed to help you achieve them.

Here at CFH, we’ve helped countless buyers and sellers navigate every type of market imaginable. With over 30 years of experience, we have truly seen it all. If you’re looking for advice on your next purchase or sale, or you simply want a better understanding of the market, get in touch with us today.

Get in touch with us directly by calling 435-647-8035 or emailing info@CFHparkcity.com to speak with our team.