The Hottest Real Estate Market for 2018 Is… – NMP Skip to main content

The Hottest Real Estate Market for 2018 Is…

Oct 27, 2017
Among the nation’s 62 largest cities, Seattle emerged as the best place to set up residence, according to a new data study by WalletHub

The latest “Emerging Trends in Real Estate” study put out annually by PwC and the Urban Land Institute is predicting that Seattle will be the hottest real estate market in 2018.
 
The new study is based on a survey of 1,600 property owners, developers, investors, lenders and real estate industry professionals. Seattle, which placed fourth in last year’s report, was cited for its fast-growing population and a youthful, educated workforce, coupled with a high quality of life environment. However, the report noted that the housing market could be less challenging, as the city ranked 10th in homebuilding prospects for the coming year.
 
The other top markets ranked in the survey as among the hottest for 2018 are Austin, Salt Lake City, Raleigh-Durham, Dallas-Fort Worth, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Los Angeles, San Jose, Nashville and Boston. However, the report warned that income inequality could pose significant challenges to all real estate sectors and the wider economy.
 
“If a so-called black swan is out there, it could be less in overheating than in unraveling,” the report said. “The long-term strength of the U.S. economy has been in the stability and growth in middle incomes. Upward mobility in both the blue-collar and white-collar sectors has fueled housing demand, consumer spending, and even office sector growth … The three-decade-long exacerbation of income inequality, wage stagnation, and regional economic disparities threatens the breadth of the demand drivers across the economy, and for real estate as well.” 

 
About the author
Published
Oct 27, 2017
Trump Taps Former CFPB Deputy Brian Johnson To Lead Bureau

MBA backs the nomination as lenders await clarity on the future direction of consumer finance regulation under the Trump administration

Jun 12, 2026
Trump Names FHFA Director Bill Pulte Acting Director Of National Intelligence

FHFA director will continue overseeing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac while serving as acting director of national intelligence

Jun 02, 2026
Realtor.com Launches AI Home Search Platform Built With Google

New RealAssist tool combines AI, affordability guidance and Google Maps data to engage buyers before they reach lenders

Jun 02, 2026
Another MLS Challenges Zillow In Fight Over Listing Visibility

Realtracs joins MRED in pushing back on Zillow's listing policies, a battle with potential implications for the broader homebuying and mortgage ecosystem

May 29, 2026
Gas Prices Are Quietly Reshaping Homebuyer Affordability

Rocket Money data suggests rising fuel costs are adding pressure to already payment-sensitive buyers as mortgage rates remain elevated

May 28, 2026
MISMO Targets Costly TRID Fee Cures With New Mortgage Fee Standardization Framework

MBA’s standards organization says inconsistent fee naming still drives costly redisclosures and rework, with fee-related cures affecting more than 30% of mortgage loans

May 27, 2026