Wondering what the rental and real estate industry looks like as we head into the last few months of 2026? Learn about current events in the industry with October 2026’s industry outlook.
With October coming to an end, preparations for 1099s and tax season are in full swing. Impending tax season means a lot for many landlords and property managers, but it doesn’t mean rental and real estate news is slowing down. With the end of the year and the holidays just around the corner, real estate and rental industry professionals are busy, but keeping up with industry trends and news is essential. Learn the latest industry news with October’s industry outlook.
This month sees a continuation of the trend of the struggling housing market, but not all is bleak. This lack of buyers might indicate a strengthening in the market for rental housing, which could be of benefit to landlords and property investors. Additionally, this month has seen Maryland introduce several new laws impacting both the rental industry and the real estate industry. Keep up with all this and more with October’s industry news outlook.
2026 is on Track to be the Worst Year for Home Sales Since 2011
According to both Business Insider and the National Association of Realtors, 2026 is shaping up to be a tough year for real estate. A report from each outlet this month has indicated that home sales are continuing to decrease and homebuilder sentiment is growing increasingly negative. Business Insider reports that homebuilder sentiment, as of October, has dropped to its lowest score since 2012, when the market was still recovering from the 2008 housing crisis. This comes after pending home sales dropped to their lowest level since 2012 as of last month.
Similarly, the National Association of Realtors reported on October 20 that home sales dropped 7.3% in September, with little sign of improvement. All four major regions in the U.S. are reporting similar issues, with home buying down significantly both in the month of September and year-over-year.
Demand for Rentals is Up 20% as Prices Reduce Buying Interest
While home sales might be struggling, home rentals are seeing a surge, according to Zillow. With the rising cost of homes and the decreasing demand for them as a result, the demand for rental housing has gone up significantly. Nationwide, rental demand is seeing a 19.2% year-over-year increase as a result of the housing market’s current cooled state.
Zillow reports that while home sales are struggling, the demand for housing doesn’t disappear entirely. Instead, that demand shifts into the rental market. As a result, when demand for purchasing property shrinks, demand for rental properties grows. Currently, it is estimated that the median renter spends about 26% of their income on their housing, while new homeowners are expected to spend 41% of their income on housing. As such, the current market leans in favor of renting for many people.
Maryland Introduces Several New Rental and Real Estate Laws
As of October 1, 2026, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development reports that several new laws affecting the real estate and rental industries took effect. These laws relate to fair housing, income-based rent subsidies, and homeowner protections, as well as expand some of the requirements regarding air conditioning in rental homes and minimizing the risk of lead paint for many rentals. Additionally, a law has been passed to expand access to legal counsel for some mobile home park residents facing eviction. These laws are expected to have a significant impact on landlords and property investors in the future, requiring changes to certain operations.
Learn more: Industry News | New Maryland Landlord-Tenant Laws in Effect
Funding for 3D Printing Homes Sees a Massive Increase
According to CNBC, 3D Printing Housing company ICON has received a large investment towards their next 3D-printed housing project. This indicates a surge in confidence from investors and comes after a project where ICON built an entirely 3D-printed housing development outside of Austin, Texas. This method is expected to reduce construction costs by up to 40% and reduce the time needed for construction by up to six weeks. This is forecasted to reduce housing costs significantly for homebuyers and may help to alleviate the housing shortage.
Final Thoughts
This month has seen a continuation of this year’s trend of a cooling market. However, we can see some good news coming for many landlords, property investors, and property managers in the form of an increased demand for rental housing.
This month’s industry outlook can help you ensure you’re kept up to date with the latest trends and developments in important industry news. Follow along with Rentec Direct’s monthly industry outlooks to keep up with the landscape of rental and real estate news.
