2026 Housing Market Comeback: Why Skipping a Home Inspection Could Cost You Thousands

Forecasts for the 2026 housing market point to a meaningful rebound: double-digit increases in sales in many areas and a shift toward more balanced conditions. Even so, some buyers still consider waiving the home inspection to make their offer stronger. Here’s why that can backfire—and why a home inspection is still one of the best investments you can make.

In the last few years, waived contingencies became common in bidding wars. In 2026, some markets and listing strategies have pulled back, and contingency limits or “inspection for information only” clauses are more common. That doesn’t mean you should skip the inspection. It means you should budget for it and use the results to plan—and, where allowed, to negotiate or walk away.

Real repair surprises run into the thousands. A failing HVAC system: $5,000–$15,000. Foundation repair: $10,000–$40,000 or more. Roof replacement: $10,000–$25,000. Electrical panel upgrade, sewer line repair, or widespread mold remediation can each add thousands. Buyers who skip the inspection often discover these issues after closing, when they have no recourse.

A full home inspection gives you a clear picture of the property’s condition and major systems. In many markets it’s still possible to schedule a pre-offer or pre-closing inspection and to add specialty inspections—radon, mold, sewer scope—when the standard report suggests they’re warranted. Budgeting for the inspection and a small repair reserve is far cheaper than walking into a $20,000 surprise.

The 2026 housing market may feel competitive, but protecting yourself with a professional home inspection is still the smart move. The cost of the inspection is a fraction of what hidden defects can cost you down the road.