💰 How Much House Can You Afford in 2026? Arkansas Price Projections & Budget Planner

By Christy Robinson, Executive Broker  | REALTOR®, MRP

Keller Williams Realty 

Arkansas Homebuyer Strategist • Market Analyst • Budget Planning Specialist

Buying a home in 2026 will look very different from buying a home five years ago — or even last year.

Interest rates are stabilizing.

Home prices are rising, but predictably.

New construction options are exploding.

Rent is increasing faster than mortgages.

And Arkansas remains one of the most affordable (and most stable) states in the country. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a growing family, a remote worker, or someone relocating to Central Arkansas, the first question you must answer is:

“How much house can I afford in 2026?”

This comprehensive guide gives you a clear, realistic, Arkansas-specific breakdown of what different incomes can buy, how rates affect your budget, how much down payment you actually need, and what price ranges look like in Cabot, Conway, Bryant, Benton, Maumelle, Greenbrier, and the surrounding areas.

Let’s make your 2026 homebuying journey simple, strategic, and stress-free.

⭐ SECTION 1 — The 2026 Mortgage Landscape: What to Expect

✔ Interest Rates: 5.75%–6.5%

Most economists predict this consistent range for 2026 — and Arkansas lenders confirm similar expectations.

Rates won’t be 2020-low again, but they also won’t be 2022-high.

✔ Stabilizing means clarity

Predictable rates allow buyers to:

• Budget accurately

• Avoid panic-buying

• Compare homes confidently

✔ Down payments are more flexible than people think

You do NOT need 20%.

Arkansas buyers typically put down:

• 3%–5% → First-time buyers

• 0% → VA loans (military)

• 3.5% → FHA

• 5%–10% → Conventional buyers

• 20%+ → High-end homes / investors

✔ Builder incentives remain strong

Many 2026 new construction communities will offer:

• 2–1 buydowns

• $5,000–$15,000 closing cost credits

• Free upgrades

• Appliance packages

This helps your money go farther.

⭐ SECTION 2 — The 28/36 Rule: How Lenders Decide What You Can Afford

Lenders use two numbers to determine your budget:

1. Your monthly housing budget (28%)

Your mortgage payment should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income.

2. Your total debt budget (36%)

Your total monthly debt (loans + credit cards + mortgage) should not exceed 36% of your gross income.

This creates a safe, stable financial structure that protects you long-term.

⭐ SECTION 3 — Arkansas Affordability Chart: How Much Home You Can Buy in 2026

Let’s break down affordability by income.These estimates assume typical 2026 rates (6.25%) and standard down payments.

📌 If You Make $60,000/Year

Monthly Gross Income: $5,000

Max Mortgage Budget: $1,400–$1,650/mo

Home Price Range:👉 $225,000–$285,000

What this buys in Arkansas:

• 3-bedroom newer home in Benton or Greenbrier

• 3-bedroom starter home in Cabot, Austin, Ward

• Small newer home in Conway outskirts

• Affordable new construction in rural areas

📌 If You Make $75,000/Year

Monthly Gross Income: $6,250

Max Mortgage Budget: $1,700–$2,000/mo

Home Price Range:👉 $275,000–$340,000

What this buys:

• 3–4 bedroom new construction in Cabot or Greenbrier

• Updated home in Conway

• Larger home in Benton

• Charming home in Maumelle (older)

• Spacious home in rural areas

📌 If You Make $100,000/Year

Monthly Gross Income: $8,333

Max Mortgage Budget: $2,200–$2,700/mo

Home Price Range:👉 $350,000–$425,000

What this buys:

• New construction in Bryant or Maumelle

• Large home in Cabot (Magness, Northfork)

• 4–5 bedroom in Conway or Greenbrier

• Golf course homes in Benton

• Modern homes in NLR (Lakewood/Overbrook)

  
  

📌 If You Make $125,000/Year

Monthly Gross Income: $10,416

Max Mortgage Budget: $2,900–$3,300/mo

Home Price Range:👉 $450,000–$550,000

What this buys:

• Luxury new builds in Cabot

• Lakefront options in Maumelle

• High-end homes in Bryant (Hurricane Lake)

• Newer 3,000–4,000 sq ft homes in Conway

• Golf course communities

📌 If You Make $150,000/Year

Monthly Gross Income: $12,500

Max Mortgage Budget: $3,500–$4,000/mo

Home Price Range:👉 $575,000–$700,000

What this buys:

• High-end new construction in any major suburb

• Luxury homes in Maumelle, Bryant, Cabot, Conway

• 1–3 acre modern homes in Greenbrier or rural LR

• Lakefront communities

⭐ SECTION 4 — Arkansas 2026 Home Prices: City-by-City Breakdown

Bryant

$350K–$550K for most family homesHigh appreciation + high demand

Cabot

$260K–$450K for modern buildsTop schools + military demand

Conway

$275K–$600KHuge variety + college employers

Benton

$230K–$425KAffordable + great amenities

Maumelle

$350K–$700KGolf + lakes + clean, safe city

North Little Rock

$200K–$475KUrban + suburban mix, strong retail corridor

Greenbrier

$230K–$450KAcreage + low taxes + strong schools

⭐ SECTION 5 — How Interest Rates Impact What You Can Afford

At 6.5% → Home budget shrinks

You lose ~$35,000 in buying power compared to a 5.75% rate.

At 5.75% → Home budget expands

Your mortgage payment drops by $250–$350/month.

This is why buying when rates dip (even temporarily) gives you massive leverage.

⭐ SECTION 6 — Down Payment Options (You DO Have Choices)

0% Down Options

• VA loans

• USDA loans (used heavily in Cabot outskirts, Greenbrier outskirts)

3% Down Conventional

Great for first-time buyers in the $200K–$350K range.

3.5% Down FHA

More flexible for debt ratios and credit.

5%–10% Down Conventional

Ideal for strong, competitive buyers.

20% Down

Best for eliminating PMI or buying higher-end homes.

⭐ SECTION 7 — Hidden Costs Buyers Forget to Budget For

1. Closing Costs

Plan for $3,500–$8,500 depending on price and loan type.Builders often cover most or all of this.

2. Insurance

Arkansas has stable insurance pricing, but costs vary by region.

3. Property Taxes

• Lower in Faulkner & Lonoke Counties

• Higher in Pulaski County

4. Utilities

New construction significantly reduces bills.

5. HOA Fees

$10–$75/mo for most subdivisionsHigher for lake or luxury communities

⭐ SECTION 8 — How to Know What YOU Can Afford in 2026

Here’s a simple formula that works for most Arkansas buyers:

❗ Take your monthly income.

❗ Multiply by 0.28.

❗ That’s your safe mortgage amount.

❗ Then subtract estimated taxes + insurance.

This gives you a realistic target payment.

⭐ SECTION 9 — When It’s Better to Buy vs. Wait

✔ Buy now if:

• You plan to live in Arkansas 3+ years

• Your rent is higher than a mortgage

• You want new construction

• You need more space or an office

• You want to lock in a price before values rise again

✔ Wait if:

• You have unstable income

• You are relocating and unsure where to live

• Your credit score needs improvement

• You need to save for a down payment

⭐ SECTION 10 — Real 2026 Buyer Personas (Which One Are You?)

The Growing Family

Buy: Bryant, Cabot, Conway, MaumelleBudget: $325K–$500K

The Remote Worker

Buy: Conway, Cabot, GreenbrierBudget: $300K–$450K

The First-Time Buyer

Buy: Benton, Ward, Austin, GreenbrierBudget: $200K–$300K

The Retiree

Buy: Maumelle, Benton, LakewoodBudget: $300K–$500K

The Relocator

Buy: Cabot, NLR, MaumelleBudget: $250K–$450K

👩‍💼 Final Thoughts: You Can Afford More Than You Think in 2026

Most Arkansas buyers are surprised by how far their money goes here — especially those relocating from out of state.

2026 will be a year of:

✔ Better inventory

✔ Builder incentives

✔ Stabilizing rates

✔ Predictable appreciation

✔ Strong schools

✔ High-quality new construction

✔ Affordable living

And with the right strategy, you can secure a home that fits your budget AND your long-term goals.

📲 Want a Personalized 2026 Affordability Plan?

I can analyze your income, debt, credit, down payment, lifestyle goals, preferred suburbs, and timeline — then create a clear affordability roadmap that fits your exact situation.