The 2026 Phoenix & Scottsdale Real Estate Market: What It Means for Divorce Cases

Introduction

When a home is part of a divorce, the real estate market is not just background noise — it directly impacts timing, equity, and outcomes. As we move through 2026, the Phoenix and Scottsdale real estate markets look very different from what many divorcing homeowners remember just a few years ago.

Understanding these changes is critical. Relying on outdated assumptions about pricing, demand, or “how fast homes sell” can lead to delays, conflict, and lost equity during an already stressful process.

This article breaks down what divorcing homeowners and family law attorneys need to know about the 2026 Phoenix and Scottsdale real estate market, and why divorce-related sales require a more strategic, specialized approach.

How the Phoenix & Scottsdale Real Estate Market Has Shifted

The local market has moved away from the aggressive seller’s market that dominated much of 2020–2022.

In 2026, Phoenix and Scottsdale homeowners are experiencing:

• Longer average days on market
  
  

• Buyers who are more selective and price-conscious
  
  

• Greater emphasis on property condition and presentation
  
  

• Fewer bidding wars, especially on homes that are overpriced or need work
  
  

For divorcing sellers, these changes matter because divorce sales often come with limited flexibility. Court timelines, financial strain, and emotional dynamics can make it harder to “wait and see” how the market responds.

Why Divorce Home Sales Are Different From Traditional Sales

Selling a home during divorce is not the same as selling a home under normal circumstances.

Divorce-related sales often involve:

• Court orders or legal deadlines
  
  

• Two parties with competing goals
  
  

• Emotional attachment to the property
  
  

• Disagreements over pricing, repairs, or timing
  
  

• Financial pressure tied to support obligations or temporary orders
  
  

Because of this, mistakes that might be manageable in a traditional sale can quickly escalate in a divorce context. Market shifts amplify these risks.

The Impact of Market Conditions on Pricing During Divorce

One of the most common challenges in 2026 divorce cases is pricing based on past market conditions rather than current realities.

Many homeowners still anchor to:

• Peak values from prior years
  
  

• Neighbor sales that occurred in a different market
  
  

• Online estimates that do not reflect condition or current demand
  
  

In today’s Phoenix and Scottsdale market, incorrect pricing often leads to:

• Longer days on market
  
  

• Reduced buyer interest
  
  

• Price reductions later in the process
  
  

• Increased conflict between spouses
  
  

For divorcing homeowners, pricing is not just a financial decision — it can become a legal and emotional flashpoint if expectations are not aligned early.

Deferred Maintenance Matters More in a Slower Market

Another major factor shaping 2026 divorce sales is deferred maintenance.

During a fast-moving market, buyers were often willing to overlook condition issues. That is no longer the case. Today’s buyers are more cautious, and inspection results carry more weight.

Common deferred maintenance issues seen in divorce cases include:

• Roof and HVAC concerns
  
  

• Cosmetic neglect from years of deferred upkeep
  
  

• Incomplete repairs
  
  

• Properties that were never properly prepared for sale
  
  

In a divorce sale, deferred maintenance can:

• Reduce buyer demand
  
  

• Trigger inspection negotiations
  
  

• Delay escrow
  
  

• Impact final net proceeds
  
  

These issues need to be evaluated realistically and addressed strategically, especially when neither party wants to invest additional money into the home.

Why Days on Market Matter in Divorce Cases

Time is a critical factor in divorce real estate.

When a listing sits longer than expected:

• Carrying costs continue
  
  

• Temporary orders may need to be extended
  
  

• Frustration between parties increases
  
  

• Legal fees can rise
  
  

• Pricing leverage weakens
  
  

In the 2026 market, longer days on market are common — but unnecessary delays caused by poor pricing or lack of preparation can quietly erode equity and create avoidable conflict.

How a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert Helps in Today’s Market

A Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE) brings a different perspective to divorce-related sales, especially in a shifting market.

A CDRE helps by:

• Providing neutral, data-driven pricing recommendations
  
  

• Setting realistic expectations for both parties
  
  

• Evaluating condition issues and their impact on value
  
  

• Anticipating obstacles that could delay the sale
  
  

• Coordinating with attorneys to ensure compliance with court orders
  
  

In a market like 2026, where strategy matters more than speed, this specialized approach helps protect equity and reduce friction throughout the process.

What Attorneys Should Understand About the 2026 Market

Family law attorneys handling cases with real estate components should be aware that:

• Market conditions directly affect timelines and outcomes
  
  

• Pricing disputes are more common in slower markets
  
  

• Deferred maintenance can significantly impact negotiations
  
  

• Cooperation and access issues become more costly when homes sit longer
  
  

Addressing real estate realities early — rather than treating them as an afterthought — often leads to smoother cases and fewer last-minute disputes.

Planning Ahead Leads to Better Outcomes

Divorce is already complex. When real estate is involved, understanding the current Phoenix and Scottsdale market can make the difference between a smooth resolution and prolonged conflict.

In 2026, success in divorce real estate depends on:

• Accurate market data
  
  

• Realistic expectations
  
  

• Early planning
  
  

• Neutral, specialized guidance
  
  

The earlier these factors are addressed, the better the outcome tends to be for everyone involved.