A note to our readers…
New Two-Phase Market Report Release Starting June 2025
To get you timely data and meaningful insights, BRR is introducing a new two-phase approach to our monthly Market Report releases:
- Phase 1: Snapshots & Graphs — Available earlier (typically between the 8th and 12th of each month), this first release includes high-level graphs and market snapshots. They’re ready for you to share in your newsletters, social media, or client conversations as soon as they drop.
- Phase 2: Market Stat Sheets — By the 16th of each month, we’ll follow up with the full Market Stat Sheets. This is where we dig deeper into the trends, provide key takeaways, and offer a broader interpretation of the data.
This two-phase release schedule is designed to get you what you need, when you need it: a quick look early on and a full picture shortly after.
Mortgage rates defied expectations by ticking down slightly this week, even as the latest inflation data revealed that surging oil prices resulting from the ongoing war in the Middle East have now bled into the costs of other goods and services.
The average rate on 30-year fixed home loans retreated to 6.36% for the week ending May 14, down 1 basis point from 6.37% the week before, according to Freddie Mac. For perspective, rates averaged 6.81% during the same period in 2025.
The U.S. Labor Department’s consumer price index (CPI) readout released on Tuesday showed that inflation increased by 3.8% in the 12 months through April to its highest level in three years, fueled by the surge in oil prices stemming from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in Iran.
Source: Realtor.com
Boise homeowners who want to add a rental cottage, in-law suite, or garage apartment now have a faster path to getting it built. The city now offers pre-approved accessory dwelling unit (ADU) plans that cut through much of the design and permitting guesswork.
The city’s Pre-Approved ADU program gives homeowners a set of ready-to-use building plans, which means you don’t have to hire an architect to design something from scratch before you can apply.
To qualify, your property must have an existing single-family home and be zoned for ADU use, which you can confirm through the ADU program.
Some properties are excluded. If your lot falls within a Flood Protection Overlay or a Hillside Development Overlay, you cannot use the pre-approved program.
Properties in a Historic District overlay can still apply but may face additional design requirements.
The maximum size is either 70% of your home’s square footage or 900 square feet—whichever is smaller.
The city offers several named plan options, including the Goldfinch, Waxwing, Kingfisher, Kestrel, Sandpiper, and Osprey, each with its own bid set for getting contractor cost estimates.
The planning application fee starts at $231, plus additional fees if your property is in a Historic District.
You’ll also owe building permit fees, city impact fees covering parks, fire, and police services, and Ada County Highway District traffic impact fees. The city’s Impact Fee Calculator can help you estimate those totals before you commit.
One practical perk: no additional parking spaces are required when you add an ADU—only the single existing space for the primary home is needed.
The process runs through the city’s permitting website, starting with a Concept Review meeting where a planner reviews your site plan and flags any issues before you submit a full application.
Source: Realtor.com
Idaho lawmakers passed two new laws aimed at unlocking the construction of smaller and cheaper homes.
Gov. Brad Little signed two new laws, Senate Bill 1352 and Senate Bill 1354, aimed at increasing housing supply, at the close of the legislative session.
SB 1352 limits the ability of cities to block high-density “starter home” developments on tracts of at least 4 acres. The bill mandates that local governments allow smaller lot sizes (down to 1,400 square feet) and removes traditional zoning barriers like setback and width requirements. Under this law, cities must permit at least 12 units per acre unless infrastructure constraints exist.
SB 1354 prohibits local governments and homeowners associations from restricting the construction of accessory dwelling units. The law guarantees property owners the right to build at least one ADU per lot and prevents authorities from imposing maximum square footage limits on these structures.
Both bills are for cities with a population over 10,000.
Source: Realtor.com
New medical and office buildings, plus a concert venue will soon capstone the Eagle View Landing development in Meridian. The four-part plan starts with a 125,000 square foot corporate campus, the second part is a seven-acre medical campus that will house several buildings, part three is a three-story medical office building and part four is a concert venue. The medical and office buildings are planned to break ground in 2026, with plans to open in May or June of 2027.
Source: Idaho Statesman
The College of Western Idaho’s new Micron Academic Building will not just add more classroom space but also expand programs and increase access to workforce training. The 100,000 square foot facility will support business, information technology, cybersecurity and adult education programs.
Source: KIVI TV
Other Real Estate News
- Real Estate News | Home sales disappoint as consumer confidence hits 70 year low
- Nar.realtor | Home prices increased in 71% of metro areas in first quarter of 2026
- Realtor.com | Troubling sign for mortage rates as inflation surges to a three year high of 3.8%
- Bankrate | Mortgage rate forecast: May 2026
Please note: Some news outlets may protect their content with paid subscriptions. While we try to refrain from sharing articles that may not be accessible to everyone, we may share them if important to the industry.
Additional information about trends within the Boise Region, by existing and new construction, are now available here: Ada County, Elmore County, Gem County, Four Rivers Region (coming soon), and Condos, Townhouses, and Mobile/Manufactured Homes Market Reports. Each includes an explanation of the metrics and notes on data sources and methodology.
Ada County
Canyon County
Elmore County
Gem County
Condos…
Download the latest (print quality) market snapshot graphics for Ada County, Ada County Existing/Resale, Ada County New Construction, Boise County, Elmore County, Gem County, Malheur County, Payette County, and Washington County.
Since Canyon County is not part of BRR’s jurisdiction, we don’t publicly report on Canyon County market trends. Members can access Canyon County snapshots and reports in the Market Report email, or login to our Market Statistics page. Our Owyhee County snapshot can also be accessed on our Market Statistics page.
# # #
The data reported is based primarily on the public statistics provided by the Intermountain MLS (IMLS), a subsidiary of Boise Regional REALTORS® (BRR). These statistics are based upon information secured by the agent from the owner or their representative. The accuracy of this information, while deemed reliable, has not been verified and is not guaranteed. These statistics are not intended to represent the total number of properties sold in the counties or cities during the specified time period. The IMLS, Boise Regional REALTORS®, and Idaho Policy Institute provide these statistics for purposes of general market analysis but make no representations as to past or future performance. If you have questions about this report, please contact Boise Regional REALTORS® at 208-376-0363. For notes on data sources, methodology, and explanation of metrics, visit boirealtors.com/notes-on-data-sources-and-methodology.
If you are a consumer, please contact a REALTOR® to get the most current and accurate information specific to your situation.
Boise Regional REALTORS® (BRR), a 501(c)(6) trade association, represents real estate professionals throughout the Boise region. Established in 1920, BRR is the largest local REALTOR® association in the state of Idaho, helping members achieve real estate success through ethics, professionalism, and connections. BRR has two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Intermountain MLS (IMLS) and the REALTORS® Community Foundation.
“REALTOR®” is a federally registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is member of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
