IBS Orlando 2026: Top Insights for Builders, Developers, and Real Estate Investors

The 2026 NAHB International Builders' Show (IBS) drew nearly 75,000 construction professionals to Orlando, and for good reason. The conference floor was buzzing with conversations about financing, market trends, and the strategies builders, developers, and investors may need to navigate the next two years successfully.

If you missed the event—or just want to cut through the noise—here are the top six takeaways for staying ahead.

1. Stable but Subdued Growth Through 2027

According to IBS speakers, the overall macroeconomic picture for 2026 is becoming more stable. GDP grew at 4.4% in Q3 2025, but forecasters expect growth to moderate to around 2–2.5% moving forward. Consumer spending continues to help drive the economy, but residential fixed investment has been negative for three straight quarters.

What about interest rates? Many speakers noted that the Federal Reserve is expected to make two more 25-basis-point cuts in 2026, potentially bringing the federal funds rate closer to 3%. However, rates are likely to hover around 6% for the next couple of years—not the sub-5% rates many buyers are hoping for.

Inflation is easing but not solved. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) came in at 2.4% in December, with shelter costs at 3%. This is trending in the right direction, but it's still above the Fed's 2% target.

What this could mean for your projects: Plan for a slow, steady environment rather than rapid growth. Interest rate relief may come gradually, which means planning for sustained 6% rates could be prudent. For developers, this environment may favor projects with strong fundamentals and realistic timelines—not speculative plays.

2. Non-Bank Lenders Are the Go-To Option for Multifamily Financing

Traditional banks have been cautious with multifamily construction loans in recent years, often requiring strict terms like personal guarantees, high liquidity reserves, and lengthy approval processes. For many developers, these conditions make securing financing a challenge.

Non-bank lenders are stepping in to fill the gap with a faster, more flexible approach. While rates with non-bank lenders may be slightly higher, the advantages often outweigh the cost for real estate professionals and developers who prioritize speed and adaptability. Here's why non-bank lenders are becoming the preferred choice:

• Faster closings: Non-bank lenders are transactional and can approve loans much quicker than traditional banks.
• No personal guarantees: Unlike banks, non-bank lenders often provide non-recourse financing, so your personal assets stay protected.
• Flexible loan structures: Non-bank lenders offer options tailored to your project needs, including interest-as-disbursed and exit strategies like build-to-rent or build-to-sell.
• Streamlined process: With no third-party appraisals, no income/employment verification, and no application fees, the process is efficient and hassle-free.

For developers who need to move quickly and value a hassle-free experience, non-bank lenders like Kiavi provide the ideal solution to keep projects on track and unlock new opportunities.

3. Close the Digital Gap to Protect Your Profit Margins

While the physical product is evolving, so is the way it gets built. One of the most compelling insights from the show came from industry analysts highlighting the digital gap in construction. With only about 45% of the industry fully digitally transformed, according to speakers, there may be a massive opportunity for efficiency gains.

Real-Time Data is Key

The days of managing complex developments on spreadsheets are fading. Some of the most successful builders are adopting integrated systems that connect the field to the back office instantly.

• Mobile-First Management: Project managers and superintendents are using tablets to update schedules, approve change orders, and track deliveries in real-time.
• Integrated Accounting: Systems that sync field costs directly with accounting software could prevent budget blowouts by providing visibility into daily costs rather than monthly reports.

Investing in these digital tools isn't just about administrative ease; it's about protecting profit margins and delivering projects on time in a competitive labor market.

4. Capitalize on the "Golden Handcuff" Remodeling Boom

Another key theme from IBS 2026: homeowners are increasingly choosing to renovate rather than move. High rates have created "golden handcuffs," with over 80% of homeowners saying they won't consider selling until rates drop below 5%—a threshold not expected until at least 2028.

One IBS speaker presented data showing that 51.3% of homeowners completed a renovation project in Q4 2025, up from recent lows. However, emergency repairs and smaller-ticket discretionary projects dominated spending, while larger renovations remained subdued.

Why This Matters for Builders:

New construction competition: With fewer move-up buyers, new home sales are competing harder for first-time buyers and downsizers.

Opportunity in rental conversions: Aging housing stock (average age: 41 years, up from 31 in 2006) creates demand for updated rental properties. Single-family rental (SFR) demand remains strong, with occupancy rates above 95% since 2018 and rents up 27.8% from January 2020 to mid-2023.

BRRRR strategy gains traction: The Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat model is increasingly viable as homeowners delay selling and rental demand stays elevated.

For real estate investors exploring ground-up construction, consider how your projects could serve the rental market—especially in high-demand, low-inventory metro areas.

5. Adopt "Warm Minimalism" to Meet 2026 Buyer Preferences

If the last decade was defined by cool grays and stark white kitchens, the next few years will be all about warmth. Data from the 2026 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), co-located with IBS, points to a significant aesthetic shift dubbed "Warm Minimalism."

According to NKBA's 2026 Kitchen Trends Report, 96% of respondents identified neutrals as the most popular colors, with greens (86%) and blues (78%) following close behind. But the color palette is shifting toward warmer tones—soft beiges, natural wood finishes, and textured surfaces are replacing the cool grays that dominated the past decade.

• Natural materials are taking center stage. White oak is the most popular wood type at 51%, with wood grain cabinets surpassing painted options (59% said wood grain is growing in popularity). Natural quartzite is nearly matching quartz for countertops (62% vs. 61% for backsplashes). Wood flooring remains dominant for maximum ROI at 94% preference.
• Minimalism continues to win over maximalism (60% popularity), with flat slab cabinet doors (69%), panel-faced appliances (refrigerators at 72%, dishwashers at 85%), and slab backsplashes (75%) all gaining traction.

For real estate professionals, these trends signal a shift toward warmer, more organic aesthetics that feel lived-in rather than stark and clinical—specifications that may command premiums in a competitive market.

6. The Multi-Generational Living Boom

Demographic shifts are reshaping floor plans. As housing affordability remains a challenge and the population ages, families are increasingly choosing to live together. Builders who ignore this trend risk missing a massive segment of the market.

Multi-Generational Living

As affordability challenges persist and families consider aging parents, homes designed for multiple generations are gaining traction. Features like:

• In-law suites with separate entrances
• Flexible floor plans that can adapt as needs change
• Accessible design features like zero-step entries and wider doorways

Home Offices and Flexible Spaces

Remote work isn't going away. According to speakers, 30% of the U.S. workforce works from home at least one day per week. Homebuyers might look for:

• Dedicated office spaces with good lighting and soundproofing
• Flex rooms that can serve as gyms, playrooms, or guest rooms
• Outdoor workspaces like covered patios or she-sheds

Sustainability and Smart Home Technology

Energy efficiency and smart home features are no longer "nice-to-haves"—they're expected. Consider incorporating:

• Energy-efficient HVAC systems and appliances
• Solar panels and battery storage
• Smart thermostats, lighting, and security systems

These features not only appeal to buyers—they can also increase your property's value and marketability.

Future-Proofing Your Real Estate Strategy

The overarching theme from 2026 NAHB International Builders' Show (IBS)? We're operating in a "higher for longer" environment across interest rates, construction costs, and regulatory complexity. The builders, developers, and investors who could thrive are those who:

• Diversify their financing sources beyond traditional banks
• Invest in digital tools that provide real-time financial visibility
• Stay attuned to shifting buyer preferences (warm minimalism, natural materials, integrated technology)
• Build resilient teams and supplier relationships to navigate ongoing labor and material challenges
• Remain flexible in their strategies, ready to pivot between product types and geographic markets as opportunities emerge

If you're exploring financing options for your next project, you should consider working with a non-bank lender that understands the current landscape. Kiavi specializes flexible financing for real estate professionals who need to move quickly and stay competitive. Whether you're building, remodeling, or acquiring, we're here to help you make your next project a reality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why are traditional banks pulling back from multifamily construction loans?

A: Banks face regulatory pressure and higher capital reserve requirements for construction loans, making them more expensive and risky to hold. Uncertainty around property valuations and slower absorption rates have further discouraged traditional lenders from multifamily projects. Non-bank lenders, like Kiavi, offer competitive options that often provide more flexibility and faster closing times.

Q: What are the benefits of using a non-bank lender like Kiavi over traditional bank financing?

A: Non-bank lenders typically offer faster closings, fewer personal guarantee requirements, and more flexibility in deal structuring. While rates might be slightly higher, the speed and reduced recourse often make non-bank financing more attractive for developers and builders.

Q: Will loan rates drop below 5% in the next two years?

A: Most forecasters at the 2026 NAHB International Builders' Show (IBS) in Orlando, Florida, don't expect loan rates to fall below 5% in the next two years. Rates are likely to stabilize around 6%, with gradual decreases toward the end of 2027. The Federal Reserve's terminal rate is estimated around 3%, limiting how low loan rates can go.