Major New Developments Reshaping Southern Oregon's Housing Market in 2026

If you have been watching the Southern Oregon housing market over the past year, you have probably noticed something: there is a lot more activity happening behind the scenes than what hits the headlines. New single-family communities have been the main story for a while, but 2026 is shaping up to be the year the region's housing pipeline expands in a bigger way. Large-scale developments are moving through the approval process, breaking ground, and filling in the map in ways that will give buyers and renters more options across Medford and the surrounding area.

I track these projects closely because they affect everything that matters to my buyers: where new homes will be built, what types of housing will be available, how neighborhoods will grow, and where property values are headed. Here is a rundown of the biggest developments moving forward in 2026 and what they mean for anyone looking to buy new construction in Southern Oregon.

The largest new housing project currently in Medford's pipeline is the Owen Drive development in the northeast part of the city. Spanning about 43 acres north of Owen Drive and east of Springbrook Road, this project from Creations Northwest (the construction arm of HT Investment Properties & Affiliates) is designed as a mixed-density community with townhomes, duplexes, and multi-unit apartment buildings.

The numbers: At full buildout, the project calls for 508 residential units across three phases. The mix includes 12 townhouse units, 8 duplex units, and 23 multi-unit apartment-style buildings. The site's zoning covers multiple designations, so the development will blend single-family-style attached homes with higher-density rental buildings.

Where it stands: The project went before Medford's Site Plan and Architectural Commission for a public hearing in June 2026. An earlier concept had proposed 552 units, but the updated plan was scaled down to the current 508-unit figure. As with any large development, the approval process takes time, but this is one of the most significant housing projects on the city's radar.

What it means for buyers: Northeast Medford has seen steady growth, and this development will add substantial housing supply to that corridor. For buyers considering new construction in the area, it signals that infrastructure and services in northeast Medford will continue to expand, which supports long-term property values. The mix of for-sale townhomes and rental apartments also means the neighborhood will attract a diverse range of residents, from young professionals to families.

On the southeast side of Medford, another major project is working its way through the approval process. Haya Park is a 490-unit multifamily development proposed for a 22-acre site south of Coal Mine Road and east of North Phoenix Road. The project includes 26 two- and three-story buildings across two phases, designed by Horton Architecture.

The breakdown: Phase 1A (on property owned by Ramzi Fakhoury) includes 13 multifamily buildings on roughly 12.5 acres. Phase 1B (on property owned by John Bottala) includes another 13 buildings on about 12 acres. A separate $2.7 million land loan was closed by Kennedy Funding to Haya Enterprises LLC for the broader 34.61-acre mixed-use development property at the site.

Where it stands: The project went before Medford's Site Plan and Architectural Commission for a public hearing in November 2025. The commission delayed its decision amid resident concerns about increased traffic through nearby neighborhoods and potential loss of views. These kinds of community conversations are common with projects of this scale, and they often lead to refinements in the plan before final approval. As of mid-2026, the project is still moving forward through the review process.

What it means for buyers: Southeast Medford is an area that has seen less new development compared to the north and east sides of the city. The addition of 490 multifamily units would bring more rental options to this part of town, which in turn supports the local retail and service economy. For new construction buyers, more housing inventory at any price level helps balance the overall market.

The Northgate Marketplace area off East McAndrews Road has been a growing hub for new multifamily housing. Phase I of the Northgate complex brought 192 residential units to the area, and Phase II is adding 180 more units for a total of 372 units across both phases. The units are targeted at residents within 80% to 120% of the area median income range, making them a workforce housing option for people employed in Medford's growing service and healthcare sectors.

A notable detail about this project: the buildings use modular wall construction, with wall panels pre-built in Phoenix, Oregon and assembled on site. This approach can speed up construction timelines and reduce material waste, which is worth watching if you are curious about how new building methods are showing up in our area.

What it means for buyers: More rental housing in the East Medford/Northgate corridor strengthens the overall housing ecosystem. When the rental market is well supplied, it takes pressure off the for-sale market, which can mean more balanced pricing for buyers looking at new construction homes in the same part of town.

Housing development does not happen in a vacuum. One of the most significant non-housing projects underway in Medford is the major expansion of Wes Howard Memorial Sports Park, the 50-acre park surrounding the Rogue X Community Complex in west Medford. This expansion adds amenities that make the area more attractive to families considering a move to Southern Oregon.

What is being built: A 19-court outdoor pickleball facility, billed as the largest municipal pickleball facility in Oregon, with potential room for 6 more courts. The $1.8 million project is funded by Lithia Motors, the City of Medford, and the Southern Oregon Pickleball Association. Construction began in October 2025, and the facility is expected to open in mid-2026. The courts will be free for public drop-in use from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and there are plans to host regional and national tournaments.

The park expansion also includes three collegiate-style sand volleyball courts, three youth ballfields with batting cages, a new neighborhood park with a playground and half-size basketball court, a Vietnam War Memorial, and 260 additional parking spaces (including a 150-space gravel overflow lot added in early 2026).

What it means for buyers: When a city invests this heavily in recreation infrastructure, it signals long-term commitment to the area's quality of life. For new construction buyers, especially families, the availability of top-tier sports and recreation facilities within a 10-minute drive is a meaningful factor. It is the kind of detail that makes a neighborhood hold its value over time.

Taken together, the projects moving through Medford's pipeline represent more than 1,100 new housing units at various stages of planning and construction. That is a meaningful increase in supply for a city that has faced housing inventory challenges for years. Here is how I see it affecting buyers in the new construction market.

More options, not just more homes. The mix is important here. These developments are not all single-family houses. They include townhomes, duplexes, and multifamily buildings. That variety matters because it creates a more balanced housing ecosystem. When people can find the right type of home at the right price point, whether they are buying or renting, the whole market functions better.

Infrastructure investment follows development. Every major housing project triggers conversations about roads, utilities, parks, and schools. The Rogue X expansion shows that Medford is investing in the amenities that make a community worth living in. As new developments come online, expect continued investment in the infrastructure that supports them.

Timing still matters. Large developments move slowly. The approval process, public hearings, site plan reviews, and construction timelines mean that many of the units discussed here will not be available for occupancy until 2027 or later. If you are looking to buy sooner rather than later, the existing new construction communities from builders like DR Horton, Hayden Homes, Holt Homes, and PacTrend remain your best bet. I cover those in detail in my blog post Southern Oregon's Builder Landscape Guide.

The big picture is positive. Southern Oregon is growing, and the development pipeline reflects that growth in a measured, deliberate way. These projects are not speculative. They are real proposals from established developers, moving through a public process, and backed by real investment. For buyers who are thinking about putting down roots in this area, that is a reassuring sign.

Lisa Sears, REALTOR, eXp Luxury

Serving Southern Oregon