How I'd go about finding undervalued ASX shares to buy and hold forever in 2026

Trying to time the market is a tough game. Even professional investors struggle to consistently predict what will happen next.

That's why, in 2026, I still believe one of the best ways to build wealth on the ASX is by buying high-quality ASX shares when they appear undervalued and then holding them for the long term.

This approach isn't about guessing short-term price movements. Instead, it is about identifying businesses with sustainable competitive advantages and buying them when the market is overly pessimistic.

Here's how I would do it.

Start by looking where others aren't

At any point in time, certain parts of the share market are fashionable, while others are being actively avoided. At present, gold and lithium are where investors are putting their hard-earned money, whereas healthcare and tech are being sold off.

More often than not, undervalued ASX shares are found in the latter group.

This is where I would begin my search. A sector or company being unloved doesn't automatically make it a buy, but it does increase the odds that valuations are more reasonable than usual.

The key is working out whether the challenges are short term in nature or something more structural.

Quality always comes first

A low valuation alone is never enough to justify an investment in ASX shares.

Before considering a company's share price, I would want to be confident in the quality of the underlying business. Does it have a strong market position? Can it generate consistent cash flow? Does it benefit from long-term demand drivers?

In the current environment, balance sheet strength also matters. Companies with manageable debt levels and financial flexibility are far better placed to navigate uncertainty and capitalise on opportunities when conditions improve.

If a business doesn't pass these tests, a cheap share price can quickly turn into a value trap.

Pay attention to company updates

Some of the best opportunities appear when the market reacts emotionally to short-term news.

By digging into company results, trading updates, and investor presentations, it is often possible to spot a disconnect between share price movements and underlying business performance.

Sometimes earnings are temporarily under pressure, but margins are improving. Other times, investment spending weighs on profits today but sets the company up for stronger growth tomorrow.

In my experience, the market doesn't always wait around for the full story to play out, and that can work in favour of patient investors.

Take a long-term mindset with undervalued ASX shares

Undervalued ASX shares don't usually rerate overnight. The payoff often comes gradually, through earnings growth, dividend increases, and improving sentiment over many years.

That's why I would spread my bets across a range of high-quality businesses rather than relying on a single idea. Diversification helps manage risk and improves the chances of owning at least a few standout performers.

By focusing on quality, valuation, and time in the market, I believe investors can give themselves a strong chance of building long-term wealth on the ASX, even in an uncertain world.

Which shares are undervalued?

The good news is that at present, I think there are a number of undervalued ASX shares available to patient investors.

This includes CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1), TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE), and Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP). They could be worth further investigation.

The post How I'd go about finding undervalued ASX shares to buy and hold forever in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Accent Group, CSL, Domino's Pizza Enterprises, Technology One, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, Domino's Pizza Enterprises, Technology One, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Accent Group, CSL, Domino's Pizza Enterprises, and Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Motley Fool's purpose is to help the world invest, better. Click here now for your free subscription to Take Stock, The Motley Fool's free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson. 2026