Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share "US Housing Market Shifts: Inventory Rises, Prices Moderate, and Buyer Leverage Grows"
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
"US Housing Market Shifts: Inventory Rises, Prices Moderate, and Buyer Leverage Grows"
The US housing industry has seen notable shifts in the past 48 hours as new data and ongoing trends reshape the landscape. Inventory levels are rising, bringing relief to buyers after years of tight markets. Realtor.com reports a surge in home listings for June, with inventory across the largest US cities now outpacing last year. However, despite this influx, new supply actually dipped by 1.4 percent from April to May 2025, suggesting the early surge in spring listings is already slowing. Homes are sitting on the market longer, giving buyers more options and leverage in negotiations.
Home prices continue to inch upward, but at a far slower pace than in previous years. According to Cotality, year-over-year price growth stood at just 2 percent in April, with single-family homes climbing at about 2.46 percent. In most major metros, asking prices are down from last year, reflecting a market that is adjusting from the rapid spikes seen in 2021 and 2022. Mortgage rates have eased slightly in the early summer, improving some affordability, though rates remain high by historical standards.
Builders are responding cautiously. Single-family starts are expected to grow three percent this year, while multifamily construction is projected to decline by four percent, with a rebound likely in 2026. The undersupply of affordable housing continues to challenge the market despite these new builds. Large real estate firms and platforms are adjusting by offering buyer incentives and ramping up partnerships with local agents to move inventory and attract hesitant consumers.
There have been no major regulatory changes in the past week, but there is heightened attention on potential immigration policy shifts as a new administration looms, which could impact both demand and labor supply for new construction.
Supply chain bottlenecks have eased compared to previous years, but construction costs remain elevated, particularly for affordable and multifamily projects. In terms of consumer behavior, buyers are taking more time to make decisions and are less likely to engage in bidding wars.
Compared to previous months, the market is trending toward greater equilibrium. Sellers are encouraged to price competitively, while buyers are regaining the upper hand. The market is more balanced, with moderate price growth, higher inventory, and stabilizing mortgage rates offering more predictable conditions for buyers and sellers alike.
Home prices continue to inch upward, but at a far slower pace than in previous years. According to Cotality, year-over-year price growth stood at just 2 percent in April, with single-family homes climbing at about 2.46 percent. In most major metros, asking prices are down from last year, reflecting a market that is adjusting from the rapid spikes seen in 2021 and 2022. Mortgage rates have eased slightly in the early summer, improving some affordability, though rates remain high by historical standards.
Builders are responding cautiously. Single-family starts are expected to grow three percent this year, while multifamily construction is projected to decline by four percent, with a rebound likely in 2026. The undersupply of affordable housing continues to challenge the market despite these new builds. Large real estate firms and platforms are adjusting by offering buyer incentives and ramping up partnerships with local agents to move inventory and attract hesitant consumers.
There have been no major regulatory changes in the past week, but there is heightened attention on potential immigration policy shifts as a new administration looms, which could impact both demand and labor supply for new construction.
Supply chain bottlenecks have eased compared to previous years, but construction costs remain elevated, particularly for affordable and multifamily projects. In terms of consumer behavior, buyers are taking more time to make decisions and are less likely to engage in bidding wars.
Compared to previous months, the market is trending toward greater equilibrium. Sellers are encouraged to price competitively, while buyers are regaining the upper hand. The market is more balanced, with moderate price growth, higher inventory, and stabilizing mortgage rates offering more predictable conditions for buyers and sellers alike.
View all episodes
By Quiet. PleaseThe US housing industry has seen notable shifts in the past 48 hours as new data and ongoing trends reshape the landscape. Inventory levels are rising, bringing relief to buyers after years of tight markets. Realtor.com reports a surge in home listings for June, with inventory across the largest US cities now outpacing last year. However, despite this influx, new supply actually dipped by 1.4 percent from April to May 2025, suggesting the early surge in spring listings is already slowing. Homes are sitting on the market longer, giving buyers more options and leverage in negotiations.
Home prices continue to inch upward, but at a far slower pace than in previous years. According to Cotality, year-over-year price growth stood at just 2 percent in April, with single-family homes climbing at about 2.46 percent. In most major metros, asking prices are down from last year, reflecting a market that is adjusting from the rapid spikes seen in 2021 and 2022. Mortgage rates have eased slightly in the early summer, improving some affordability, though rates remain high by historical standards.
Builders are responding cautiously. Single-family starts are expected to grow three percent this year, while multifamily construction is projected to decline by four percent, with a rebound likely in 2026. The undersupply of affordable housing continues to challenge the market despite these new builds. Large real estate firms and platforms are adjusting by offering buyer incentives and ramping up partnerships with local agents to move inventory and attract hesitant consumers.
There have been no major regulatory changes in the past week, but there is heightened attention on potential immigration policy shifts as a new administration looms, which could impact both demand and labor supply for new construction.
Supply chain bottlenecks have eased compared to previous years, but construction costs remain elevated, particularly for affordable and multifamily projects. In terms of consumer behavior, buyers are taking more time to make decisions and are less likely to engage in bidding wars.
Compared to previous months, the market is trending toward greater equilibrium. Sellers are encouraged to price competitively, while buyers are regaining the upper hand. The market is more balanced, with moderate price growth, higher inventory, and stabilizing mortgage rates offering more predictable conditions for buyers and sellers alike.
Home prices continue to inch upward, but at a far slower pace than in previous years. According to Cotality, year-over-year price growth stood at just 2 percent in April, with single-family homes climbing at about 2.46 percent. In most major metros, asking prices are down from last year, reflecting a market that is adjusting from the rapid spikes seen in 2021 and 2022. Mortgage rates have eased slightly in the early summer, improving some affordability, though rates remain high by historical standards.
Builders are responding cautiously. Single-family starts are expected to grow three percent this year, while multifamily construction is projected to decline by four percent, with a rebound likely in 2026. The undersupply of affordable housing continues to challenge the market despite these new builds. Large real estate firms and platforms are adjusting by offering buyer incentives and ramping up partnerships with local agents to move inventory and attract hesitant consumers.
There have been no major regulatory changes in the past week, but there is heightened attention on potential immigration policy shifts as a new administration looms, which could impact both demand and labor supply for new construction.
Supply chain bottlenecks have eased compared to previous years, but construction costs remain elevated, particularly for affordable and multifamily projects. In terms of consumer behavior, buyers are taking more time to make decisions and are less likely to engage in bidding wars.
Compared to previous months, the market is trending toward greater equilibrium. Sellers are encouraged to price competitively, while buyers are regaining the upper hand. The market is more balanced, with moderate price growth, higher inventory, and stabilizing mortgage rates offering more predictable conditions for buyers and sellers alike.