🏡 U.S. Housing Inventory Hits 1 Million Homes — What It Means for Buyers and Sellers
For the first time since 2019, the number of homes for sale across the U.S. has climbed past 1 million active listings. According to Realtor.com’s latest report, this marks a major shift in the housing market—offering more options for buyers and a signal for sellers to stay sharp with pricing.
What’s Happening
More Homes on the Market: The total number of homes for sale in May 2025 was up over 30% compared to last year.
Homes Are Taking Longer to Sell: On average, listings are spending 51 days on the market, about six days longer than this time last year.
Sellers Are Making Price Cuts: Nearly 1 in 5 listings had a price reduction—more than we’ve seen in any May since 2016.
This means the ultra-competitive, fast-moving market we’ve seen over the last few years is finally starting to level out.
Where Inventory Is Growing the Fastest
The South and West are leading the charge. Cities like Austin, Denver, and Seattle have seen massive jumps in inventory—some even doubling what they had pre-pandemic. This is largely thanks to strong homebuilding activity in those regions.
On the flip side, parts of the Northeast and Midwest—like Hartford, Chicago, and Virginia Beach—are still seeing tight supply and slower growth. These areas have had less new construction and remain highly competitive for buyers.
What This Means for You
For Buyers:
You’ve got more homes to choose from and may find sellers more willing to negotiate. The longer homes sit on the market, the more likely price cuts become part of the conversation.
For Sellers:
With more competition out there, pricing your home correctly is crucial. Overpricing could mean your home lingers on the market longer than expected. Strategic staging, great listing photos, and compelling descriptions are more important than ever.
The Bigger Picture
Even with the bump in inventory, the U.S. is still facing a long-term housing shortage—estimated at nearly 4 million homes. Without meaningful investment in construction and zoning reform, some markets will remain squeezed for the foreseeable future.
What’s Happening in Atlanta?
Locally, Atlanta is following the national trend. Inventory is growing, price increases have leveled off, and homes are taking a little longer to sell. That means buyers have more breathing room—and sellers need to bring their A-game.
Bottom Line:
The housing market is shifting. If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Atlanta, this could be a great moment to make your move—just be sure your strategy matches the current conditions.