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US Housing Inventory Rises to 1.14 Million as Buyers Get More Choices

  • by- Zaid
  • Sep 7, 2026
US active housing listings reached 1.14 million in August 2026, up 3.6% year over year, giving buyers more options despite high mortgage rates.
US Housing Inventory Rises to 1.14 Million as Buyers Get More Choices

United States | September 7, 2026: The US housing market is seeing a gradual increase in available homes, giving buyers more options even as high mortgage rates continue to weigh on demand. Realtor.com reported 1.14 million active listings in August 2026, up 3.6% from a year earlier.


Active Listings Reach 1.14 Million

Realtor.com recorded 1,140,035 active listings across the US in August. Inventory also increased 1.2% from July, marking the fastest year-over-year growth recorded so far in 2026.


Inventory Still Below Pre-Pandemic Levels

Despite the increase, housing supply has not fully returned to normal. August inventory remained 11.1% below typical pre-pandemic levels, showing that buyers still face a tighter market than before the pandemic.

 


Midwest and Northeast See Strongest Growth

Inventory growth was particularly strong in the Midwest and Northeast, where active listings increased 10.5% and 9.1%, respectively, from a year earlier. The West recorded 3.2% growth, while the South saw a more modest 1.1% increase.


More Choice Could Improve Buyer Negotiations

The increase in available properties is giving buyers more room to compare homes and negotiate. At the same time, 20.4% of active listings received a price cut in August, while the national median list price fell 1.3% year over year to $424,500.

 


High Mortgage Rates Remain a Major Barrier

More inventory has not yet translated into stronger sales. Pending listings fell 0.2% year over year in August, ending an eight-month growth streak. Realtor.com linked the slowdown partly to elevated mortgage rates and weaker buyer demand.


What It Means for the US Property Market

The August data suggests the US housing market is gradually becoming more favorable to buyers, with more homes available and greater seller flexibility. However, affordability remains a challenge because mortgage rates continue to keep monthly borrowing costs high.

For buyers who can manage financing costs, the combination of higher inventory, softer asking prices and more price negotiations could create better opportunities in selected markets.