Here’s how much the seller-buyer gap has shifted in 2026
Active sellers reached an estimated 1,510,784, the highest since March 2020, up 1.2% month over month.
The buildup reflects homes lingering unsold rather than a sudden surge in new listings; each month, fresh inventory adds to an existing pool that buyers have not absorbed.
As the US buyer’s market hit its strongest point in years, the imbalance has deepened with every month in 2026. September marks its furthest point yet.
“This is a buyer’s market born out of caution, not strength,” said Asad Khan, senior economist at Redfin, the real estate brokerage powered by Rocket, based in Seattle.
“The irony is that in terms of supply, these are some of the best conditions for buyers in many years — but they have arrived at a time when costs are so high that fewer people can afford to take advantage of them.”
