U.S. Foreclosure Activity Continues to ‘Trend Above Year-Ago Levels’
ATTOM has published its August 2026 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report, which indicates that a total of 40,277 U.S. properties received foreclosure filings—encompassing default notices, scheduled auctions, and bank repossessions—representing a 1% increase from the previous month and a 13% increase from the corresponding period one year prior.
Throughout the U.S., foreclosure filings affected one out of every 3,569 residential units during August 2026. South Carolina experienced the highest foreclosure rate nationally, recording one filing per 1,547 housing units. This was followed by Nevada with one filing per 1,920 units; Florida with one per 2,397 units; Texas with one per 2,445 units; and Maryland with one per 2,530 units.
Among metro areas with populations exceeding 200,000 residents, Columbia, SC, demonstrated the nation’s highest foreclosure rate in August 2026, with one foreclosure filing occurring for every 1,232 housing units. The subsequent highest rates were observed in Punta Gorda, FL (one per 1,249 units); Spartanburg, SC (one per 1,262 units); Fayetteville, NC (one per 1,458 units); and Charleston, SC (one per 1,501 units).
“August’s data shows that foreclosure activity continues to trend above year-ago levels, particularly in completed foreclosures, which saw a notable annual increase,” said Rob Barber, CEO at ATTOM. “While some homeowners are still facing financial challenges, overall foreclosure volumes remain well below historical norms and the broader housing market continues to demonstrate resilience.”
What States Are Leading in Foreclosure Starts?
During August 2026, lending institutions commenced foreclosure proceedings on 25,894 residential properties nationwide, representing a 3% decrease from July 2026 and a 7% increase compared to August 2025.
Florida demonstrated the highest foreclosure initiation rate nationally in August 2026, with 3,189 foreclosure starts, trailed by Texas (3,126 foreclosure starts), California (2,565 foreclosure starts), Illinois (1,192 foreclosure starts), and Georgia (1,189 foreclosure starts).
In contrast to the nationwide pattern, metro regions with populations exceeding 200,000 inhabitants and a minimum of 50 foreclosure starts experienced the most substantial year-over-year reductions in foreclosure initiations during August 2026 were:
- Cleveland (decrease from 281 foreclosure starts in August 2025 to 175 in August 2026)
- Washington DC (decrease from 364 to 227 foreclosure starts)
- Providence, RI (decrease from 88 to 55 foreclosure starts)
- Raleigh, NC (decrease from 81 to 57 foreclosure starts)
- Kansas City, MO (decrease from 104 to 75 foreclosure starts)
In conclusion, ATTOM’s August 2026 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report indicates that 40,277 properties across the nation experienced foreclosure filings increased from the preceding month and ticked up compared to the same period in the prior year.
The findings demonstrate sustained year-over-year growth in significant foreclosure indicators, including foreclosure initiations that rose 7% annually to 25,894 and finalized foreclosures (REOs) that increased 42% to 5,794. Despite these increases, the aggregate level of foreclosure activity continues to remain beneath pre-pandemic baseline levels.
Note: Some foreclosure filings entered into the database during the quarter may have been recorded in the previous quarter.
To read the full report, click here.
