Number of U.S. Home Sellers Outpaces Home Buyers by 46.3%

Seattle, WA, March 25, 2026-- There were an estimated 46.3% more home sellers than buyers in the U.S. housing market in February (or 629,808 more, in numerical terms), says Redfin. That’s the largest gap in records dating back to 2013 and is up from 29.8% (or 449,409) a year earlier.

Redfin defines a market where there are over 10% more sellers than buyers as a buyer’s market and a market where there are over 10% fewer sellers than buyers as a seller’s market. A market where the gap is plus or minus 10% is considered a balanced market. By this definition, it has been a buyer’s market since May 2024. 

When sellers outnumber buyers, buyers typically hold the negotiating power because they have a lot of options to choose from. That’s why a market with a lot more sellers than buyers is considered a buyer’s market. Of course, it’s only a buyer’s market for those who can afford to buy. High housing costs and economic uncertainty have caused many house hunters to retreat, creating an imbalance of buyers and sellers. 

“We’re seeing a lot more inventory on the market compared to the past two years because the mortgage rate lock-in effect is easing and there’s a lot of new construction,” said Justin Gomez, a Redfin Premier real estate agent in Omaha, Nebraska. “This has been great for affordability, especially for the younger crowd. Our median home price is in the low $300,000 range. Two years ago, people were offering $15,000 over the asking price just to get a home, with multiple offers everywhere.”