"US Housing Market Shifts: Inventory Rises, Affordability Remains Challenging" cover art

"US Housing Market Shifts: Inventory Rises, Affordability Remains Challenging"

"US Housing Market Shifts: Inventory Rises, Affordability Remains Challenging"

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

 The US housing industry over the past 48 hours continues to show clear signs of transition, driven by rising inventory, shifts in consumer expectations, and new pressures on affordability. Inventory is up meaningfully, with the total housing inventory at 1.33 million units at the end of March, an 8 percent rise from February and nearly 20 percent higher than March 2024. This rise is seen most strongly in the South and West, where inventory jumped more than 30 percent year-over-year, giving buyers increased negotiating power and more choices, especially among newly built homes, which now account for over 31 percent of all homes for sale. Supply levels, particularly for new homes, have reached their highest since before the 2008 crisis, with 481,000 new homes and 385,000 speculative homes on the market—about 50 percent and 40 percent above long-term averages, respectively.

However, prices remain elevated. The national median existing-home sales price reached a record $403,700, up 2.7 percent from the previous year. Industry forecasts expect price growth to slow compared to 2024, with projected appreciation around 2 to 3 percent for 2025. Sellers are now more willing to cut prices, as reflected in a recent surge of price reductions, and the gap between buyers and sellers is narrowing. These moves could create more entry opportunities for first-time buyers, though affordability is still a major hurdle due to high mortgage rates.

Consumer behavior is showing cautious optimism, with buyers encouraged by greater inventory but still held back by high costs and borrowing rates. Market leaders are responding with increased promotional activity, more flexible financing, and greater emphasis on new constructions to address supply gaps. No major regulatory changes or disruptive partnerships have been announced in the past week, but ongoing uncertainty around tariffs and national economic policy continues to shape the landscape.

Compared to earlier this year and last year, the market is less constrained by supply, but affordability challenges and uncertainty about economic policy still weigh heavily on sentiment. Unless mortgage rates decline or policy changes spur greater affordability, the outlook remains one of gradual adjustment rather than rapid recovery.

What listeners say about "US Housing Market Shifts: Inventory Rises, Affordability Remains Challenging"

Average Customer Ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.com.au reviews

Amazon Reviews
No Reviews are Available
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.