Redfin reports a 58% gap between sellers and buyers, with the Sun Belt driving the shift.
Source: Original report
In August 2026, the U.S. housing market experienced its strongest buyer's market on record, according to Redfin's latest report. The national gap between sellers and buyers widened to 58%, marking the most significant imbalance since the company began tracking this data in 2013. This shift was primarily driven by a surge in listings and stagnant demand, particularly in Sun Belt metros.
Sun Belt Metros Lead the Shift
The strongest buyer's markets were concentrated in the Sun Belt, with Nashville, Miami, and Houston topping the list. These metros saw more than double the number of sellers compared to buyers. Other major metros with significant gaps included Orlando, Las Vegas, San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas.
Nationwide Trends
Nationally, there were an estimated 1.5 million home sellers in August, the highest level since early 2020, representing a 3.9% month-over-month increase. In contrast, the number of homebuyers stagnated, with only a 0.1% increase from July, which had the lowest level of buyers on record.
Khan, a Redfin senior economist, indicated that buyers could take their time making decisions as the market had many properties to choose from. He recommended that buyers should attempt to lower the price and request benefits such as fixes or assistance with closing costs.
Impact on Buyers and Sellers
A buyer's market typically favors those looking to purchase a home, as they have more options and negotiating power. However, high housing costs and economic uncertainty have led many potential buyers to hesitate, contributing to the current imbalance.
For sellers, the message is clear: to stand out, they must price competitively, prepare their homes thoroughly, and be ready to negotiate. With a surplus of listings, sellers who want to find a buyer quickly should ensure their homes are well-positioned in the market.
Seller's Markets Remain Rare
Despite the overall shift towards a buyer's market, there are still five seller's markets in the U.S. These include Nassau County, NY; Newark, NJ; Montgomery County, PA; Milwaukee; and San Francisco. In these areas, demand remains strong, and home-sale prices increased by an average of 5.5% year over year in August.
For the complete report, methodology and insights at the metro level, visit: Redfin's August 2026 Buyer vs. Seller Report.
