Here is a look at what’s really happening right now — what’s good for homebuyers, where it’s happening, and what to watch out for.
What makes a “buyer’s market” in housing
You may ask: what does it mean when people say the housing market is “favoring buyers”. When such a statement is made, these are the things usually considered:
- Months of supply — that is, how long it would take at the current pace to sell all homes listed. When supply passes six months, that suggests there are more homes than buyers, giving buyers more negotiating power.
- Rising inventory (more homes listed or available compared to past years), price cuts (homes listed at lower prices than before or being reduced), and slower sales (homes staying on the market longer).
Recommended:
Major recall of powerbanks after fires and explosions cause thousands of dollars of property damage
Which major U.S. metros are now buyer-friendly
You might wonder: where exactly is this happening? These metros are standing out:
Other metros that have crossed into this “buyer’s market” zone: New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ (6.7 months of supply), Jacksonville, FL (6.3), Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL (6.3), and Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA (6.1).
Why these markets are shifting in favor of buyers
Here are what you’ll see and what’s driving the change — so if you are or will be a buyer, this helps you understand your advantage:
- More homes on the market — in many of the buyer-friendly metros, active listings are up significantly compared to 2024.
- Lots of price reductions — sellers are lowering list prices more often, or offering more incentives, because demand has softened.
- Homes spending more time on the market — fewer buyers rushing, more time to decide. This gives you more chance to negotiate.
Recommended:
Where homebuyers still do not have much leverage
It is not all good news everywhere. You should know:
- In many parts of the U.S., especially where supply is tight, or demand remains strong, you will still face competition from other buyers. High mortgage rates and affordability remain issues.
- Even in the metros listed above, not every price-range or every kind of home is equally soft. For example, premium homes or those in very desirable neighborhoods may not have many discounts.
Things homebuyers should do to make the most of this shift
If you are buying or thinking about buying, you can take advantage of this moment – here is what you can do:
- Shop in the markets above or check supply and price trends in your local area. If your area is seeing rising inventory and price cuts, you may have more negotiating room.
- Don’t assume every seller will lower price — ask about recent comparables, see what similar homes have sold for.
- Be ready to move when you find a good deal — even in cooler markets, well-priced homes often attract buyers.
- Get your financing lined up so you can act quickly; being preapproved helps.
Related article:
How to minimize taxes when selling an investment property?
Unpaid taxes could cost you your passport. These are the main IRS penalties for 2026
Container incident at Port of Long Beach: cargo spills into harbor
