65 housing markets with an inventory surge that benefits homebuyers

Among the nation's 200 largest metro area housing markets, 65 markets ended December 2024 with more active homes for sale than they had in pre-pandemic December 2019.

Many of the softest housing markets, where homebuyers have gained leverage, are located in Gulf Coast and Mountain West regions, which experienced significant home price growth during the pandemic.

When pandemic-fueled migration slowed and mortgage rates spiked, markets like Punta Gorda, Florida, and Austin, Texas, faced challenges as they had to rely on local incomes to sustain frothy home prices.

National active inventory remained 16% below December 2019 levels, but a growing number of regional markets have surpassed that benchmark, allowing homebuyers increased leverage.

Read at Fast Company