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The 2026 Housing Reset: What Returning Inventory Means for Today’s Homebuyers

BY Jamie Gonzalez

Updated Nov. 21, 2025 at 2:15 PM CST

After several years of tight housing supply, 2026 may finally mark a turning point for buyers. According to Zonda’s latest National Outlook, active listings have steadily improved through 2024 and 2025, getting closer to 2019’s “normal” supply levels. In September 2025, inventory sat just 10% below 2019 levels, the closest the market has come since before the pandemic.  

For home shoppers, this means less competition, more choices, and a market that feels more balanced. 

Why Inventory Is Increasing 

Several forces are pushing supply back onto the market: 

1. Slightly Lower Mortgage Rates 

Mortgage rates have eased modestly from their highs, which has encouraged some owners to finally list their homes after sitting on the sidelines for years.  

2. Higher Housing Costs Pushing Investors to Sell 

Some owners of short-term rentals and investor properties – like Airbnb units – are choosing to sell rather than hold onto more expensive assets.  

3. Lifestyle Factors 

Moves driven by marriage, births, divorces, deaths, or needing to be closer to family continue regardless of rates. Millennials are moving up while Boomers are downsizing. These life events add meaningful inventory back into the system.  

4. More New Homes Coming Online 

Builders have been steadily adding inventory to the market, even as they remain cautious with starts. Increased new-home supply helps loosen the market as a whole.  

What More Inventory Means for Buyers 

More listings lead to: 

  • More choices – especially in popular areas where options were extremely limited 

  • More negotiating power – fewer bidding wars, more realistic seller expectations 

  • More price stability – competition among sellers helps keep price growth in check 

  • More mobility – homeowners feel confident they can sell and find their next home 

In the report, Zonda notes that buyers and sellers alike are gaining confidence because they’re less afraid of not being able to find their next home.  

Bottom Line: 2026 is shaping up to be the most “normal” market buyers have seen in years. With more listings to choose from and improving balance between buyers and sellers, this could be the year that housing finally becomes more accessible and less competitive. 

Want to learn more about purchasing a new home in 2026? Sign up for the NewHomeSource newsletter.

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Jamie Gonzalez

Jamie is a seasoned content manager and copywriter with over a decade of experience in editorial strategy, SEO, and digital storytelling. With a Master’s in Mass Communication and a passion for crafting engaging content, Jamie specializes in creating and optimizing brand voices that resonate across digital and print platforms. She has worked across industries, including real estate, health, and finance, with a commitment to delivering high-quality, impactful narratives.