Buyers Gain Ground: Housing Inventory Shows Promising Growth

The past few years have been tough for homebuyers, with rising home prices and mortgage rates making it harder to find an affordable option. If you're in the market for a home, you might be feeling discouraged about staying within your budget.

But here’s some good news—you have more choices now. The number of homes for sale has increased significantly, including both existing homes and newly built ones. Let’s break down these two key trends that are giving buyers more opportunities.

1. More Existing Homes on the Market 📈

According to Realtor.com, the number of existing homes for sale jumped 22% in 2024. And the outlook is even more promising—experts predict inventory will continue to grow, with projections showing another 11-15% increase by the end of the year (see graph below).

If you’ve been struggling to find a home that checks all your boxes, there’s good news! As the number of homes for sale continues to rise, you’ll have more options to choose from—giving you a better shot at finding a home that fits your needs.

As Ralph McLaughlin, Senior Economist at Realtor.com, explains:

"Now is a great time to start your home search. With more homes hitting the market, buyers finally have options—something that’s been scarce for years."

2. MarketMore Newly Built Homes Are Available

According to Census data and the National Association of Realtors (NAR), newly built homes now make up 31.1% of the market—roughly 1 in 3 homes for sale. While that’s higher than usual, it’s not due to overbuilding. Builders have been catching up after years of underproduction.

The best part? Many builders are focusing on smaller, more affordable homes, which means new construction could be more budget-friendly than you expect. While new homes are often seen as the pricier option, the price gap between new and existing homes has been narrowing.

As CNET puts it:

"If there’s a lot of new construction in your area, you might find that buying a brand-new home costs the same—or even less—than a pre-owned one."

So, if affordability has been holding you back, it’s time to explore new builds. Otherwise, you could be missing out on a third of the available homes on the market!

Bottom Line

Having more options could be the game-changer that helps you achieve your homeownership goals in 2025. With inventory on the rise, now is a great time to explore what’s available and find a home that fits your needs.

If you're ready to take the next step, connect with a local real estate agent who can guide you through the process and show you the best options in your area. Whether you’re looking for more space, a specific location, or modern upgrades, sharing your must-haves with an agent will help them find homes that check all your boxes.