The November 2025 Housing Market Update reveals several positive shifts taking place as the real estate market moves toward greater balance and affordability. Whether you're thinking about buying, selling, or planning for the future, these trends provide valuable insight into what to expect heading into 2026.
Inventory is rising across the country, with active listings now exceeding 1.1 million. This gives buyers more options and creates a less competitive environment compared to the past few years.
Even with more homes on the market, the number of people moving in 2025 remains unusually low. Only about 2.8 percent of U.S. homes are expected to change hands this year — the lowest turnover level in decades. This means that while options are growing, every well-priced home still draws interest from serious buyers.
Another encouraging sign is the improvement in mortgage spreads. This has helped stabilize mortgage rates in the low 6-percent range, offering buyers slightly more purchasing power than they’ve had in recent years.
For the first time in more than two years, affordability is moving in a positive direction. Home prices have softened in many markets, and slight dips in mortgage rates are giving buyers more room to work within their budgets.
The Federal Reserve continues to closely monitor inflation and employment data, and signs of cooling inflation may support additional rate improvements into 2026. As rates gradually ease, more potential buyers are beginning to re-enter the market.
One major shift affecting the housing landscape is the “lock-in effect.” Over the past few years, many homeowners stayed put because they didn’t want to give up their low pandemic-era mortgage rates. Now, life events — growing families, relocations, financial changes, or downsizing — are beginning to outweigh that hesitation, leading to more listings and a healthier market flow.
Housing forecasts suggest mortgage rates may continue trending down over the next year. This is expected to increase homebuyer activity, especially as affordability improves.
National projections show total U.S. home sales rising from about 4.8 million in 2025 to over 5.2 million in 2026. As rates improve and more homeowners decide to make a move, buyers and sellers can expect a more active and balanced market.
If you've been waiting for the right moment to purchase, conditions are becoming more favorable:
Starting your search now positions you ahead of the wave of new buyers expected in early 2026.
Sellers can still take advantage of strong demand — but strategy matters more than ever:
For many homeowners, especially those needing to upsize or downsize, 2026 could present ideal timing.
Even if you’re not planning to move right away, this shifting market matters:
Keeping an eye on changing trends can help you make informed decisions about your home and long-term plans.
At Sanders Real Estate, we believe that informed clients make confident decisions. Our team stays up to date on the latest market trends, forecasts, and data so we can guide homeowners, buyers, and sellers through every step of their real estate journey.
As the November 2025 Housing Market Update shows, the market is shifting in encouraging ways. Whether you're preparing to buy, thinking about selling, or simply curious about your home’s value, our agents are here to help you navigate the changing landscape with clarity and confidence.
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Woodstock, GA
