US Housing Inventory Rises 0.6% Week-over-Week, Down 10% from 2019 Levels

Housing inventory has increased by 0.6% week-over-week and decreased by 10% compared to 2019 levels. The current inventory stands at 866 thousand, up from 860 thousand the previous week. The data suggests that inventory will be close to 2019 levels by the end of 2025.

The U.S. housing market is experiencing a significant shift, with inventory levels rising and prices stabilizing. According to recent data from Realtor.com, Zillow, and RE/MAX, the market is moving away from the pandemic-era frenzy and toward a more balanced state. This trend is evident in the substantial increase in housing inventory, which has surged to multiyear highs.

In June 2025, the number of homes actively for sale in the U.S. reached 1.36 million, a 17% increase from the same period last year, according to Zillow [1]. This marks the highest inventory level since November 2019. RE/MAX reported similar growth, with inventory up 30.1% from June 2024 and 3.9% from May 2025 [1]. This broad-based increase in inventory is driven by more new listings and homes taking longer to sell, leading to higher month-end totals.

The rise in inventory has led to a decrease in home prices. Realtor.com reported that 26.6% of listings had price cuts in June, the highest rate ever recorded for the month [1]. This trend is particularly pronounced in pandemic-era hot spots such as Phoenix, Denver, and Nashville. The typical home spent 53 days on the market in June, five days longer than a year ago, reflecting a return to more normal transaction timelines [1].

The increase in inventory and slower sales are providing buyers with more options and less competition. Buyers no longer need to rush into offers within hours, giving them time to inspect properties and consider pricing more critically. However, sellers face a more challenging environment, as simply listing a home at a high price is no longer enough. Successful sellers will need to focus on competitive pricing, proper staging, and flexible negotiation strategies to stand out in a crowded field.

The data suggests that inventory will be close to 2019 levels by the end of 2025. While this is a positive sign for buyers, it also indicates that the market may be entering a period of stability rather than growth. As the market continues to evolve, investors and financial professionals should keep an eye on these trends to make informed decisions.

References:
[1] https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/2025/08/01/us-home-inventory-rising-2025/