Inventory Peaks at Highest Levels Since COVID, Latest HouseCanary Report Shows

A Seller’s Market Environment Continues to be Evident in the Housing Market, but Neutralization is on the Horizon With Inventory Levels Continuing to Rise

Presumed September Interest Rate Cuts Is Anticipated to Free Buyers and Sellers From Previous Holding Patterns

SAN FRANCISCO--()--HouseCanary, Inc. (“HouseCanary”), a national brokerage known for its innovation and accuracy of real estate information, today released its August Market Pulse Report, finding that inventory remains low from a historical perspective, however, it is now at the highest level since Covid.

HouseCanary previously reported that inventory levels were gradually approaching pre-Covid levels, and this sentiment remained unchanged in August as total inventory increased 28.7% from the same period last year. Additionally, contract volume in August 2024 across all price tiers increased compared to August 2023, suggesting a steadier housing market and evidence of demand from potential homebuyers, further demonstrating a seller’s market.

Jeremy Sicklick, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of HouseCanary, commented:

The past couple of years have seen a housing shortage nationwide. However, consistent with what we have seen throughout this summer, there have been signs pointing to normalization in the housing market since the pandemic when looking at inventory levels, pricing and contract volumes from a multiyear perspective. Notably, total inventory is up 28.7% from the same period in 2023, and up 9.3% from 2022, indicating improvements in the pool of available properties and an eventual neutralization of the housing market.

As we forecast for the back half of the year, we can expect the Fed to begin cutting interest rates at the next FOMC meeting after Powell’s remarks in Jackson Hole. If realized, we can anticipate increased contract volume during the fall season, should demand from prospective buyers remain persistent. Buyers and Sellers who have been sidelined from the market could just about be ready to get back in the game.”

Key Takeaways:

  • Over the last 52 weeks, 2,635,853 net new listings were placed on the market, and 2,580,025 properties went under contract. This represents an increase of 5.3% and a decrease of 2.8%, respectively.
  • Total inventory is up 28.7% from the same period in 2023, and up 9.3% from 2022. Inventory remains on the low side from a historical perspective, but is now at the highest levels since COVID.
  • Median days on market stands at 42. This is up 13.5% from where it was one year prior at 37 days on market.
  • Contract volume in August 2024 is up for all price tiers compared to August 2023.
  • The median price of all single-family rental listings in the US was $2,606. On a year-over-year basis, the median price of all single-family rental listings is up 0.4%. Month-over-month, the median price of single-family rental listings is down 0.8%.

Methodology

The Market Pulse Report is an ongoing review of proprietary data and insights from HouseCanary’s nationwide platform, covering 22 listing-derived metrics and comparing data between August 2023 and August 2024.

About HouseCanary

Founded in 2013, national real estate brokerage HouseCanary empowers consumers, financial institutions, investors, and mortgage lenders, with industry-leading services including valuations, forecasts, and transactions. These clients trust HouseCanary to fuel acquisition, underwriting, portfolio management, and more. Learn more at www.housecanary.com.

If you are currently working with a real estate agent, this is not meant as a solicitation of your business.

HouseCanary, Inc. is a Licensed Real Estate Brokerage in KS, NM, SC and under the Trade Name ComeHome in AL, AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MO, MN, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY.

Trade Name ComeHome Real Estate in MI and UT.

Trade Name ComeHome by HouseCanary in AR.

HouseCanary, Inc., brokerage information

TREC Info About Brokerage Services

TREC Consumer Protection Notice

California DRE #02113022

AVM Disclosure: An AVM is an estimated sale price for a property. It is not the same as the opinion of value in an appraisal developed by a licensed appraiser under the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.

Contacts

Longacre Square Partners
Aliah Aquino / Emma Rosh
housecanary@longacresquare.com

Contacts

Longacre Square Partners
Aliah Aquino / Emma Rosh
housecanary@longacresquare.com