Nationally aggregated inventory is up +3.8% on a year-over-year basis between August 31, 2025 and August 31, 2026. Want more housing market stories from Lance Lambert’s ResiClub in your inbox? Subscribe to the ResiClub newsletter.
The 18 states back above pre-pandemic 2019 housing market inventory levels
Why This Matters
Housing inventory is rebuilding, with 18 states now above their pre-pandemic 2019 levels and national inventory up 3.8% year over year. More listings mean more negotiating leverage for buyers and softer price pressure in the markets that have recovered supply fastest, a meaningful shift after years of scarcity.
Key Takeaways
- National for-sale inventory rose 3.8% year over year as of August 31, 2026.
- 18 states have climbed back above their pre-pandemic 2019 inventory levels.
- Rising supply tilts leverage toward buyers in the recovered markets, easing price pressure.
Worth a Look
Klein Tools Laser Distance Measure — If rising inventory has you touring listings again, a pocket laser measure lets you check room dimensions and ceiling heights on the spot instead of guessing. It's a fast way to compare homes and figure out whether your furniture actually fits before you make an offer.
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