Housing market shifts to favor buyers -- but they're not buying

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

Like much else about the U.S. economy, tariffs and broader uncertainty are weighing on home sales amid the industry's crucial spring season.

In March, more than 375,000 homes were newly listed on the market — an increase of nearly 9% compared to the same time last year, according to Zillow Group Inc. (Nasdaq: ZG) research. But newly pending sales were flat compared to last year, despite slightly lower average mortgage rates in March 2025 compared to a year ago.

That's despite several aspects of the market — including price cuts hitting their highest point in at least seven years — shifting to favor buyers.

Inventory rose to 1.15 million homes in March, an increase of 19% from last year and the most inventory for buyers in the month of March since 2020, according to Zillow. Inventory is now about 24% below 2018 and 2019 averages for the spring housing market.

https://www.bizjournals.com/bizwomen/news/latest-news/2025/05/spring-sluggish-housing-market-tariffs-uncertainty.html

[Captain Zero]

1. Ah, that's a shame.

I'm hoping it screws the big property cartels that moved into markets nationwide and bought up houses.

[Chemical Bill]

9. I don't think it will....

They buy to own, and have money to spare while the market takes it's twists and turns. Private equity firms will grab the choice properties at lower prices in a buyer's market. Then the houses either rent for top dollar or provide a tax write off while empty. It's sad.

[chowder66]

2. I wonder how many are in markets that can't get homeowners insurance.

or could be priced out of getting homeowners insurance.

[msongs]

3. 7 percent interest, that oughta spur a housing boom lol nt

[surfered]

4. We're over built here and given interest rates, etc, it's a buyers market

[SheltieLover]

6. Overbuilt with mcmansions though?

[surfered]

7. Short term rentals

[SheltieLover]

8. Ah.

[cachukis]

5. Not so good for sellers who just want to sell.

[WarGamer]

10. Prices are EVIL... interest rates are EVIL.