Is It a Buyers’ Market? You Might Already Be In One Without Realizing It

One of the most common questions in real estate is: “When will it finally become a buyers’ market?”

It’s a fair question. For years, home shoppers have watched sellers hold the upper hand, especially during the pandemic years when bidding wars were the norm. Many buyers have been waiting for a clear, unmistakable sign that the tides have turned.

It’s not a new question, though. There are always people wondering when the “bubble” might pop, or if the market is going to crash, imagining that only then will it be the perfect time to buy a house.

But buyers’ markets don’t usually arrive with a giant neon sign flashing “Buy Now!”

In fact, the latest data shows that a buyers’ market is already here—and it may be the strongest one in over a decade.

The Numbers Say Buyers Have the Edge

Recent housing market data shows that in August 2025, there were over half a million more homes for sale than there were buyers in the market. Sellers outnumbered buyers by roughly 35%.

There isn’t a strict definition of what qualifies as a buyers’ market, other than there being more homes for sale than buyers to purchase them. But by any reasonable measure, the current data points to the power being squarely in buyers’ hands.

In fact, the latest figures suggest this may be the strongest buyers’ market seen in more than a decade.

For the first time in years, buyers have more leverage. Instead of competing against dozens of offers or waiving every contingency just to get in the door, today’s buyers are in a stronger position to negotiate, ask for concessions, and take a little more time before making an offer.

Here’s Why It Might Not Feel Like a Buyer’s Market…

If the latest numbers point to the strongest buyers’ market in over a decade, you might be wondering why it doesn’t necessarily feel that way. If you’re not picking up those buyer-friendly vibes, you’re not alone.

Here are some reasons why some buyers may not be feeling like the current market conditions are in their favor:

• Prices still feel high. Home values haven’t plunged. While the breakneck pace of price growth has cooled, prices in many areas remain near record levels.
• Mortgage rates are still elevated. At just over 6%, today’s rates are far from the historic lows of the pandemic years. Higher borrowing costs make monthly payments feel steep, even when buyers have more negotiating power.
• The economy feels uncertain. Talk of rate cuts, inflation pressures, and recession risks all leave consumers cautious about making large financial commitments.
• Not everyone qualifies. Many buyers who were already stretched thin by high prices and rates are sidelined. A buyers’ market only helps if you can actually participate in it.
• Perception lags reality. People expect a buyers’ market to arrive with a dramatic price crash. But in reality, it often looks more like increased balance and opportunity—things that are easy to miss if you’re waiting for fireworks.

However, even if it doesn’t feel like it, today’s conditions create real advantages for buyers who are prepared to step in and make the most of them. And the fact that many buyers don’t see it as a buyers’ market can actually give an extra edge to those who do.

Who Stands to Benefit Right Now?

Not every buyer is positioned to take advantage of today’s conditions. But for those who are, this market creates opportunities that haven’t been seen in years. Certain buyers are better positioned to take advantage of today’s market, and they often share some common characteristics:

1. They’ve been waiting for a sign. If you’ve been holding off because you didn’t want to buy in the middle of a sellers’ frenzy, this may be the window you were hoping for.
2. They can spot motivated sellers. Not every homeowner is desperate to sell, but some are. Buyers who look closely at the options on the market and zero in on homes with room to negotiate are the ones who can walk away with a deal.
3. They’re confident in their income and job stability. Peace of mind about your financial footing makes it easier to move forward while others hesitate.
4. They can afford the payments comfortably. Even with mortgage interest rates at their current level, buyers who can manage the monthly payment today are in a strong position—especially knowing that refinancing may be an option if rates dip in the future.
5. They’re willing to act when others don’t. In any buyers’ market, hesitation leaves opportunity on the table. The buyers who step forward while others sit on the sidelines often come out ahead.

You don’t need to meet every one of these points to benefit from the current market. But if a few feel familiar, it could be your signal to start exploring homes and see what advantages might be waiting for you.

Even if the current conditions don’t feel dramatic, the data shows buyers do have leverage. But keep in mind that real estate market conditions can vary widely not only by region but also by price point and property type. What’s true nationally may not match the reality in your city, neighborhood, or even the specific price range you’re shopping in.

That’s why the best next step is to speak with a trusted local agent. They can help you determine whether now is a good time for you to buy, and how to make the most of the opportunities in your market.

The Takeaway:

Buyers have been waiting years to hear that it’s a buyers’ market. Well, the latest data suggests that time has come… but a lot of buyers either aren’t aware of it, or feel like they aren’t in a position to take advantage of it.

Sellers outnumber buyers by a wide margin, and that translates into real opportunities for those who are prepared. If you’re financially ready, flexible, and willing to negotiate, now may be one of the most favorable environments you’ve seen in years.

A buyers’ market rarely announces itself with flashing lights. More often, it arrives quietly—and the people who benefit most are the ones who recognize it early and take action.