More Home Listings Sold Below Purchase Price in September
Seven percent of homes hit the market under their original purchase price as demand cooled nationwide.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Residential
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As of September 2026, the national share of homes listed below their original purchase price rose to 7 percent. This marks a shift from 6.6 percent in early August as some sellers face weaker demand.
Why it matters
Weaker demand, higher borrowing costs, and rising inventories are pressuring owners to adjust pricing strategies to facilitate sales. Many sellers are responding by cutting asking prices or offering concessions like closing cost credits and rate buydowns.
Four states currently exceed the 10 percent threshold for listings priced below purchase price, led by Colorado at 12.4 percent. Hawaii follows at 11.4 percent, Florida at 11.1 percent, and Arizona at 10.1 percent.
The details
Sellers in these markets are cutting asking prices to exit properties where buyer demand has diminished. To attract buyers amid higher financing costs, homeowners are increasingly incorporating seller concessions into their listings, such as credits for closing costs or temporary interest rate buydowns.
Timeline
2020-2022: Period of rapid housing price appreciation.
Early August 2026: National share of listings below purchase price stood at 6.6%.
September 2026: National share of listings below purchase price reached 7%.
The Home Front
This trend reflects the cooling of the rapid housing price appreciation observed between 2020 and 2022. It signals a shift in market leverage as inventory levels rise across the Sun Belt and Mountain West regions.
If you are considering a sale, consult with a licensed real estate agent to evaluate how current local inventory and price trends compare to your original purchase cost. Review your closing statement and purchase documentation to understand your current equity position before adjusting your asking price.
The takeaway
Rising shares of listings sold below cost indicate a cooling market that prioritizes competitive pricing and concessions. Homeowners should track their local listing competition to understand whether aggressive pricing strategies are necessary for a successful sale.
Further reading
For more on shifting local markets, see Residential.
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