San Antonio, January 21, 2026
In a remarkable turn of events, San Antonio’s housing market has seen sellers outnumbering buyers by 103%, reflecting a broader trend across the U.S. in December. With 631,000 more sellers than buyers nationwide, buyer activity has hit a decade-low. High home prices and increased mortgage rates are primary factors driving this shift, leading to stagnated price growth. Local economies and real estate strategies may face changes as this imbalance continues. The future of the market may depend on downward mortgage trends to attract buyers back.
San Antonio Experiences Historic Shift in Housing Market
Record Number of Home Sellers in December 2025
In December 2025, the U.S. housing market witnessed a new trend, characterized by a significant increase in home sellers. For the first time since records began in 2013, sellers outnumbered buyers by an astonishing 47%. This translates to approximately 631,000 more sellers than buyers, leading to a notable decline in buyer activity, with only 1.34 million active buyers—the lowest figure seen in over a decade, excluding the early pandemic state.
Southern States Lead the Seller-Buyer Disparity
This nationwide imbalance is particularly evident in the Sun Belt region. Cities in Texas, such as San Antonio, are experiencing a pronounced seller surplus, with about 103% more sellers than buyers. This trend mirrors others in the region; Austin sits with an estimated 128% overage of sellers, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, shows a 125% seller surplus. Such disparities denote a broader shift in the housing market, affecting local economies and real estate strategies.
Why Are Buyers Stepping Back?
Several factors are driving this trend in seller excess. Primarily, the combination of high home prices and elevated mortgage rates has discouraged many prospective buyers from entering the market. Additionally, sellers who entered the real estate sector during the market’s peak amid the pandemic are now facing challenges in reconciling their price expectations with current market realities.
Exploring Home Price Growth Trends
The prevailing seller surplus has contributed to a slowdown in housing price growth. As of December, prices rose by merely 0.1%, marking the slowest increase since June 2023. This trajectory indicates a potential stabilization or decline in home prices, which could further impact buyer sentiment moving forward.
What Lies Ahead for the Housing Market?
As the market presently favors buyers, a turning point could arise if mortgage rates begin to trend downwards, enticing more buyers back into the mix. The timeline for this shift will heavily rely on a combination of economic factors and the willingness of sellers to adjust their expectations accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does it mean that home sellers outnumber buyers by 47%?
In December 2025, there were 47% more home sellers than buyers in the U.S. housing market, equating to approximately 631,000 more sellers than buyers. This is the largest gap in records dating back to 2013.
Which regions experienced the largest imbalances between sellers and buyers?
The Sun Belt region saw significant imbalances. For example, Austin, Texas, had an estimated 128% more sellers than buyers, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, had a 125% surplus of sellers.
What factors have contributed to the decline in buyer activity?
High home prices, elevated mortgage rates, and economic uncertainties have led to a decline in buyer activity. Additionally, many sellers who purchased homes during the pandemic’s peak market have been slow to adjust their expectations to current market conditions.
How have home prices been affected by the current market conditions?
In December 2025, home prices rose by just 0.1%, the slowest growth since June 2023. This suggests that home prices may continue to stabilize or decline in the near future.
Could the housing market shift back in favor of sellers?
The market could shift back in favor of sellers if mortgage rates continue to decline, potentially encouraging more buyers to enter the market. However, the pace of this shift will depend on various economic factors and the sellers’ willingness to adjust their expectations.
Key Features of the U.S. Housing Market Shift in December 2025
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Seller-Buyer Imbalance | 47% more sellers than buyers, approximately 631,000 additional sellers. |
| Number of Active Buyers | 1.34 million, the lowest level in over a decade, excluding the onset of the pandemic. |
| Regional Imbalances | Significant imbalances in the Sun Belt, with Austin, Texas, having 128% more sellers than buyers, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, having a 125% surplus of sellers. |
| Factors Affecting Buyer Activity | High home prices, elevated mortgage rates, and economic uncertainties. |
| Home Price Growth | Home prices rose by just 0.1% in December 2025, the slowest growth since June 2023. |
| Potential Market Shift | Possible shift back in favor of sellers if mortgage rates decline further, encouraging more buyers. |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
