June 23, 2026
Some experts viewed the housing market shifts as a correction that would bring balance between buyers and sellers, but the latest numbers from Redfin suggest the power has shifted to buyers and Tampa is in the throes of that shift.
Redfin estimates that there are nearly half a million more home sellers than buyers in the US housing market. That’s 47 percent more buyers than sellers in the United States, and the percentage is even higher in Tampa: 76.9 percent.
Cities in Sunbelt lead the list, with Nashville (129.8 percent more buyers than sellers), Miami (122.3) and Austin (116). Houston (110.8), San Antonio (107.5), Las Vegas (102.1) and Dallas (96.7) also rank in the top 10, but Florida cities also charted.
Fort Lauderdale (99.2) ranks 7th while Orlando (78.8) is 10th. Tampa is 11th and West Palm Beach (74.6) is 12th.
Overall, the number of sellers entering the market is at a six-year high according to Redfin. Of the 50 top metro areas, it ranks 35 as buyers markets. Meanwhile, homebuying demand remained flat, which widened the gap slightly.
There were only 7 seller’s markets. Long Island was the strongest, followed by several other Northeastern metro areas and San Francisco.
The remaining 8 were balanced markets, including New York, Boston, Minneapolis and other Midwest and East Coast metros.
“While the gap between homebuyers and sellers has narrowed slightly since the end of last year, house hunters still have far more negotiating power and less pressure to make rushed decisions,” said Redfin Senior Economist Asad Khan. “With lots of inventory to choose from, buyers in most of the country can be selective and ask for concessions, while sellers still need to price competitively to stand out.
Supply, spurred by new constructions in places like Florida and Texas, has proven to be the driving factor in the numbers tilting in buyers’ favor. Redfin estimated nearly 1.5 million home sellers nationally in the market in May — the highest count since 2020 and up 0.4 percent from April.
Separately, Realtor.com’s Spring 2026 Housing Market Progress Report found new listings rose 1.4 percent year over year through April and now sit 22 percent higher than 2025.
The latest Realtor.com report also found that Tampa, Miami, Dallas and San Antonio have seen consistent price reductions. These are markets where forecasters expected buyers to gain leverage as 2026 progressed, and where spring data confirms that shift is underway.
Yet the uncertain economy could prove to be a fly in the ointment for eager buyers. Mortgage rates soared to their highest level in nearly a year, straining affordability. Widespread economic and geopolitical uncertainty also deterred house hunters, with the Iran war, rising gas prices and inflation coming together to create financial jitters.
“Buyers should remember that it’s not quite as strong of a buyer’s market as it once was,” Khan said. “The most desirable homes in popular metro areas–and popular neighborhoods in all areas–are still attracting multiple offers.”