Is Housing Inventory Finally Rebounding? What Buyers & Sellers Should Know – June 2025 Update
Housing Inventory is Rising – But Still Below Pre-Pandemic Levels
After years of historically low inventory, homebuyers are finally seeing more listings hit the market. Across the U.S., housing inventory at the end of May 2025 is about 90% of where it stood in May 2019, according to data from Realtor.com.
But that national number doesn’t tell the whole story — especially here in the Mid-Atlantic and Greater Philadelphiaregions.
In the Bright MLS footprint (which includes Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, D.C., and West Virginia), active listings are up 25.1% year-over-year, marking the 16th straight month of increases. Still, inventory remains 36% lower than it was in May 2019.
Some metro areas — like Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. — have seen inventory rise above pre-pandemic levels, especially in urban zones. But in surrounding suburbs such as Montgomery County, Bucks County, and Southern New Jersey, inventory remains well below 2019 norms. In many of these areas, active listings are still less than half of what they were before the pandemic.
What Type of Homes Are Moving Fast?
Inventory is only part of the picture. Buyers are responding differently based on price points and property types.
Homes that sold in May averaged just 29 days on market, while homes still active at the end of May averaged 75 days.
Homes that are priced competitively — or have had price reductions — are far more likely to go under contract quickly.
In fact, 25.2% of homes that went under contract last month had a price drop, with an average cut of 6.6%.
The median original list price for homes on the market was $472,814, but homes that went under contract had a median price of $435,000 — nearly a 10% gap. This pricing trend signals that sellers need to adjust expectations in this evolving market.
Single-Family Homes Are Still in Demand
While inventory is rising, it doesn’t always match what buyers want.
Single-family detached homes made up 60% of May sales, but only 57% of current listings.
Condos, on the other hand, represent 16% of listings but only 11% of sales.
Buyers who are focused on single-family homes — particularly in suburban neighborhoods — may still face competition. But those open to townhomes or condos may find more negotiable sellers and better opportunities.
The Local Outlook: What to Expect Moving Forward
For buyers, this is a promising time. There’s more inventory, some price flexibility, and a chance to take more time to explore options — especially if you're willing to expand your search criteria.
For sellers, homes are still moving, especially if they are priced right from the start. While the market has shifted from the frenzied pace of past years, there’s still strong demand, particularly for well-priced homes in good condition.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just watching the market, local data matters more than ever. Inventory levels, pricing trends, and buyer behavior vary dramatically from one zip code to another.
Let’s Talk About Your Market
If you're thinking about making a move in Montgomery County, Bucks County, or anywhere in the Philadelphia region, we’re here to help you navigate with real-time data and local expertise.
