September 2026 housing data show days on market rising to 67–70 in Atlanta and moderate buyer competition, giving leverage in Midwest and Sun Belt markets.
Redfin and Zillow data released in early September 2026 indicate that homes are taking longer to sell than in 2025, shifting the balance toward buyers in many markets. The national median days on market now sits near 67 days, up from 57 days one year ago, according to Redfin’s closed-sale statistics. Zillow’s metro-wide “21 days to pending” metric, which measures time from listing to accepted offer, also shows a modest lengthening outside the fastest-moving suburban pockets.
Current financing costs remain elevated. Per FRED data as of September 3, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate stands at 6.71 percent, the 15-year fixed at 6.04 percent, and the 10-year Treasury yield at 4.77 percent, producing a mortgage spread of 1.94 percentage points. Higher borrowing costs continue to temper demand and contribute to slower absorption rates.
In the Atlanta metro, homes listed in May 2026 spent an average of 70 days on market before closing—13 days longer than the same month in 2025. Redfin’s City of Atlanta figure is slightly tighter at 67 days. Zillow’s Market Heat Index classifies the metro as “neutral,” reflecting moderate buyer competition and an uptick in price reductions.
Zillow’s 2026 Best Markets for Home Buyers report highlights leverage in the Midwest and Sun Belt. Cities such as Indianapolis, Memphis, and Raleigh post Market Heat Index scores below 60, indicating fewer multiple-offer situations and more room for negotiation. Conversely, coastal tech hubs continue to register higher heat scores above 75, though even these markets show a sequential decline from 2025 peaks.
| Market | Median Days on Market | Market Heat Index | Buyer Leverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta, GA | 67 | 52 | Moderate |
| Indianapolis, IN | 48 | 41 | High |
| Raleigh, NC | 55 | 48 | Moderate |
| San Jose, CA | 32 | 78 | Low |
Zillow analysts note that seasonal patterns will likely intensify competition in February and March 2027 as more buyers enter the market and new listings begin to surface. Until then, the current softening trend is expected to persist, giving buyers additional time to evaluate properties and negotiate concessions.
With days on market trending upward and mortgage rates anchored near 6.71 percent, buyer competition in September 2026 is materially lower than 2025 levels in most non-coastal metros. Prospective purchasers can run live scenarios at HomeRates.ai to quantify how today’s rate environment and extended marketing times translate into monthly payment and offer strategy.
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