34% seller surplus signals new buyer advantage

For much of the past several years, the U.S. housing market has been firmly tilted in favor of sellers. Tight inventory, surging prices, and high competition left many buyers frustrated, often forced into bidding wars that drove costs well above asking prices. However, new data indicates a significant change is underway: the number of active sellers now exceeds the number of buyers by an unprecedented 34%. This marks the strongest buyer’s market in years and could reshape the real estate landscape for the remainder of 2025.

Historically, the real estate market tends to swing between “seller’s” and “buyer’s” phases, influenced by supply, demand, and economic factors such as interest rates. According to recent reports from industry analysts, this year has seen an extraordinary surge in listings, particularly in the condominium sector. Miami stands out as a prime example, where inventory growth has outpaced buyer activity to such a degree that many sellers are reevaluating their pricing strategies or even delisting properties altogether. This oversupply gives buyers more room to negotiate — something virtually unheard of in the recent, hyper-competitive market.

One of the most striking elements of this transition is the dominance of condos in the current surge of listings. Several factors are driving this trend. Rising maintenance costs, increased insurance premiums in coastal cities, and shifts in buyer preferences toward single-family homes with more outdoor space have made condos less attractive to some. For sellers, this has meant longer time on market and a need to stand out through pricing incentives or upgrades. For buyers, especially first-time purchasers or investors, the condo market now offers more choice and less competition, allowing for due diligence without the pressure of immediate offers.

Miami, long considered one of the hottest and most competitive housing markets in the U.S., has become a textbook example of how quickly conditions can change. In recent months, over half of the listed properties in Miami have been removed from the market without selling — a signal that sellers are unwilling to compromise on price, but also that buyers are standing firm. The city’s luxury condo segment, in particular, has seen a surge in availability, creating opportunities for buyers who have been priced out in the past. With a glut of listings and rising mortgage costs, sellers are finding it harder to hold their ground.

While the gap between sellers and buyers is widening, another important factor is shaping the landscape: mortgage interest rates. After peaking in 2023, rates have eased somewhat in 2025, reaching their lowest point in nearly a year. This reduction has improved affordability for many prospective buyers, especially those with strong credit profiles. Combined with the growing inventory, this creates a rare window where buyers can both secure a more favorable loan and have multiple options to choose from. However, economic uncertainty — including fluctuating inflation and the potential for further rate adjustments — means that this window may not remain open indefinitely.

For buyers, the current environment offers advantages not seen in years: more listings, less competition, and greater room for negotiation on price, contingencies, and closing costs. This is an ideal time to re-enter the market for those who stepped back during the height of competition. Sellers, on the other hand, must be strategic. Pricing realistically from the outset, improving property presentation, and offering incentives such as rate buy-downs or covering part of the closing costs can make a significant difference in attracting offers.

The shift toward a buyer’s market in parts of the U.S. — especially in the condo sector and cities like Miami — marks a notable departure from the overheated conditions of recent years. A record 34% gap between sellers and buyers is giving purchasers new leverage, while motivating sellers to adapt to a more competitive environment. For buyers who have been waiting for the right time to act, this could be a golden opportunity. Yet, as market dynamics can change rapidly, both sides should approach transactions with a clear strategy, grounded in current local data and realistic expectations.