34% seller surplus signals new buyer advantage

The U.S. housing market is showing signs of a shift toward buyers, with the number of sellers now outpacing buyers by a record 34%. This imbalance is creating more opportunities for homebuyers, especially in the condo sector and in cities like Miami, where rising inventory and longer listing times are shifting negotiating power.

Is the housing market finally improving for buyers?

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.

A record gap between sellers and buyers

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.

Why condos are leading the shift

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 as a case study in buyer leverage

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.

The role of interest rates and the broader economy

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.

How buyers and sellers should respond

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.

Conclusion

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.

Brokerage

Vista Mar Realty Group, Inc.

1314 East Las Olas Blvd #501 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301; 2645 Executive Park Drive Suite 133 Weston, FL 33331

Email: roger@vistamarrealty.com

Phone: (954) 558-4844

Selecting the right Realtor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when buying or selling a home. The right Realtor should not simply provide the best information available to assist your decisions, but also provide the comfortable working relationship and service necessary to make the best decisions. We offer our agents the same marketability, ease of operation and security one would expect of a big broker company, but without the archaic brokerage office cubicle or the pressure of exorbitant overhead costs. Our relaxed and equipped meeting spaces, easy-to-navigate websites, and Realtor education resources, allow your agent to focus on what is most important—the client. At Vista Mar Realty Group, we believe a constantly evolving real estate market calls for a network of Realtors who are willing to innovate. Trends affecting property values and the needs of buyers and sellers change by the hour. Having a forward-thinking Realtor by your side to help you make important decisions, which affect your finances and your family, is not a luxury. It is an imperative. Experienced, insightful, ethical, and equipped with valuable resources and South Florida contacts, the Realtors of Vista Mar Realty Group are a step above the traditional real estate agent. Because Vista Mar Realty Group offers its agents the opportunity to run their own independent business under one company umbrella — without the huge overhead costs of a typical ‘big broker’ company — your Realtor can focus on your mutual success. Vista Mar Realty Group offers its buyers and sellers a choice network of diverse agents, who are committed to their client’s happiness.