Market Shift Is Giving Buyers the Upper Hand Again

Buying a Home in 2026? The Market Is Finally Shifting in Your Favor

If you’ve been thinking about buying a home in 2026 but felt like the odds have been stacked against you the past few years, here’s some good news: the market is finally starting to rebalance.

According to a recent Redfin report, buyers now have more negotiating power than they’ve had in over a decade. For the first time in a long time, sellers actually outnumber buyers, by a pretty wide margin.

That doesn’t mean buying a home is suddenly effortless. But it does mean you’re no longer expected to rush, overextend, or make emotional decisions just to compete.

And that shift matters.

Understanding what’s changing can help you move through the process with more clarity, confidence, and control.

Why Buyers Are Gaining Leverage Right Now

The biggest driver behind this shift is pretty simple: there are more homes for sale than there are buyers actively shopping.

Nationally, there are about 47% more sellers than buyers in today’s market. When that happens, sellers have to work harder to attract attention, and buyers get more options.

Compared to the seller-dominated markets we’ve seen over the past several years, homes are sitting a bit longer, pricing expectations are adjusting, and the intensity has eased in many areas.

Mortgage rates and pricing still matter, of course. But the constant pressure to “act now or lose out” isn’t as extreme as it once was.

For buyers, that creates something that’s been missing for a while: time to think and make smart decisions.

What buyer leverage actually looks like

Leverage isn’t just a headline or a statistic you feel it during the transaction.

As a buyer, it can show up in ways like:

• More flexibility in price negotiations

• Sellers being more open to covering closing costs or offering concessions

• Less pressure to waive inspections or protections

• Greater ability to negotiate repairs, timelines, or terms

This doesn’t mean every seller is desperate or every home is discounted. Well-priced, well-located homes will always attract attention.

What has changed is that buyers are more likely to have a voice, and the ability to ask for terms that make sense for their situation.

How This Is Playing Out Here in San Diego

As always, real estate is local.

Here in San Diego, we’re seeing more balance than we’ve had in years. Inventory has improved, days on market have stretched in certain areas, and price adjustments are happening more regularly, especially on homes that miss the mark on pricing or presentation.

That said, desirable neighborhoods, move-in-ready homes, and properties priced strategically are still competitive.

The opportunity lies in knowing where flexibility exists and where it doesn’t, and that’s where having strong local guidance really matters.

How to Use This Market to Your Advantage

When buyers have more leverage, the goal isn’t to move slower, it’s to move smarter.

The buyers who tend to do well right now are focused on strategy, not speed. That usually means:

• Understanding true market value based on recent local sales

• Watching homes that have been on the market longer

• Being clear about budget comfort and non-negotiables

• Writing offers that balance value with reasonable flexibility

Trying to perfectly time the market rarely works. Making a thoughtful decision that aligns with your finances and lifestyle usually does.

The Bottom Line for Buyers in San Diego

You have more leverage today than you’ve had in years, and that can make the home-buying process feel far more balanced and manageable.

No market is perfect. But today’s conditions give buyers more room to ask questions, negotiate thoughtfully, and move forward at a pace that feels right.

If you’re considering buying a home in San Diego, even if you’re still early in the process, understanding how the market is shifting can help you take your next steps with confidence.

And when you’re ready, I’m here to help you navigate it strategically.