LendingTree Finds 14.5 Million Vacant US Homes, but Fewer Than 800,000 Are for Sale
Updated
Updated · Mortgage Professional · Jul 17
LendingTree Finds 14.5 Million Vacant US Homes, but Fewer Than 800,000 Are for Sale
1 articles · Updated · Mortgage Professional · Jul 17
Summary
Fewer than 800,000 of the 14.5 million vacant U.S. homes are actually listed for sale, LendingTree said, undercutting the idea that empty homes could quickly ease the housing shortage.
Another 4.7 million vacant units are seasonal or recreational properties, while many others fall into an "other vacant" category that includes foreclosures and homes owners are holding off the market.
States with the tightest inventory — including Connecticut, Washington and California — show a median home value of $435,118, versus $267,440 in high-vacancy states, a gap of $167,678.
The national vacancy rate still fell 0.31 percentage point from 2023 to 2024, equal to about 302,000 fewer vacant units, but LendingTree said elevated rates and market volatility are still keeping buyers and sellers on the sidelines.