Home Sales Fall 8.7% as Inventory Climbs
Zillow's preliminary October estimate shows existing-home sales declining year over year while New York inventory rises.
Updated on Nov. 15, 2026 in Residential
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Zillow estimated 304,105 existing-home sales in October 2026, down 8.7% from a year earlier, in a preliminary count subject to revision. Nationally, 1.4 million homes were listed for sale, up 3.4% from a year earlier.
Why it matters
Rising inventory alongside softer sales points to a market where buyers have more choices but face higher financing costs. Estimated monthly mortgage payments climbed 12.8% annually, shaping affordability for prospective buyers across the country.
Zillow's typical home value was $364,812 in October, down 0.6% from September and up 0.7% annually, with estimated monthly mortgage payments of $2,004 at 20% down, excluding taxes and insurance. The October sales count remains a preliminary estimate subject to revision.
The players
Zillow
Zillow is a real estate marketplace known for publishing home value estimates and national housing market data.
New York State Association of Realtors
The New York State Association of Realtors is a trade group representing licensed real estate professionals across New York State.
The details
In New York, the State Association of Realtors reported 35,294 available homes in September, up from 32,149 a year earlier, lifting inventory supply from 3.6 to four months. The statewide median sale price rose 5.9% to $450,000 over the same period, while Zillow reported a typical monthly rent of $1,913, up 2.9%.
Timeline
September 2026: New York State Association of Realtors reporting period for inventory and prices.
October 2026: Zillow's national existing-home sales estimate period.
October 20, 2026: New York State Association of Realtors released its September report.
November 5, 2026: Zillow published its October housing report.
Market Dynamics
The October estimate extends a pattern in Zillow's monthly housing reports in which listings grow while transactions slow, leaving buyers with more homes but higher monthly costs. Estimated payments up 12.8% annually show that financing costs, not supply alone, are driving affordability pressure.
For buyers, the combination of more listings and estimated mortgage payments near $2,004 at 20% down means monthly budgets must account for financing costs beyond the sticker price. Renters face a typical monthly rent of $1,913, up 2.9%, which shapes the comparison between renting and buying.
The takeaway
Compare the total monthly cost of ownership, including taxes and insurance, against current rent before committing to a purchase. Rising inventory gives buyers more room to negotiate in many markets.
Further reading
Explore more residential real estate coverage for context on how sales and inventory shifts affect home buyers.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fingerlakes1.
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