If you’ve been keeping an eye on the property market lately, you may have noticed a clear trend: there are fewer homes for sale compared to this time last year. This shift in supply has a big impact on both buyers and sellers, understanding what it means can help you make smarter decisions in today’s market.
Here’s how low stock levels are shaping the real estate landscape right now:
1. Less Competition for Sellers
When the number of homes on the market is lower than usual, it’s good news for anyone thinking about selling. Why? Because you’re competing with fewer properties for buyers’ attention.
In a balanced market, there might be multiple homes similar to yours available at the same time, same price bracket, same number of bedrooms, same location. That naturally spreads buyer interest across a range of options. But when stock levels are tight, those competing homes aren’t there. Buyers who might normally have five or six homes to compare now only have one or two and that can be a game-changer.
This environment often leads to:
- More eyeballs on your property – since there’s less for buyers to view, your listing stands out.
- More urgency from buyers – when choice is limited, buyers know they can’t afford to wait.
- More qualified offers – with fewer alternatives, buyers are more likely to put forward competitive & educated offers to secure the property they want.
Put simply, scarcity creates demand. If you’re considering selling, low stock means your property doesn’t just get noticed, it has the potential to attract more serious interest and, in many cases, a higher price
2. More Competition for Buyers
While sellers benefit from low stock, buyers often feel the squeeze. With fewer homes available, more buyers end up competing for the same properties. This creates a highly competitive environment where acting fast is crucial.
Here’s what that looks like for buyers:
- Multiple offers are more common – it’s not unusual for a home to attract several serious buyers at once.
- Less time to decide – buyers who hesitate risk missing out to someone ready to move quickly.
For buyers, preparation is everything. Having pre-approval in place, knowing your budget, and being clear about what you want in a home will help you act decisively when the right property comes along.
3. Faster Sales and Lower Days on Market
Low stock doesn’t just affect competition; it also impacts the speed of sales. With demand outweighing supply, properties are generally selling faster than usual.
For sellers, this means:
- Less time on the market – you can move on with your plans more quickly.
- Confidence in buyer demand – knowing that there are serious buyers ready to act.
- Less carrying cost – reduced time spent paying ongoing mortgage, rates, and upkeep while waiting for a sale.
For buyers, the key takeaway is urgency. In today’s market, the “I’ll think about it for a week” approach can mean missing out entirely.
4. Higher Open Home Attendance
Another clear sign of low stock levels is what’s happening at open homes. With fewer properties available, more buyers are turning up to every inspection. That means busier open homes, more competition in the room, and an increased sense of urgency among buyers.
Why this matters:
- For sellers – packed inspections create strong social proof. Buyers can literally see the competition around them, which often encourages quicker and stronger offers.
- For buyers – busy open homes can feel intimidating, but they’re a sign of a strong market. To stand out, make sure you’re prepared to act and consider following up quickly with the agent after inspecting.
Crowded inspections also highlight just how much demand is out there — a clear indicator of how competitive the market has become.
Final Thoughts
Low stock levels are reshaping the market. For sellers, it’s an excellent time to consider listing, with less competition and strong buyer demand. For buyers, the key is to be ready, act fast, and understand that competition is fierce.
If you’d like tailored advice on how these market conditions affect you, whether you’re buying, selling, or just exploring your options, feel free to get in touch. We would be happy to guide you through the next steps.