US house buying guide: September 27-October 3 named best week to buy a home in 2026; homebuyers could save $14,000

The week of September 27 to October 3, 2026, is said to be the best time to buy a house, according to a report of the Realtor.com.

As per the report a combination of lower prices, higher inventory and reduced buyer competition is creating unusually favorable conditions for homebuyers. According to the report, buyers shopping during this week could potentially save around $14,000 on a median-priced home worth roughly $416,000.

Why September 27 to October 3 is the best week to buy

As per Money.com, listings during the week are expected to be nearly 40% higher than at the start of 2026, giving buyers substantially more homes to choose from. At the same time, competition between buyers has eased. Demand per property is expected to be around 30.1% below peak levels, giving buyers more time to consider a property instead of having to compete against multiple offers. Prices are also expected to be about 3.5% below their seasonal peak, further improving affordability.

Home prices have been falling for months

The shift in the market is also reflected in asking prices. Hannah Jones, senior economist at Realtor.com, said asking prices have fallen year-over-year for the past 10 months. "That's the first stretch of home prices falling in pretty much the data's history, which goes back about a decade," Jones said.

The trend suggests sellers are increasingly recognizing that pricing a home too aggressively could leave it sitting on the market for longer. That gives buyers greater scope to negotiate, particularly in areas where inventory has grown substantially.

More homes, less competition

One of the biggest advantages for buyers this week is the combination of high inventory and weaker demand. Historical housing data indicates that the week beginning September 27 is expected to have the highest level of active listings of the year.

For buyers, that means more choices across different price ranges and neighborhoods. It could also reduce the pressure to make an immediate decision simply because another buyer might make an offer.

The changing balance between supply and demand is particularly important after a period of elevated mortgage rates and inflation, which have kept many potential buyers on the sidelines.

Mortgage rates remain a key factor

Despite favourable conditions, mortgage rates remain homebuyers biggest concern as a relatively small change in borrowing costs can significantly affect a homeowner's monthly payment.

This means buyers need to look beyond the advertised price of a property and calculating the total monthly cost of ownership. That includes the mortgage payment as well as property taxes, homeowners insurance, maintenance and other expenses.

Could prices fall even further?

While the September 27-October 3 period offers a strong combination of inventory, pricing and competition, buyers who wait longer could potentially find additional discounts.

As fall progresses, some sellers may become increasingly motivated to complete a sale before the holiday season. That could result in additional price reductions later in the year.

However, waiting also comes with risks.

Inventory could begin to decline, mortgage rates could move higher and desirable properties could be sold. Therefore, the "best week" does not necessarily mean every buyer should wait until this particular period or purchase immediately.

The right decision will depend on individual finances and local market conditions.

South offers more negotiating power

Housing conditions also vary significantly across the US. As per the report of Realtor, the South is seeing a substantial increase in housing supply, creating more opportunities for buyers to negotiate with sellers. The situation is different in the Northeast, where inventory remains more constrained. In markets with fewer available homes, sellers can retain greater negotiating power even as the national market becomes more buyer-friendly.

This regional difference means national housing statistics should not be treated as a guarantee for every city or neighborhood.

What homebuyers should do before buying

Buyers considering a purchase during this period should prepare their finances before entering the market. They should determine how much money they can comfortably put toward a down payment and calculate the full cost of homeownership rather than focusing only on the sale price.

Property taxes, homeowners insurance, maintenance, closing costs and mortgage payments can significantly increase the actual cost of owning a home. Buyers should also compare mortgage offers and understand how different interest rates would affect their monthly payments.