Key facts
- Cash purchases accounted for 31.4% of U.S. home sales in early 2026.
- This share is down from 32.3% a year prior.
- Slowing price growth is contributing to the decline in cash share.
- Rising home inventory is also creating more opportunities for financed buyers.
- Some local markets have seen an increase in cash buyer market share.
- The trend indicates a decrease from pandemic highs for cash purchases.
The market share of cash buyers in U.S. home sales has seen a notable decrease from the high levels observed during the pandemic. In the early part of 2026, cash transactions constituted 31.4% of all home sales nationwide. This figure represents a decline from the 32.3% recorded in the same period of the previous year. The primary drivers behind this shift are identified as slowing home price appreciation and a growing inventory of available homes. These factors collectively enhance the attractiveness and feasibility of financed purchases for a larger segment of the buyer pool. Despite the overall national trend, it is important to note that certain individual housing markets have bucked this trend, with some experiencing an increase in the proportion of cash sales. The data suggests a broader market normalization as the unique conditions of the pandemic recede.