National Vacancy Rate Remains Unchanged, Revealing Real Estate Insights for Third Quarter
In its recent analysis, ATTOM, a leader in property data and analytics, reported that the national vacancy rate for residential properties has not shifted from its steady rate of 1.3 percent. This statistic has remained unchanged not only from the previous quarter but also from the same period a year earlier. According to the report, which delves into vacant properties and the concerning trend of 'zombie' homes—properties abandoned by owners before the foreclosure process concludes—the current landscape of American housing reflects a persistent challenge for potential home buyers.
As of the third quarter of 2026, there were approximately 104.6 million residential properties across the United States. Out of these, 259,666 were found to be in the foreclosure process, with around 3.3 percent of those, equating to 8,482 properties, classified as zombies. This marks a slight decline from the previous quarter's zombie rate of 3.4 percent.
Rob Barber, CEO of ATTOM, emphasized the ongoing difficulty in finding available homes for sale in many regions. In fact, 19 states are currently experiencing a vacancy rate below 1 percent, which is creating supply constraints that contribute to elevated home prices. The situation indicates that many prospective buyers are feeling the pinch as they navigate a competitive and tight housing market.
The report also highlighted state-specific data surrounding zombie properties. Notably, in 21 states, the number of zombie homes increased between the second and third quarters of 2026. For example, Kentucky saw a significant surge of 56.8 percent in zombie properties, while Colorado and Arizona witnessed increases of 30.1 percent and 19.4 percent respectively. Conversely, Georgia and Texas reported the most substantial declines in zombie properties, down 22.8 percent and 17.4 percent respectively.
Regarding overall vacancy rates, the states with the highest percentages were Oklahoma and Kansas, both showing a rate of 2.4 percent. Other states like Alabama and West Virginia followed closely with a vacancy rate of 2.2 and 2.1 percent respectively. On the opposite spectrum, the lowest vacancy rates were concentrated in New Hampshire (0.3 percent), Vermont (0.4 percent), and New Jersey (0.5 percent).
A geographical analysis of zombie properties presented concerning trends, particularly in some Midwest cities. Among major metropolitan areas, Youngstown, Ohio, had the highest rate of zombie properties at 12.1 percent of homes in foreclosure. In Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Baltimore, Maryland, the rates were similarly high at 11.6 and 11.5 percent respectively.
Investors, an increasingly influential factor in the real estate market, are also holding a significant number of vacant properties. Out of the 24.9 million properties owned by institutional investors, 879,532, representing 3.5 percent, were reported vacant in the third quarter of 2026—more than twice the national average vacancy rate. Particularly high rates among investor-owned homes were noted in Indiana, Illinois, and Oklahoma, with vacancy rates of 7 percent, 6.2 percent, and 6 percent respectively.
In reviewing ZIP code data, two areas in Indianapolis emerged among those with the highest home vacancy rates. For instance, ZIP code 33708 in Saint Petersburg, Florida, had an alarming 38.3 percent of foreclosure properties deemed vacant, illustrating the ongoing challenges facing specific locales within the broader national context.
The results of ATTOM’s third quarter examination of vacancy and zombie homes underline a static national vacancy rate of 1.3 percent, with a subtle decrease in the rate of zombie homes to 3.3 percent. As the property market continues to grapple with these trends, potential buyers and investors alike may need to adapt their strategies for navigating such a complex landscape.
This report illustrates ongoing housing challenges in the U.S, a vital sector where fluctuations can influence broader economic dynamics.
As of the third quarter of 2026, there were approximately 104.6 million residential properties across the United States. Out of these, 259,666 were found to be in the foreclosure process, with around 3.3 percent of those, equating to 8,482 properties, classified as zombies. This marks a slight decline from the previous quarter's zombie rate of 3.4 percent.
Rob Barber, CEO of ATTOM, emphasized the ongoing difficulty in finding available homes for sale in many regions. In fact, 19 states are currently experiencing a vacancy rate below 1 percent, which is creating supply constraints that contribute to elevated home prices. The situation indicates that many prospective buyers are feeling the pinch as they navigate a competitive and tight housing market.
The report also highlighted state-specific data surrounding zombie properties. Notably, in 21 states, the number of zombie homes increased between the second and third quarters of 2026. For example, Kentucky saw a significant surge of 56.8 percent in zombie properties, while Colorado and Arizona witnessed increases of 30.1 percent and 19.4 percent respectively. Conversely, Georgia and Texas reported the most substantial declines in zombie properties, down 22.8 percent and 17.4 percent respectively.
Regarding overall vacancy rates, the states with the highest percentages were Oklahoma and Kansas, both showing a rate of 2.4 percent. Other states like Alabama and West Virginia followed closely with a vacancy rate of 2.2 and 2.1 percent respectively. On the opposite spectrum, the lowest vacancy rates were concentrated in New Hampshire (0.3 percent), Vermont (0.4 percent), and New Jersey (0.5 percent).
A geographical analysis of zombie properties presented concerning trends, particularly in some Midwest cities. Among major metropolitan areas, Youngstown, Ohio, had the highest rate of zombie properties at 12.1 percent of homes in foreclosure. In Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Baltimore, Maryland, the rates were similarly high at 11.6 and 11.5 percent respectively.
Investors, an increasingly influential factor in the real estate market, are also holding a significant number of vacant properties. Out of the 24.9 million properties owned by institutional investors, 879,532, representing 3.5 percent, were reported vacant in the third quarter of 2026—more than twice the national average vacancy rate. Particularly high rates among investor-owned homes were noted in Indiana, Illinois, and Oklahoma, with vacancy rates of 7 percent, 6.2 percent, and 6 percent respectively.
In reviewing ZIP code data, two areas in Indianapolis emerged among those with the highest home vacancy rates. For instance, ZIP code 33708 in Saint Petersburg, Florida, had an alarming 38.3 percent of foreclosure properties deemed vacant, illustrating the ongoing challenges facing specific locales within the broader national context.
The results of ATTOM’s third quarter examination of vacancy and zombie homes underline a static national vacancy rate of 1.3 percent, with a subtle decrease in the rate of zombie homes to 3.3 percent. As the property market continues to grapple with these trends, potential buyers and investors alike may need to adapt their strategies for navigating such a complex landscape.
This report illustrates ongoing housing challenges in the U.S, a vital sector where fluctuations can influence broader economic dynamics.
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
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