Home-purchase contracts in the United States were canceled at a record rate in July 2025, according to data from Redfin. Approximately 58,000 agreements fell through last month, representing 15.3% of homes that went under contract, marking the highest cancellation rate for a July since at least 2017. The surge in cancellations is attributed to factors including high mortgage rates, a weak economy, increased housing supply, and declining home prices, creating a buyer's market in many areas. Summer home sales have slowed to their weakest pace in a decade, with first-time homebuyers reaching a record low. Regional markets such as South Florida are experiencing some of the highest cancellation rates, indicating a cooling trend after several years of strong activity. Additionally, housing permits have dropped to cycle lows, suggesting further market weakness may be forthcoming.
Permits this week pushed to cycle lows in another sign the housing market is cracking, with more data this week on transactions and prices likely to show further weakeness. https://t.co/sjSn8nKP9E https://t.co/93pnkqjj0C
Miami Beach ranks near bottom in national real estate market report https://t.co/RCATAw8tfl
First-time home buyers have fallen to a record low 📉 https://t.co/w1ldNAD7oY