The “lock-in effect” is finally starting to break, and Americans are moving yet again. But, where are they going? The top cities people are moving to aren’t what you’d expect—in fact, many of them are where prices are actively falling. Is now the time to buy as populations grow and homes remain affordable?
Three major housing market shifts are unfolding this week, and we're breaking them all down on this week's headlines episode. First, is the lock-in effect finally over? Before, the housing market was at a standstill, as homeowners with 3% mortgage rates refused even to consider selling. Now, after years of high rates slowly getting better, the tables have turned. Sellers are more willing to let their property go and tap into that huge pile of equity, but will this actually affect inventory?
Then, the 2026 U-Haul Growth Index—where are people moving right now? The top metros and states could surprise you, as many of them have falling home prices. Finally, is housing inventory getting worse? It felt for a while that buyers had their pick, but now, the trend is starting to reverse, and sellers may gain even more control.
In This Episode We Cover
U-Haul’s top in-migration cities, metros, and states
The end of the lock-in effect? Why homeowners aren’t staying put to keep their low rate
This city's job market is “on fire” and seeing a strong influx of residents
Did housing inventory growth already reverse? Why sellers are finally getting fast offers
Signs to buy during a correction: cities that are growing but seeing lower home prices
And So Much More!
Links from the Show
Join the Future of Real Estate Investing with Fundrise
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Join us at the BiggerPockets Conference October 2-4 in Orlando. Buy tickets
Sign Up for the On the Market Newsletter
Find Investor-Friendly Lenders
Dallas-Fort Worth Remains Projected as the Top Housing Market For the Second Year in a Row
Fortune: ‘Something big’ just happened in the U.S. housing market
U-Haul Growth Index
Realtor: Inventory Gains Slow Down in January
Henry's BiggerPockets Profile
James' BiggerPockets Profile
Kathy's BiggerPockets Profile
Grab Henry’s Book, "Real Estate Deal Maker"
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