Study Finds Vacant Homes Sell for Less Than Occupied Properties – NMP Skip to main content

Study Finds Vacant Homes Sell for Less Than Occupied Properties

May 20, 2019
Photo credit: Getty Images/YKvision

Vacant homes sell for an average of $11,306 less and spend six more days on the market than comparable occupied homes, according to a new data analysis from Redfin.
 
For this study, the Seattle-headquartered real estate brokerage studied homes that were listed and sold in 2018, comparing the sale prices and time spent on the market for properties that were flagged as being vacant and those that were not. In every metro studied for this analysis, vacant homes sold for less money, ranging from a 0.9 percent different in San Jose to a 7.2 percent difference in both Omaha, Neb., and Greenville, S.C.
 
"Although vacant homes are easy for buyers to tour at their convenience, the fact that the sellers have already moved on is often a signal that buyers can take their time making an offer," said Redfin Chief Economist Daryl Fairweather. "It's also likely that sellers who are in a comfortable enough financial situation to own a property that's sitting empty aren't as motivated to get the highest possible price for their home as sellers who need the cash from their first home in order to buy the next one."

 
About the author
Published
May 20, 2019
The Fed Held. The Mortgage Market Got A Warning.

Three policymakers favored an immediate hike, while Warsh welcomed higher bond yields and offered no clear path toward mortgage-rate relief

Jul 30, 2026
New Study Finds UWM's 'All-In' Triggered Industrywide Pricing Spillovers

Research shows wholesale competitors responded to the 2021 Rocket ban by lowering mortgage rates,

Jul 15, 2026
First Major Housing Reform In Decades Becomes Law Without Trump's Signature

Bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act advances supply, construction, and mortgage reforms despite White House protest

Jul 10, 2026
Mortgage Star Conference Honors Women Shaping The Future Of Mortgage Leadership

MWLC honors leaders driving innovation, mentorship, and growth across the mortgage industry

Jul 09, 2026
June Jobs Report Improves Mortgage Rate Outlook

Slower hiring strengthens bonds and eases concerns over additional Fed tightening

Jul 02, 2026
NEXA Founder Mike Kortas Launches evoLend To Help Originators Retain Borrowers

New Fannie Mae-, Freddie Mac- and Ginnie Mae-approved mortgage servicer aims to keep originators connected to borrowers through servicing data, payoff visibility and retention tools

Jul 02, 2026