Why Many U.S. Homeowners Say "I Can't Sell My House" as 2025 Sales Hit Multi‑Decade Lows

By 2025, existing-home sales in the United States slipped to just over 4 million, slightly below 2024 and the weakest level in decades, as many owners felt unable to sell. Ultra-low mortgages below 3–4% taken during the pandemic, combined with current borrowing costs around 6–7%, have created a lock-in effect that discourages moving and keeps inventory tight. First-time buyers now face high prices, fewer listings, and higher rates, pushing their average age close to 40 and their share of purchases to about 21%.