Something interesting is happening in the housing market right now. Across the country, affordability is actually improving compared with last year. Buyers are starting to get a little more breathing room. But here is the key: even though affordability is improving, the market is not behaving the same everywhere.

Some areas are seeing buyers move faster. Some areas are seeing more negotiation. And in places like Chandler, the amount of available inventory is playing a major role in how the market feels.

So in this update, we are going to break down three important things:

• Why affordability is improving

• What is changing in buyer behavior

• And what the Chandler market specifically looks like right now

Key Market Highlights

• Affordability Has Improved Compared to Last Year: Across many major metro areas, including Phoenix, affordability has improved by roughly 10% compared with 2024. That does not mean housing is suddenly cheap, but it does mean buyers have slightly more flexibility than they did last year.

• Mortgage Rates Are Lower Than Last Year: Mortgage rates are now around 6.1%, which is near the lowest level seen in over three years. Even small changes in rates can significantly impact monthly payments, which is one of the main drivers behind improved affordability.

• Income Growth Is Supporting Buying Power: Wages have continued to grow over the past year. When income increases while mortgage rates stabilize or decline, buyers gain more purchasing power and flexibility in their home search.

• Inventory Is Higher Than the Frenzy Years: There are more homes available today compared with the extremely tight supply during 2021 and early 2022. More inventory gives buyers more options and changes the pace of decision-making.

• Chandler Inventory Is Around 70 Days: Chandler currently sits at about 70 days of inventory, which is a major shift from the 20–30 day levels in 2021, but also lower than the 100+ day levels seen during parts of 2025.

• The Market Is Becoming More Balanced: The current environment in Chandler is neither extremely tight nor overly loose. It is a more balanced, strategic market where both buyers and sellers need to approach decisions carefully.

Buyer & Seller Insights

1. Why Affordability Is Improving

There are three main reasons affordability is getting better, and they are all happening at the same time.

First, mortgage rates have improved. At around 6.1%, financing is more manageable than it was last year. Even a small drop in rates can lower monthly payments enough to bring more buyers back into the market.

Second, income growth has continued. As wages increase, buyers gain more purchasing power, which helps offset the higher home prices we have seen over the past few years.

Third, there are more homes available. Inventory has expanded compared with the tightest years, which gives buyers more options and reduces the urgency to rush into a decision.

When you combine these three factors, affordability improves—not dramatically, but enough to change how buyers behave.

2. Chandler Inventory Tells the Real Story

When we zoom into Chandler, the data becomes much more meaningful.

Back in 2021, inventory was extremely tight, often sitting between 20 to 30 days. That meant buyers had very few options, and homes sold quickly with strong competition.

In 2022 and 2023, inventory began to rise as mortgage rates increased and buyer activity slowed slightly.

By 2024, inventory reached around 60 to 90 days, giving buyers more breathing room.

In 2025, inventory climbed even higher in some periods, exceeding 100 days, which created a softer environment for sellers.

Now in 2026, inventory is around 70 days. That number is important because it shows the market is stabilizing. It is no longer in the extreme shortage of 2021, but it is also not as loose as it was during parts of 2025.

Instead, Chandler is sitting in a more balanced position.

3. Why the Market Feels Different Right Now

A lot of people say the market feels different today, and there is a clear reason why.

Mortgage rates have improved. Income has increased. Inventory has expanded. Those three changes together create a market that feels less rushed and more strategic.

Buyers are no longer forced to make immediate decisions. They can take time, compare homes, and negotiate when needed.

At the same time, sellers are no longer guaranteed fast offers just by listing their home. They need to be more intentional about pricing and presentation. This is what a balanced market looks like.

4. What This Means for Buyers

For buyers, this is a much more favorable environment than the frenzy years. You have more homes to choose from, more time to evaluate options. And in many cases, you have more room to negotiate.

However, that does not mean every property will be easy to win. Homes that are well-prepared, priced correctly, and located in desirable areas can still attract strong competition.

So the key for buyers is understanding where you have leverage—and where you do not.

5. What This Means for Sellers

For sellers, the biggest change is simple: buyers now have choices.

And when buyers have choices, they compare more carefully. Condition and presentation matters more than before. Pricing matters more than ever.

In today’s market, the homes that stand out clearly are the ones that succeed. You can still sell successfully, but it requires a stronger strategy than it did during the peak years.