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significant number of homeowners in the US are choosing not to sell, with 34% saying they'll never sell their home and an additional 27% indicating they won't consider selling for at least a decade. Among those who do plan to sell, most intend to wait several years: 24% within five to ten years, 8% in three to five years, and just 7% within the next three years.

    Older homeowners are more likely to stay put, with 43% of baby boomer homeowners saying they'll never sell compared to 34% of Gen X homeowners and 28% of millennials and Gen Z homeowners. This reluctance to sell contributes to historically low new listings in the US housing market, which remain below pre-pandemic levels.

    The main reasons for this hesitation are financial stability and personal preference. Many homeowners have paid off their mortgages, reducing their housing costs to property taxes, insurance, and HOA fees. Others simply like their home and see no reason to move. Affordability concerns also play a role, with 30% citing high home prices as a barrier to selling.

    Housing costs have surged since the pandemic, with home prices increasing by approximately 40% and mortgage rates rising to 6.91%. This has discouraged many homeowners from moving, particularly those who currently have low interest rates on their mortgages. As one agent noted, "Most sellers today are driven by necessity, such as relocating for work or accommodating a major life change."