Zillow economists use an economic model known as the Zillow Market Heat Index to gauge the competitiveness of housing markets across the country.
This model looks at key indicators—including home price changes, inventory levels, and days on the market—to generate a score showing whether a market favors sellers or buyers.
Higher scores point to hotter, seller-friendly metro housing markets. Lower scores signal cooler markets where buyers hold more negotiating power.
According to Zillow:
- Score of 70 or higher = strong seller’s market
- Score from 55 to 69 = seller’s market
- Score from 44 to 55 = neutral market
- Score from 28 to 44 = buyer’s market
- Score of 27 or lower = strong buyer’s market
Nationally, Zillow rates the U.S. housing market at 55 in spring 2026.
That said, Zillow’s reading varies significantly across the country.
