January 2026 Real Estate Update: The Highest Contract Cancellations Across the U.S.
Home contract cancellations surged to record highs at the end of 2025, with more than 40,000 deals falling apart — the highest rate since Redfin began tracking in 2017. Atlanta, Jacksonville, San Antonio, Cleveland, and Tampa led the nation in canceled contracts, driven by high mortgage costs, rising inventory, and growing buyer leverage. Realtor.com data shows pending home sales also dropped sharply, signaling a cautious, shifting market as 2026 begins.
