Boise Real Estate Market Update May 2026 – Inventory Just Dropped for the First Time in Years

By: Brent Hanson
May 11, 2026

The Boise real estate market may be entering a new phase, and the latest numbers are catching many people by surprise.

For the first time in several years, inventory is actually lower than it was during the same time last year. That may sound like a small detail, but in real estate, supply and demand drive everything.

And right now, demand is starting to outpace supply again.

At the moment, there are about 1,000 active homes on the market, with 784 pending sales and 673 closings. While active inventory has dipped compared to last year, pending sales have climbed significantly.

That shift matters.

  • Inventory is shrinking year over year
    This is the first time in roughly 3.5 years that inventory has decreased compared to the previous year. That tells us buyers are absorbing homes faster than new listings are hitting the market.
  • Buyers under $600K are feeling the pressure
    If you’re shopping in lower price points, competition is increasing quickly. Homes are moving faster, and buyers are finding fewer options available.
  • Luxury buyers still have leverage
    Once you move above the $1.5 million price point, the market changes dramatically. Buyers have more inventory to choose from and more negotiating power.

The biggest takeaway is that not every segment of the market is behaving the same way.

That’s why broad national headlines often create confusion for buyers and sellers. While some markets around the country may be slowing down, the local market is telling a different story.

Real estate is hyper-local.

What’s happening nationally does not always reflect what’s happening in your neighborhood, your price range, or your specific situation.

That’s especially important in a market like this, where conditions can vary drastically depending on price point and inventory levels.

For buyers:
• Don’t assume every seller is desperate
• Competitive price ranges may require stronger offers
• Strategy matters more than ever

For sellers:
• Pricing correctly still matters
• Demand is improving in many segments
• Well-positioned homes are moving quickly

One of the most important things buyers and sellers can do right now is work with an agent who truly understands the data behind the market.

It’s not just about opening doors or putting a sign in the yard anymore. A strong agent should be helping you understand:
• Market timing
• Inventory trends
• Negotiation leverage
• Buyer demand
• Pricing strategy

That kind of insight can make a major difference in the outcome of your sale or purchase.

And looking ahead, there’s a strong possibility inventory could continue tightening as we move deeper into spring and early summer.

If that happens, competition could increase even more.

If you’re considering buying or selling, now is the time to pay attention to the market and have a strategy in place.

Reach out to a City of Trees Real Estate agent if you’d like help understanding your options, your local market conditions, or your home’s value.

And be sure to watch the full market update on YouTube for a deeper breakdown of the latest trends and what may be coming next.