# Understanding Absorption Rate in Real Estate: A Complete Guide

## What Is Absorption Rate in Real Estate?

The absorption rate measures how quickly homes are sold in a [market](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/market.asp) during a specific period. It's calculated by dividing the number of homes sold by the total number of available homes. This equation can also be reversed to identify the time it would take for the supply to be sold.

### Key Takeaways

*   The absorption rate in [real estate](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/r/realestate.asp) is a vital metric used to gauge how quickly homes are sold in a specific market, calculated by dividing the number of homes sold by the number of available homes.  
    
*   Absorption rates above 20% generally indicate a seller's market, where homes sell quickly, while rates below 15% suggest a buyer's market with slower home sales.  
    
*   Real estate agents, appraisers, and lenders use absorption rates to adjust pricing strategies, evaluate property values, and make informed lending decisions.  
    
*   High absorption rates might signal developers to consider new construction due to increased demand, whereas low rates indicate a potential slowdown in building activities.  
    

## Understanding High and Low Absorption Rates in Real Estate

The absorption rate provides insight into how quickly or slowly houses sell in the real estate market. The absorption rate does not include additional homes that enter the market at various times. It is based on currently available data and actual inventory.

A high absorption rate suggests that homes are selling fast, which means a homeowner may sell their property quickly. However, it's important to consider the time frame used in the absorption rate calculation.

Traditionally, a rate above 20% indicates a [seller's market](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/sellersmarket.asp) with quick home sales, while below 15% suggests a buyer's market with slower sales.

> **Fast Fact**
>
> Real estate professionals use the absorption rate in pricing homes. During periods of higher absorption rates, homes are often priced higher.

## How Absorption Rates Influence Real Estate Market Dynamics

When absorption rates are low, real estate agents might lower the listing price to attract buyers. Alternatively, the agent can increase the price without sacrificing [demand](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/demand.asp) for the home if the market has a high absorption rate. The absorption rate is also important for buyers and sellers as they decide on the timing of purchases and sales.

The absorption rate can signal developers to start building new homes. During market conditions with a high absorption rate, demand may be high enough to warrant the further development of properties. Periods with lower absorption rates indicate a cooling period for construction.

[Appraisers](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/appraiser.asp) monitor market conditions and absorption rates to determine property values. Some procedures require that absorption rates be considered in [appraisal](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/appraisal.asp) calculations. Lenders and banking institutions also consider market conditions when evaluating loan and credit terms.

## Real Estate Absorption Rate Example: Calculation and Implications

To find the absorption rate in real estate, divide the total number of homes sold in a specific period by the total number of homes available in that market.

Suppose a city has 1,000 homes currently on the market to be sold. If buyers purchase 100 homes in one month, the absorption rate is 10% (100 homes sold per month divided by 1,000 homes available for sale). This also indicates that the supply of homes will be exhausted in 10 months (1,000 homes divided by 100 homes sold/month).

> **Important**
>
> New rules for the National Association of Realtors, expected to take effect in July 2024, may lower commissions for home buyers and sellers. If a federal court approves the changes, the standard 6% commission ends and sellers no longer have to propose compensation to prospective buyers and their agents. NAR will also require brokers to enter into written agreements with their buyers to help consumers understand what services will be provided, and at what cost.

## What Does a High Absorption Rate Mean?

A high absorption rate means a higher proportion of houses are being purchased. Otherwise, a low absorption rate means a lower proportion of houses are being purchased. This information is used by relators, financial institutions, and appraisers as the rate at which houses are being bought drives a home's value and price.

## How Does Absorption Rate Apply to Accounting?

In accounting, the absorption rate is when companies calculate and allocate their overhead [expenses](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/expense.asp). These are the costs associated with providing goods and services to their customers, though these expenses aren't directly traceable to end products. As such, it's also often called an overhead absorption rate.

## How Is a Monthly Absorption Rate Calcuated?

In order to determine a monthly absorption rate, take the total number of homes sold in the market and divide that by 12. Then, divide this monthly average number of homes sold by the total number of homes available for sale.

## The Bottom Line

Realtors use absorption rate to determine how many homes are sold in a particular area at any given time. These professionals can also use the rate to determine market trends. This rate is also important for the construction industry to indicate when developers should start buying.

> **Article Sources**
>
> 1.  Rocket Mortgage. "[Measuring Absorption Rate in Real Estate](https://www.rocketmortgage.com/learn/absorption-rate#:~:text=Put%20simply%2C%20the%20absorption%20rate,home%20demand%20and%20home%20prices.)."
>     
> 2.  Fortune Builders. "[Real Estate Absorption Rate and What it Means for Investors](https://www.fortunebuilders.com/absorption-rate-real-estate/)."
>     
> 3.  National Association of Realtors. "[National Association of REALTORS® Reaches Agreement to Resolve Nationwide Claims Brought by Home Sellers](https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/nar-reaches-agreement-to-resolve-nationwide-claims-brought-by-home-sellers)."
>     
> 4.  Accounting Tools. "[Rate of Absorption Definition](https://www.accountingtools.com/articles/what-is-the-rate-of-absorption-in-accounting.html)."