The Mortgage Lock-In Effect: Why Las Vegas Homeowners Are Staying Put (And What It Means for You)
Why does the Las Vegas housing market feel frozen despite rising inventory? The mortgage lock-in effect hashomeowners reluctant to give up ultra-low rates secured during the pandemic era. With current rates around 6%to 6.5%, selling means facing payment increases that could double monthly costs—a trade-off many simplywon't make.
This has kept transaction volume at historic lows even as available homes have increased 30% to 40% year-over-year. The effect plays out differently across Summerlin, Henderson, and North Las Vegas, creating uniquechallenges and opportunities for buyers and sellers throughout the valley.
National home equity is falling, but Las Vegas bucks the trend. While U.S. household real estate values dropped $361 billion in Q3 2025 and equity-rich homes declined nationwide, Vegas homeowners maintain strong positions with just 0.5% distressed sales.
Our market's resilience stems from locked-in low mortgage rates (averaging 4%), economic diversification, zero state income tax, and sustainable price growth. Unlike Sun Belt markets experiencing sharp corrections, Las Vegas prices are down only 2% from peaks—a healthy normalization, not a crisis. Local homeowners should feel confident despite concerning national headlines.