U.S. foreclosure filings rise 13% year-over-year

U.S. foreclosure activity trended above previous year levels in August 2026, according to the August U.S. Foreclosure Market Report from ATTOM. While overall volumes remain significantly lower than during the Great Recession, completed foreclosures, or REOs, saw a sharp 42% annual increase.

Total foreclosure filings reached 40,277 in August, representing a 13% increase from August 2025 and a 1% increase from July. Foreclosure starts rose 7% year-over-year. ATTOM CEO Rob Barber noted that while homeowners face financial challenges, the broader housing market continues to demonstrate resilience.

Geographically, the South experienced the highest rates of activity. South Carolina recorded the highest state rate with one filing for every 1,547 housing units, followed by Nevada and Florida. Among major metro areas, Columbia, South Carolina, had the highest rate. Florida, Texas, and California recorded the highest number of foreclosure starts.