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Spokane Is Building Fewer Homes Than It Has in Decades — Here's Why That Matters

A recent article from the Spokane Journal of Business highlighted something many people in real estate and construction have already been feeling firsthand: Spokane is not building enough homes.

In 2025, the City of Spokane issued permits for just 146 single-family homes. According to the article, that is the lowest number recorded in more than 50 years.

For a growing area like Spokane, that matters.

Why Are New Home Permits So Low?

There are several factors contributing to the slowdown in new construction:

• Rising construction costs

• Higher interest rates

• Increased development and permitting costs

• Infrastructure challenges

• Economic uncertainty

Builders are being more cautious, and many projects simply no longer make financial sense at today's costs.

At the same time, Spokane continues to attract people relocating from larger West Coast cities looking for a better quality of life, lower cost of living, and access to the outdoors. Demand has not disappeared — but housing inventory remains tight.

What This Means for Spokane Home Buyers

If you are trying to buy a home in Spokane, fewer new homes being built means:

• Less inventory overall

• More competition for desirable homes

• Continued pressure on pricing

• Fewer affordable housing options

Well-priced homes in good locations are still moving quickly, especially homes that are updated, move-in ready, or in established neighborhoods.

Buyers may also find themselves looking outside Spokane city limits into areas like Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Post Falls, or Coeur d'Alene where development opportunities may be more available.

What This Means for Spokane Home Sellers

For sellers, limited inventory can still work in your favor.

When fewer homes hit the market, existing homes become more valuable — especially homes that are well-maintained, properly priced, and marketed effectively.

Even in a changing market, supply and demand still matter. Spokane continues to face a housing shortage, which helps support long-term home values.

What This Means for the Future of Spokane Real Estate

Housing affordability will likely remain one of Spokane's biggest challenges over the next several years.

Local governments, builders, developers, and community leaders will continue looking for ways to increase housing supply while balancing infrastructure, growth, and affordability concerns.

For buyers and sellers, understanding these market trends is important because they directly impact pricing, competition, and timing.

The Spokane market is still evolving, but one thing is clear: demand for housing in Spokane is still strong, and inventory remains limited.

If you are thinking about buying, selling, building, or investing in Spokane real estate, understanding these trends can help you make better long-term decisions.

— Abbey Parsons
Spokane & North Idaho Real Estate