Foreclosure filings increase this year: states hardest hit
Mortgage foreclosure requests increased 21% in the US during the first half of 2026. We tell you which states had the largest increases
With the cost of living rising and rising in the United States, meeting mortgage payments has become a challenge that not many can overcome. During the first half of 2026, foreclosure filings increased sharply. This trend is more evident in several states of the country.
The real estate analysis company ATTOM reported that between January and June, nearly 228,000 foreclosure requests were registered. The figure represents an increase of 21% compared to the same period in 2025 and an increase of 28% compared to two years ago.
ATTOM considers default notices, scheduled auctions, and bank liens to be foreclosure activity. These processes usually begin when a homeowner stops paying their mortgage loan, usually due to financial problems such as loss of employment.
“Increasing foreclosure rates indicate that more homeowners are experiencing financial hardship,” said Rob Barber, CEO of ATTOM. “The increases also suggest that some homeowners may be facing greater financial difficulties than a year ago.”
The states where applications grew the most
The largest increases in foreclosure activity were concentrated in three states during the first half of the year.
Idaho topped the list with a 59% increase compared to the same period in 2025. They were followed by Colorado, with a 57% increase, and Georgia, where applications grew by 52%.
When it comes to foreclosure rates, Florida continues to lead the country. In June alone, one in every 2,106 homes filed for foreclosure, according to ATTOM.
Before the pandemic, the United States recorded 640,864 foreclosures in 2019. Activity decreased during the health emergency thanks to various relief measures, but the figures show that they are now returning to close to the levels before that stage.
Foreclosures are not the only indicator pointing to increased financial stress among homeowners. Data from Realtor.com shows that short-term sales increased 16% during the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period a year ago.
This type of transaction occurs when the homeowner sells their home for less than the outstanding balance of the mortgage to avoid foreclosure. Although it represents a less severe alternative to losing your home through foreclosure, it also reflects the economic difficulties that some households face.
All of this data shows something important: buying a house is becoming a desire that, the more possible it feels, the more difficult it becomes to achieve.