Foreclosure filings rise 13% year-over-year, South hit hardest

ATTOM reported 40,277 U.S. properties with foreclosure filings in August 2026, including default notices, scheduled auctions and bank repossessions. That was up 1% from July and 13% from August 2025, according to the company’s August U.S. Foreclosure Market Report. “August’s data shows that foreclosure activity continues to trend above year-ago levels, particularly in completed foreclosures, which saw a notable annual increase,” said Rob Barber, CEO of ATTOM. “While some homeowners are still facing financial challenges, overall foreclosure volumes remain well below historical norms and the broader housing market continues to demonstrate resilience.” Nationally, one in every 3,569 housing units had a foreclosure filing in August. South Carolina recorded the highest state rate, with one filing for every 1,547 housing units. Nevada followed at one in 1,920, then Florida at one in 2,397, Texas at one in 2,445 and Maryland at one in 2,530. Among metro areas with populations of at least 200,000, Columbia, South Carolina, had the highest rate, with one foreclosure filing for every 1,232 housing units. It was followed by Punta Gorda, Florida, at one in 1,249; Spartanburg, South Carolina, a...