ATTOM Finds Annual Rise in Foreclosure Activity

(Illustration: Brett Sayles/pexels.com)

ATTOM, Irvine, Calif., found there were 38,840 U.S. properties with foreclosure filings–default notices, scheduled auctions or bank repossessions–in February, down 4% from a month ago but up 20% from a year ago.

“Foreclosure activity in February marked the twelfth consecutive month of annual increases, extending a gradual upward trend that began early last year,” ATTOM CEO Rob Barber said. “While filings dipped slightly from January, both foreclosure starts and completed foreclosures remain higher than a year ago. Even with the continued rise, overall foreclosure levels remain well below historic norms.”

Across the nation, one in every 3,701 housing units had a foreclosure filing in February, the firm’s February 2026 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report said. Indiana, South Carolina and Florida had the highest foreclosure rates.

Texas, Florida and California recorded the most foreclosure starts nationwide, the report said. Lenders started the foreclosure process on 25,928 U.S. properties in February 2026, down 2% from last month but up 14% from a year ago.

States that had the greatest number of foreclosure starts in January included: Texas (3,390 foreclosure starts), Florida (3,250 foreclosure starts), California (2,440 foreclosure starts), Georgia (1,331 foreclosure starts) and Indiana (1,197 foreclosure starts).