The U.S. housing market crash refers to a significant decline in housing prices and sales that occurred in the late 2000s, primarily between 2007 and 2009. This crash was largely triggered by the collapse of the subprime mortgage market, where many borrowers defaulted on loans they could not afford. As a result, home values plummeted, leading to widespread foreclosures and financial instability. The crash had far-reaching effects on the economy, contributing to the Great Recession. Many financial institutions faced severe losses, and millions of Americans lost their homes. The aftermath prompted government interventions, including the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), to stabilize the housing market and restore economic growth.