The US housing industry has seen subtle but important shifts over the past 48 hours, reflecting ongoing volatility and gradual changes in market sentiment. Nationally, home prices are showing slower growth, increasing just 1.2 percent over the past year as of September 2025, according to recent macroeconomic reports. This softening comes amid the highest inventory levels since 2019 with more than 1.1 million homes for sale as of October, giving buyers more choices and slightly easing the tightness seen earlier in the year.

Mortgage rates remain a central challenge, hovering at roughly 6.2 percent for a 30-year fixed loan this week, only a slight drop from the highs earlier this year and far above the pandemic-era lows. Preliminary data suggests a moderate uptick in existing-home sales by 1.5 percent in September as mortgage rates briefly dropped near 6.17 percent, spurring buyer activity, especially among cash-rich and repeat buyers. Affordability remains a pressure point, with the median home price at $392,375, up about 2 percent from last year. Hidden costs like insurance and maintenance have surged; typical annual non-mortgage expenses now surpass $10,000 nationally, and can exceed $15,000 in major markets like New York and San Francisco.

Emerging in recent days is a growing divide in the market. Higher-priced homes are selling more easily, while inventory and price reductions are increasing for less expensive properties as sellers adjust to longer market times, the longest since 2019. Market leaders are responding by increasing incentives for buyers, like rate buydowns and price cuts after extended listing periods. Regulatory discussion around extended mortgage terms, such as the proposed 50-year mortgage, is also gaining traction as a potential affordability solution.

Demographic changes are reshaping demand patterns. Millennials are entering the market in greater numbers but are older on average than previous generations of first-time buyers, now at a record age of 40. Boomers and Gen X remain key market anchors, with many holding onto homes rather than selling, keeping inventory tight. Looking ahead, experts predict national home prices to rise around 4 percent in 2026, signaling cautious optimism after a subdued 2025. Foreclosure rates remain low, and no major market disruptions have been reported this week. Compared to previous periods, today’s housing market shows more balance and signs of stabilization, though challenges in affordability and access persist.

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