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Homeowners can't move from their cheap loans. New buyers face huge payment shock. This 'lock-in' keeps prices high even though sales are low. This article explains how high rates and low supply are changing who can buy a home—and what it means for everyone's wallet in 2026.
U.S. home prices are cooling, not collapsing: Case-Shiller data show modest gains nationally, but high-value metro markets are feeling the pinch from rising mortgage rates and inflation. Regional divides are widening, creating negotiating opportunities for buyers while highlighting ongoing affordability challenges.
The U.S. housing market is at a pivotal moment. Rising home prices, elevated mortgage rates, constrained supply, and shifting demographics have combined to create a challenging environment, particularly for first-time buyers and younger generations. To understand the full picture, it is essential to examine current affordability metrics, regional dynamics, historical context, generational impacts, economic fundamentals, and policy implications.
U.S. home prices are moderating in late 2025, with mid-tier markets holding steady while high-cost Sun Belt and Pacific metros soften. Elevated mortgage rates, rising inflation, and tight supply are driving slower growth and subdued transaction activity, creating both stability and selective opportunities for buyers in cooling regions.
U.S. home prices rose 0.4% in August 2025, with annual gains of 2.3% from August 2024 to August 2025. Regional disparities persist, with the Middle Atlantic division leading gains and the Pacific division seeing declines. This report analyzes the latest FHFA House Price Index data, regional trends, macroeconomic influences, and market outlook for homebuyers, investors, and policymakers.
Mortgage applications rose slightly last week amid stable rates, driven by a modest uptick in both purchases and refinances. The Market Composite Index increased 4.2% week-over-week but remains 37% below last year's levels. Purchase activity showed resilience, up 5%, while refinances climbed 3.6%. The average 30-year fixed rate edged up to 6.72%. This signals cautious optimism in the housing market despite ongoing affordability challenges.
The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index shows a continued slowdown in home price growth, with August 2025 data revealing a 1.5% annual increase and a -0.6% monthly decline. Regional disparities persist, with luxury and high-value markets experiencing greater volatility. This report analyzes metro-level trends, integrates broader economic context, and provides actionable insights for stakeholders.
Mortgage rates in November 2025 remain near yearly lows, with the 30-year fixed rate averaging 6.22% as of November 6. This report analyzes the latest Freddie Mac data, economic drivers, and market implications for homebuyers and lenders.
Redfin's latest Housing Market Tracker reveals a historic shift in 2025, with buyers gaining unprecedented leverage amid rising inventory, flat rental prices, and cautious demand. This report analyzes key metrics, regional trends, and economic drivers, offering actionable recommendations for buyers, sellers, investors, and policymakers.