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  • Cooling US Housing Market Favors Buyers Amidst Easing Prices and Inventory Surge
    2025/06/30
    The US housing industry has entered a significant cooling phase over the past 48 hours, reflecting broader trends seen in recent months. According to new data from the US Census Bureau, new home sales fell sharply in May, dropping 13.7 percent from April to a seasonally adjusted annual pace of 623,000. This is also 6.3 percent lower than May of last year. The decline was most pronounced in the South, which saw sales decrease by 21 percent month over month and 15.5 percent year over year. The Northeast was the only region to record an increase in new home sales.

    Unlike 2024, when tight supply drove up prices, current conditions show the market shifting toward buyers. There are now about 507,000 new houses for sale, marking a notable rise in supply. At the current sales rate, it would take nearly 10 months to clear all available homes, well above the six-month threshold signaling a buyers market. This is a major change from the sellers market that dominated after the pandemic peak.

    Price growth is also facing headwinds. Zillow projects home values will fall by 1.4 percent in 2025, as increased inventory and persistent high mortgage rates make buyers more cautious. Rents are forecast to rise only modestly, with single-family rents up 2.8 percent and multifamily up 1.6 percent for the year, both revised downward as new construction boosts market balance and vacancy rates.

    Consumer behavior is shifting as affordability concerns and job market uncertainty weigh on demand. While new listings have increased, as seen in Realtor.com data showing a 7.2 percent year-over-year rise in May, the rate of new homes hitting the market is decelerating compared to earlier in the spring. Industry leaders and developers are responding by offering incentives and flexible financing to attract hesitant buyers.

    In summary, the US housing market is experiencing a marked slowdown, characterized by weaker sales, rising supply, and easing price pressure compared to 2024. The landscape is now favoring buyers, with industry players adjusting strategies to contend with softened demand and greater competition among sellers.
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    2 分
  • "US Housing Market Shifts to Buyer-Friendly Landscape in 2025"
    2025/06/27
    The US housing industry has entered one of its most notable standstills in recent memory, with the latest data underscoring a market in flux. New home sales dropped 13.7 percent in May compared to April, falling to a seasonally adjusted annual pace of 623,000. This pace is also 6.3 percent lower than a year ago, according to the US Census Bureau. The steepest decline was in the South, where new home sales plunged 21 percent month over month and 15.5 percent year over year. In contrast, only the Northeast saw any increase in new home sales during this period.

    Rather than supply constraints—a hallmark of the 2024 market—the current impasse is rooted in changing buyer and seller behavior. Supply has picked up, with about 507,000 new houses available in May. At the current sales pace, it would take nearly 10 months to clear this inventory, marking a shift to what is considered a buyers market. Traditionally, anything more than six months of supply signals this dynamic, a turnaround from the sellers market and rapid price escalation seen after the pandemic.

    Despite increasing inventory, sales have slowed, partly due to elevated mortgage rates and worries over a softening labor market. Zillow now forecasts that home values will fall by 1.4 percent this year, reflecting downward pressure from rising housing inventory and more cautious buyers. Still, existing home sales are expected to improve slightly in 2025, up 1.9 percent over 2024, with a projected 4.14 million sales.

    On the rental side, forecasts for rent increases have been revised lower. Single-family rents are expected to rise by 2.8 percent in 2025 and multifamily rents by 1.6 percent, held back by higher vacancy rates due to recent new construction.

    Listing prices have flattened, with the typical home price unchanged year over year for the week ending June 14, and down 0.4 percent for the first half of 2025. While new listings surged 7.2 percent from last May, this is still below pre-pandemic levels.

    In response, industry leaders are focusing on innovative sales incentives, moderating price expectations, and targeting growth markets like the Northeast. Compared to last year, the market has clearly shifted from overheated to more buyer-friendly, with stability and balance the emerging themes for 2025[1][3][4].
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    3 分
  • Navigating the Shifting US Housing Market: Buyer-Friendly Trends and Industry Adjustments
    2025/06/26
    The US housing industry has seen a notable shift toward a more balanced, buyer-friendly market over the past 48 hours. Recent data indicates that the median home listing price remained flat compared to last year for the week ending June 14, and it even dipped 0.4 percent in the first half of 2025. This stabilization marks a contrast to the rapid price jumps seen in previous years, reflecting higher housing inventory and less intense competition among buyers.

    According to Zillow, home values are forecasted to decline by 1.4 percent through 2025, while existing home sales are projected to reach 4.14 million, representing a modest 1.9 percent increase over 2024. The anticipated decrease in home values is largely attributed to the ongoing rise in inventory, which has been fueled by more sellers returning to the market. This boost in available homes is giving buyers additional negotiating power and is contributing to a slower pace of price growth.

    Rental markets are also experiencing changes, with single-family rents expected to grow by 2.8 percent and multifamily rents by 1.6 percent this year. Both figures have been revised downward as a result of new construction increasing supply and raising vacancy rates, which in turn is slowing rent growth.

    Industry leaders are adjusting to these changing conditions in several ways. Many large builders are offering incentives, such as mortgage rate buydowns and price reductions, to attract buyers who might otherwise be deterred by still-elevated borrowing costs. There is an increased emphasis on entry-level and mid-priced housing as consumer demand shifts away from luxury segments. Additionally, partnerships between real estate firms and tech companies are accelerating to provide more virtual tour options and streamline the buying process.

    No major regulatory disruptions have occurred in the last week, but ongoing policy discussions continue around easing zoning laws and encouraging affordable housing development. Compared to the volatility of 2022 and 2023, the current environment is more stable, with softer price movement and more choices for buyers. In summary, the US housing market is cooling and normalizing, with more housing supply, steadier prices, and a cautious but active buyer pool adjusting to the new landscape.
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    3 分
  • US Housing Market Navigates Challenges: Signs of Stability and Buyer Opportunities in 2025
    2025/06/24
    The US housing industry in the past 48 hours shows signs of cautious optimism amid ongoing challenges. Existing home sales for June 2025 surprised experts by reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.03 million units, exceeding forecasts of 3.96 million. This rise, marking a 0.8 percent month-over-month increase, reflects persistent demand despite high mortgage rates. Year-over-year sales declined slightly by 0.7 percent, but this represents a significant improvement compared to previous months, indicating market stabilization. The median home price in June stood at $422,800, slightly above the forecasted $418,000, suggesting steady pricing dynamics[5].

    Inventory growth is easing supply constraints, with total listings increasing 6.2 percent to 1.54 million units. Regionally, sales grew notably in the Northeast by 4.2 percent and 2.1 percent in the Midwest, while the West, known for higher prices, experienced a 5.4 percent drop. Mortgage rates for a 30-year fixed loan slightly decreased to 6.81 percent from 6.87 percent a year ago, offering modest relief to buyers[5].

    Overall home prices have been mostly steady this year. The typical listing price was flat year-over-year during the week ending June 14 and down 0.4 percent in the first half of 2025. Market watchers have increasingly expected home prices to fall in 2025, with over 62 percent now anticipating declines compared to 27 percent at the start of the year. Zillow forecasts a 1.4 percent drop in home values for 2025, primarily due to rising inventory and concerns over the labor market, which restrain buyer enthusiasm. However, increased inventory also supports sales growth, projected at 4.14 million this year, a 1.9 percent increase over 2024. Rent growth is expected to slow, with single-family rents rising 2.8 percent and multifamily rents 1.6 percent, reflecting new construction easing shortages[1][3][4].

    Industry leaders are responding by adapting to these shifts through strategic pricing and inventory management, while closely monitoring mortgage trends and regional market variations. The current environment contrasts with earlier in the year when optimism about stable or rising prices was higher. The combination of steady sales, easing supply constraints, and slight mortgage rate reductions points to a more balanced, buyer-friendly market developing in mid-2025.
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    3 分
  • US Housing Market Stabilizes: Increased Inventory and Buyer Negotiation Power [140 characters]
    2025/06/23
    In the past 48 hours, the US housing industry has continued to show clear signs of moving toward a more buyer-friendly market. Home prices have steadied, with listing prices flat year over year as of mid-June and down 0.4 percent in the first half of 2025. This stabilization comes after several years of rapid price growth, and signals greater negotiation power for buyers. Inventory is at its highest level in five years, as sellers have returned to the market even while new listings dipped slightly, indicating a slowly increasing supply that is not entirely matched by new construction or new property availability. Demand remains relatively constant, with mortgage applications in May reportedly up 20 percent year over year and the number of buyers showing stability[1][2][4].

    Zillow’s most recent forecast projects home values will fall by 1.4 percent over 2025, primarily due to increased inventory and persistent elevated mortgage rates. This supply shift is expected to push existing home sales up to 4.14 million for the year, a 1.9 percent increase over 2024. However, sellers are feeling downward pressure on pricing, partly because buyers now have more options and can negotiate more assertively. Notably, over 62 percent of housing analysts now expect prices to fall this year, up sharply from just 27 percent in January, highlighting a fast change in sentiment[3][5].

    Rental markets are also absorbing changes. Zillow expects single-family rents to rise 2.8 percent this year and multifamily rents to grow by 1.6 percent, both forecasts recently revised downward because new construction is increasing vacancies and muting rent growth. Industry leaders are responding by focusing on digital tools, faster transaction processing, and targeted marketing to attract buyers in a more competitive marketplace.

    There have been few regulatory disruptions or headline-making mergers in the past week, but the overall narrative is one of normalization. Compared to the volatility of the last two years, current conditions are less frenzied but more balanced. While supply chain issues have not suddenly worsened, builders and sellers are adjusting to a market where realistic pricing and patience are increasingly important. In sum, the US housing market is moving away from crisis and toward equilibrium, albeit with price softness and persistent affordability challenges for many first-time buyers[1][3][5].
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    3 分
  • US Housing Market Cools: Shift in Dynamics, Inventory Surge, and Affordability Outlook
    2025/06/20
    The U.S. housing industry has just seen its most significant inventory surge in five years, creating a notable shift in market dynamics over the past 48 hours. Nationally, the median price for homes under contract is up only 0.55 percent compared to last summer, a clear sign that the dramatic price growth of previous years has cooled off significantly. This flattening is largely due to a jump in available homes, which now gives buyers more leverage to negotiate and puts downward pressure on prices.

    Zillow forecasts that U.S. home values will decline by 1.4 percent in 2025, a revision now holding steady after earlier projections, and expects existing home sales to reach 4.14 million this year. This is a 1.9 percent increase over 2024, indicating a modest recovery in transactional volume, even as values slip. With mortgage rates remaining elevated, many potential buyers continue to wait on the sidelines, but some relief in rates is anticipated later this year, which may nudge affordability slightly higher.

    Single-family rents are forecast to rise by 2.8 percent this year, while multifamily rents will grow by just 1.6 percent. Both these growth projections have been revised downward due to a wave of new construction that is increasing vacancies and balancing the rental market. The ongoing rise in inventory, although still below historical norms, is gradually making the market more balanced for both buyers and sellers.

    Consumer behavior is also shifting, with would-be buyers demonstrating greater price sensitivity and a willingness to negotiate. Sellers, meanwhile, are being advised to price homes competitively and expect more standard negotiations than bidding wars. Industry leaders are responding by offering more incentives and adjusting marketing strategies to attract buyers in this cooler environment.

    Compared to the previous year, home price growth has slowed from an annual rate of over 2 percent to much more modest gains, while the overall climate has shifted away from a hyper-competitive seller’s market to one of increasing equilibrium. As the summer progresses, experts suggest acting soon could be beneficial, as delayed purchases may come at a higher cost if rates do ease.
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    3 分
  • US Housing Market Navigates Stabilization and Challenges in 2025
    2025/06/19
    Over the past 48 hours, the US housing industry has demonstrated a complex mix of stabilization and challenge. Housing inventory has reached a five-year high, propelled by a 7.2 percent increase in new listings for May compared to the previous year, though month-over-month supply declined slightly by 1.4 percent. Despite this, overall inventory growth has shifted more negotiating power to buyers, resulting in increased price reductions and longer listing times compared to the intense competition of the pandemic years.

    According to Zillow’s latest projections, home values are expected to decline by 1.4 percent in 2025, a sharper trajectory than most of the last decade, as high mortgage rates and labor market concerns keep some buyers on the sidelines. However, existing home sales are forecast to reach 4.14 million for the year, representing a 1.9 percent increase over 2024. This modest uptick is attributed to sellers returning to the market, but sales volumes remain well below pre-pandemic levels.

    Rents for single-family homes are predicted to rise by 2.8 percent in 2025, with multifamily rents up only 1.6 percent, reflecting the influence of new construction and increased vacancies. This cooling in rent growth stands in contrast to the rapid price escalations seen in recent years.

    Industry sentiment among builders has softened. The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index for June fell to 35 for current sales conditions and to 40 for sales expectations over the next six months, highlighting cautious optimism amid ongoing challenges. Higher construction costs, ongoing tariffs, and the uncertainty tied to the current presidential administration continue to weigh on industry outlooks.

    Compared to last year, home-price appreciation is expected to slow markedly, dropping from an average of 4.5 percent in 2024 to just 2 percent in 2025. The combination of increased inventory and stubbornly high mortgage rates means housing affordability remains a key issue, with many would-be buyers still priced out.

    In response, industry leaders are focusing on efficiency and strategic pricing, with some builders offering incentives such as mortgage rate buydowns or discounts to attract buyers. While the overall market environment shows signs of improvement over 2024, significant hurdles remain as the sector adapts to evolving economic and policy landscapes.
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    3 分
  • "US Housing Market Shifts: Inventory Rises, Prices Moderate, and Buyer Leverage Grows"
    2025/06/18
    The US housing industry has seen notable shifts in the past 48 hours as new data and ongoing trends reshape the landscape. Inventory levels are rising, bringing relief to buyers after years of tight markets. Realtor.com reports a surge in home listings for June, with inventory across the largest US cities now outpacing last year. However, despite this influx, new supply actually dipped by 1.4 percent from April to May 2025, suggesting the early surge in spring listings is already slowing. Homes are sitting on the market longer, giving buyers more options and leverage in negotiations.

    Home prices continue to inch upward, but at a far slower pace than in previous years. According to Cotality, year-over-year price growth stood at just 2 percent in April, with single-family homes climbing at about 2.46 percent. In most major metros, asking prices are down from last year, reflecting a market that is adjusting from the rapid spikes seen in 2021 and 2022. Mortgage rates have eased slightly in the early summer, improving some affordability, though rates remain high by historical standards.

    Builders are responding cautiously. Single-family starts are expected to grow three percent this year, while multifamily construction is projected to decline by four percent, with a rebound likely in 2026. The undersupply of affordable housing continues to challenge the market despite these new builds. Large real estate firms and platforms are adjusting by offering buyer incentives and ramping up partnerships with local agents to move inventory and attract hesitant consumers.

    There have been no major regulatory changes in the past week, but there is heightened attention on potential immigration policy shifts as a new administration looms, which could impact both demand and labor supply for new construction.

    Supply chain bottlenecks have eased compared to previous years, but construction costs remain elevated, particularly for affordable and multifamily projects. In terms of consumer behavior, buyers are taking more time to make decisions and are less likely to engage in bidding wars.

    Compared to previous months, the market is trending toward greater equilibrium. Sellers are encouraged to price competitively, while buyers are regaining the upper hand. The market is more balanced, with moderate price growth, higher inventory, and stabilizing mortgage rates offering more predictable conditions for buyers and sellers alike.
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    3 分