Analysis and Data

Zillow forecasts that easing mortgage rates, slower price growth, and rising incomes will make homeownership affordable in 20 of the nation’s largest metros by 2026, the broadest improvement since 2022

Falling mortgage rates have driven the largest year-over-year drop in monthly housing costs in more than a year, boosting buyer affordability even as market activity remains muted

A historic $2.4 trillion inheritance wave is set to reshape the luxury housing market, with Gen X and millennials driving demand toward resilient cities, lifestyle-focused homes, and real estate as a core wealth strategy

Climate anxiety, extreme weather, and soaring insurance premiums are driving homeowners to rethink where they live

Single-family rent growth has slowed to its weakest pace in more than a decade, as persistent affordability challenges linger despite easing market pressures

Foreclosure activity rose in 2025 as the housing market continued to normalize, though levels remain far below pre-pandemic and crisis-era highs

Pending home sales in December 2025 dropped to their second-lowest level on record as buyers pulled back amid high costs and economic uncertainty, while home prices remained elevated and listings declined

Existing‑home sales surged in December to the fastest pace in nearly three years, driven by easing mortgage rates and broad regional gains, despite tight inventory

Wells Fargo’s fourth-quarter mortgage originations climbed to $7.5 billion, signaling stabilizing home financing demand, despite a cautious housing market and shifting rate environment

Lower mortgage rates fueled a sharp rebound in refinance demand and lifted purchase activity nearly 30%, according to MBA’s latest Weekly Applications Survey