Analysis and Data

A report from Experian finds that nearly half of U.S. renters expect to be ready for homeownership within four years, with Gen Z and millennials leading optimism as modern credit tools incorporating rent payment data aim to help overcome affordability

Cooling price growth and a rising months’ supply are easing affordability pressures, pushing housing affordability to its strongest level since 2022 despite conditions remaining above pre-pandemic norms

Cotality’s analysis highlights how the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage structure has suppressed market turnover and differentiates housing dynamics from global peers

Pending home sales climbed 3.3% in November from October, and 2.6% year-over-year, reaching the strongest pace in nearly three years, NAR says

An empirical investigation finds that borrowers using Zillow Home Loans pay statistically higher mortgage costs compared with similar borrowers at other lenders, resulting in significant lifetime cost “overcharges” on 30-year loans

A Homes.com year-end review shows listings rose faster than expected in 2025, price appreciation moderated, and sales edged higher, setting the stage for a more balanced market in 2026

Realtor.com data show U.S. homebuyers now need about seven years to save for a typical downpayment — an improvement from 2022, but still roughly double pre-pandemic norms, with sharp regional disparities persisting

Mortgage rates are driving cautious buyer reentry, lifting existing-home sales modestly in November, while limited inventory and affordability pressures continue to constrain origination volume

A new Redfin analysis examines the U.S. cities that are the most competitive housing markets in 2025, where homes are selling rapidly and often above asking price amid constrained supply

The GSE projects a gradual housing market rebound through 2026, with rising home sales, moderating price growth, and mortgage activity improving as interest rates slowly ease