Weekly Real Estate News
Home prices increased in nearly four out of five U.S. metropolitan areas during the third quarter, underscoring how persistent supply constraints continue to support property values even as affordability problems hold back transactions.
Prices rose year over year in 78% of the metropolitan markets tracked by the National Association of Realtors, down from 80% in the second quarter. The national median existing single-family home price reached $432,900, a 1.7% annual increase, according to the report released October 29 at 10 a.m. Eastern.
Prices keep climbing, but fewer markets are participating
Four percent of metropolitan areas recorded double-digit annual price increases, compared with 5% the previous quarter. Prices fell in 21% of markets, highlighting the uneven nature of the national housing picture.
NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun said affordability challenges have contributed to stagnant housing activity even as prices continue reaching highs in many markets. NAR estimated the average home has appreciated by $146,000 over the past seven years, although actual appreciation varies widely by location and property.
Regional differences remain substantial
The Northeast led annual price growth at 4%, followed by the Midwest at 3.6% and the South at 1%. The West recorded a 0.6% decline. Those regional averages conceal substantial differences among individual metropolitan markets.
Price changes also should not be confused with changes in transaction volume. A market can experience fewer sales and still see higher median prices if supply is constrained or the mix of properties sold shifts toward more expensive homes.
Why this differs from recent weekly data
The NAR figures describe completed existing single-family home sales during July through September. Weekly housing-market data from other providers may cover later contracts, different property types or different statistical samples. Those figures can move in different directions without necessarily contradicting one another.
For agents, lenders and buyers, the report points to a continuing affordability challenge: slower activity has not produced broad-based price declines. Local inventory, employment and financing costs remain critical to the outlook.
Source: National Association of Realtors quarterly metro-price report, October 29, 2026.
