December home sales were up by 14.9% from November and were 5.0% higher on a year-over-year measurement, according to a survey of 52 metro areas by REMAX.
December’s median sales price of $434,000 was only 1.1% higher than the $429,000 price recorded one year earlier. In comparison, December 2024 posted a 6.2% year-over-year increase compared to 2023. Nonetheless, December marked the 30th consecutive month of year-over-year price gains, although it was the second smallest uptick during that period.
The number of homes for sale in December was up 16.5% year-over-year while new listings declined 6.6% from the prior year. Month-over-month, inventory fell 11.0% from November, while new listings dropped 23.2%.
The average days on market increased to 61 days – a full week longer than what was seen in both November and December 2024. This marked the longest average listing-to-closing period in at least four years.
“The December housing market continued to show signs of normalization. Inventory rose, prices leveled and activity remained resilient – all indicators of a market finding healthier footing,” said REMAX CEO Erik Carlson. “For buyers, easing rates and more options created opportunities that didn’t exist a year ago. For sellers, well-priced homes drew strong interest. It was a market where preparation and the guidance of a trusted professional mattered, and 2026 will likely be similar. REMAX agents stand ready to help buyers and sellers move forward with confidence.”
