Existing-home sales got in Might, rising to their greatest level considering that December as enhancing cost and steady family earnings gains continued to support need. Sales increased 3.2% from April to a seasonally adjusted yearly rate of 4.17 million, and were likewise 3.2% higher than a year ago.
“More Americans are on the move,” stated NAR Chief Financial expert Lawrence Yun, noting that sales reached their strongest pace because December. He stated improving affordability is assisting drive the momentum, including that home loan rates remain listed below in 2015’s level and are approximately in line with the long-term historic average.
Stock continued to improve in Might, though supply stays reasonably tight by historic requirements. Total real estate stock increased to 1.55 million systems, up 3.3% from April and 0.6% from a year earlier, representing a 4.5-month supply of homes.
Home rates pushed to a fresh record high in Might, highlighting still-solid demand against a backdrop of limited supply. The mean existing-home rate climbed to $429,300, up 1.3% from a year back and marking the 35th successive month of yearly cost gains.
Affordability likewise improved year-over-year, with the Real estate Price Index rising to 105.6 from 97.5 a year previously. Yun said earnings gains are still surpassing home-price development in many parts of the nation, assisting keep buyers in the market despite rates ticking up from previously this year.
Yun also pointed to the market’s healthy financial footing, saying just 1% of sales included either a foreclosure or an underwater situation. He added that stronger sales activity tends to ripple through the more comprehensive economy, supporting whatever from moving services and furnishings sales to home loan originations and yard care.
Regional Breakdown (Sales and Costs, May 2026)
| Area | Sales (yearly rate) | Mama Modification | Average Price | YoY Modification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast | 460k | +2.2% | $534,900 | +4.2% |
| Midwest | 1.00 m | +6.4% | $336,300 | +2.8% |
| South | 1.96 m | +3.2% | $373,100 | +1.1% |
| West | 750k | 0.0% | $625,900 | -0.7% |
National Market Stats
- Overall Housing Stock: 1.55 million systems (up 3.3% from April; up 0.6% YoY)
- Unsold Inventory Supply: 4.5 months (unchanged from April; down from 4.6 one year ago)
- Average Existing-Home Price: $429,300 (up 1.3% YoY; 35th successive yearly increase)
- Real Estate Price Index: 105.6 (up from 97.5 one year ago)
- Single-Family Sales: 3.8 million (up 3.5% MOTHER; up 3.3% YoY)
- Single-Family Typical Cost: $434,300 (up 1.3% YoY)
- Condo/Co-op Sales: 370k (unchanged mother; up 2.8% YoY)