Home Prices Rise in 71% of U.S. Metro Areas Despite Slowing Market

In early 2026, the National Association of Realtors reported that home prices increased year-over-year in 71% of the 235 metropolitan areas they monitor, with 167 markets experiencing growth and 68 facing declines. This marks a slight decrease from 73% at the close of 2025. The Northeast exhibited the most significant increases, with median prices climbing 4.9% to $506,500 due to limited inventory. The Midwest saw a 3.6% rise to $308,100, while the West experienced a 2.9% drop, maintaining its status as the priciest region at $607,600. Nationally, the median price for existing single-family homes rose by 0.5% to $404,300. Notable cities include Akron, Ohio (up 12%), Anchorage, Alaska (10.4%), and Albany, New York (9.3%). The ultra-luxury segment remains strong, with a Compass report indicating that homes over $10 million generated more than $38 billion in sales in 2025, particularly in New York, Miami, and Los Angeles. Additionally, a Realtor.com report identified 13 U.S. markets where over half of listings exceed $1 million, including Nantucket, Jackson, and Santa Barbara. Lawrence Yun, chief economist at NAR, emphasized that rising prices enhance housing wealth for the majority of homeowners.