Existing-home sales climbed in December, according to the National Association of REALTORS® Existing-Home Sales Report. The data tracks national sales activity, pricing, and inventory trends to help buyers, sellers, and agents stay grounded in current market conditions.

For December 2025, existing-home sales reached a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.35 million, the median sales price was $405,400, and inventory stood at a 3.3-month supply. Prices increased 0.4% year-over-year, while inventory rose 0.1 months compared to December 2024.

• 5.1% increase in existing-home sales month over month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.35 million
• 1.4% increase in sales year over year

• 1.18 million units: Total housing inventory, down 18.1% from November and up 3.5% from December 2024 (1.14 million)
• 3.3-month supply of unsold inventory, down from 4.2 months in November and up from 3.2 months in December 2024

• $405,400: Median existing-home price for all housing types, up 0.4% from one year ago ($403,700) - the 30th consecutive month of year-over-year price increases

Housing Outlook Realtor.com 2026 Housing Forecast For homebuyers and sellers, the shift signals a more balanced market - one where price growth steadies, rate relief offers breathing room, and negotiating power tilts subtly toward buyers. realtor.com

Rates Watch Mortgage Interest Rates Forecast Mortgage rates are holding just under 6%, offering a steady outlook for borrowers heading into late January. The average 30-year fixed rate edged up to 5.97% APR in the week ending Jan. 22, but has remained remarkably stable over the past three weeks nerdwallet.com

Sources

National Association of REALTORS®: Existing-Home Sales

Realtor.com Research: 2026 National Housing Forecast

NerdWallet: Mortgage Interest Rates Forecast