Existing-home sales increased in May, according to the National Association of REALTORS® Existing-Home Sales Report. The latest data shows more movement in the market, with sales reaching their highest level since December and first-time buyers making up a larger share of purchases.

For May 2026, existing-home sales reached a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.17 million, the median sales price was $429,300, and inventory stood at a 4.5-month supply. Prices increased 1.3% year-over-year, while inventory was down 0.1 months compared to May 2025.

• 3.2% increase in existing-home sales month over month
• 3.2% increase in existing-home sales year over year to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.17 million

• 1.55 million units: Total housing inventory, up 3.3% from April and up 0.6% from May 2025
• 4.5-month supply of unsold inventory, unchanged from last month and down slightly from 4.6 months one year ago

• $429,300: Median existing-home price for all housing types, up 1.3% from one year ago - marking the 35th consecutive month of annual price gains

• Homes averaged 29 days on market, down from 32 days last month
• First-time buyers accounted for 35% of purchases, up from 33% in April
• Cash sales made up 25% of transactions, unchanged from last month
• Distressed sales made up 1% of transactions, down from both last month and one year ago

• NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun Says Home Sales Expected to Improve in Second Half of 2026
• Harvard Study Reveals the Real Reason the Housing Crisis Isn't Getting Better

Sources

National Association of REALTORS®: Existing-Home Sales

NAR Housing Market Outlook

Realtor.com Housing Affordability Coverage