NAR Report Reveals December Existing-Home Sales Surge by 5.1%
According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), December saw a significant increase in existing-home sales, which surged by 5.1%. This report provides essential data related to home sales, prices, and inventory, benefiting agents, buyers, and sellers alike.
December Existing-Home Sales Report Overview
In December, existing-home sales reached an annual rate of 4.35 million, marking a 5.1% rise compared to November. Year-over-year, sales increased by 1.4%, demonstrating resilience in the housing market.
Inventory and Market Conditions
Despite the surge in sales, inventory levels remained constrained. December inventory was noted at 1.18 million units, representing an 18.1% drop from November yet a 3.5% rise from December 2024.
- 3.3-month supply of unsold homes, down from 4.2 months in November.
- Median sales price for all home types increased to $405,400, up by 0.4% from the previous year.
Segmented Sales Data
Across various segments, December showed distinct trends in sales figures:
- Single-Family Homes: Sales rose by 5.1% to an annual rate of 3.95 million. The median price stood at $409,500, reflecting a slight 0.2% increase from last year.
- Condominiums and Co-ops: Sales rose by 5.3% to a seasonally adjusted rate of 400,000, although this was a 2.4% decrease year-over-year. The median price was $364,400, up 1.5% from December 2024.
Regional Sales Performance
Sales performance varied across the regions:
| Region | Monthly Sales Change | Annual Sales Change | Median Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast | +2.0% | -1.9% | $496,700 |
| Midwest | -2.0% | 0% | $306,000 |
| South | +6.9% | +3.6% | $360,200 |
| West | +6.6% | 0% | $605,600 |
Mortgage Rates and Economic Outlook
The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage decreased to 6.19% in December, down from 6.24% in November and significantly lower than the 6.72% a year ago. NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun emphasized that the fourth quarter of 2025 demonstrated improvement due to lower mortgage rates and moderated home price growth.
As the market anticipates additional inventory in February, buyers and sellers may find renewed opportunities in the coming months. The consistent demand, combined with tighter inventory, suggests a dynamic real estate environment moving forward.
