Home prices rose in October in the highest year-over-year increase in over a year. A combination of increased homebuyer demand from low mortgage rates and a limited supply of houses drove the prices up, while sales grew at a slower pace. Still the growth in sales is a hopeful sign for the housing market.
U.S. home-sale prices increased 5.4% year over year in October to a median of $313,200 across the 217 metros Redfin tracks. The increase was the largest since July 2018, although current strength may be overstated given the weakening housing market a year ago. Prices also rose 1.4% between September and October, a time of year when they usually flatten. This is the largest month-over-month increase in an October we’ve seen since at least 2012.
“Low mortgage rates are propping up homebuyer demand and juicing prices, said Redfin chief economist Daryl Fairweather. “However, home sales have been slow to grow since there are so few homes for sale and not many new listings hitting the market, especially affordable ones. The market is split: It’s a seller’s market for moderately priced homes, but a buyer’s market for pricier homes.”
