The number of U.S. home sales in the United States declined in 2023, after soaring in 2021. A total of four million transactions of existing homes, including single-family, condo, and co-ops, were completed in 2023, down from 6.12 million in 2021. According to the forecast, the housing market is forecast to head for recovery in 2025, despite transaction volumes are expected to remain below the long-term average. Why have home sales declined? The housing boom during the coronavirus pandemic has demonstrated that being a homeowner is still an integral part of the American dream. Nevertheless, sentiment declined in the second half of 2022 and Americans across all generations agreed that the time was not right to buy a home. A combination of factors has led to house prices rocketing and making homeownership unaffordable for the average buyer. A survey among owners and renters found that the high home prices and unfavorable economic conditions were the two main barriers to making a home purchase. People who would like to purchase their own home need to save up a deposit, have a good credit score, and a steady and sufficient income to be approved for a mortgage. In 2022, mortgage rates experienced the most aggressive increase in history, making the total cost of homeownership substantially higher. Only 15 percent of U.S. renters could afford to become homeowners and in metros with highly competitive housing markets such as Los Angeles, CA, and Urban Honolulu, HI, this share was below five percent. Are U.S. home prices expected to fall? The median sales price of existing homes stood at 387,000 U.S. dollars in 2023 and was forecast to increase slightly until 2025. The development of the S&P/Case Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index shows that home prices experienced seven consecutive months of decline between June 2022 and January 2023, but this trend reversed in the following months. Despite mild fluctuations throughout the year, home prices in many metros are forecast to continue to grow, albeit at a much slower rate.

Key information about House Prices Growth

• US house prices grew 5.2% YoY in Sep 2024, following an increase of 6.2% YoY in the previous quarter.
• YoY growth data is updated quarterly, available from Mar 1992 to Sep 2024, with an average growth rate of 5.5%.
• House price data reached an all-time high of 17.7% in Sep 2021 and a record low of -12.4% in Dec 2008.

CEIC calculates House Prices Growth from quarterly House Price Index. Federal Housing Finance Agency provides House Price Index with base January 1991=100.

The number of home sales in the United States peaked in 2021 at almost seven million after steadily rising since 2018. Nevertheless, the market contracted in the following year, with transaction volumes falling to 4.8 million. Home sales remained muted in 2024, with a mild increase expected in 2025 and 2026. A major factor driving this trend is the unprecedented increase in mortgage interest rates due to high inflation. How have U.S. home prices developed over time? The average sales price of new homes has also been rising since 2011. Buyer confidence seems to have recovered after the property crash, which has increased demand for homes and also the prices sellers are demanding for homes. At the same time, the affordability of U.S. homes has decreased. Both the number of existing and newly built homes sold has declined since the housing market boom during the coronavirus pandemic. Challenges in housing supply The number of housing units in the U.S. rose steadily between 1975 and 2005 but has remained fairly stable since then. Construction increased notably in the 1990s and early 2000s, with the number of construction starts steadily rising, before plummeting amid the infamous housing market crash. Housing starts slowly started to pick up in 2011, mirroring the economic recovery. In 2022, the supply of newly built homes plummeted again, as supply chain challenges following the COVID-19 pandemic and tariffs on essential construction materials such as steel and lumber led to prices soaring.

The U.S. housing market continues to evolve, with the median home price forecast to reach 426,000 U.S. dollars by the second quarter of 2026. This projection comes after a period of significant growth and recent fluctuations, reflecting the complex interplay of economic factors affecting the real estate sector. The rising costs have not only impacted home prices, but also down payments, with the median down payment more than doubling since 2012. Regional variations in housing costs Home prices and down payments vary dramatically across the United States. While the national median down payment stood at approximately 26,700 U.S. dollars in early 2024, homebuyers in states like California, Massachusetts, and Hawaii faced down payments exceeding 74,000 U.S. dollars. This disparity highlights the challenges of homeownership in high-cost markets and underscores the importance of location in determining housing affordability. Market dynamics and future outlook The housing market has shown signs of cooling after years of rapid growth, with more modest price increases of 4.8 percent in 2022 and 6.5 percent in 2023. This slowdown can be attributed in part to rising mortgage rates, which have tempered demand. Despite these challenges, most states continued to see year-over-year price growth in the fourth quarter of 2023, with Rhode Island and Vermont leading the pack at over 13 percent appreciation. As the market adjusts to new economic realities, potential homebuyers and investors alike will be watching closely for signs of stabilization or renewed growth in the coming years.

House prices in Germany rose by about 12 percent in 2021 but price growth is forecast to slow down until 2024. According to a report by the Deutsche Bundesbank, the German housing market is set to experience a 1.2 percent increase in the average house price in 2023 and 3.2 percent increase in 2024. According to the source, despite higher construction costs, financing costs, and overall economic uncertainty, the high housing demand alongside insufficient supply are likely to continue to drive prices up. Residential real estate prices in the largest cities have grown substantially since 2012. In Munich - Germany's most expensive residential market - the square meter price reached almost 11,000 euros per square meter in 2022.

Housing Index in Sweden decreased to 942 points in the fourth quarter of 2024 from 943 points in the third quarter of 2024. This dataset provides - Sweden House Price Index - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

House prices growth in France is expected to slow down until 2023, according to a July 2022 forecast by the banking group Groupe BCPE. In 2021, the average house price increased by over seven percent. In 2022, this figure is set to decrease to four percent and in 2023, house prices are expected to fall by three percent. Some of the factors cited by the source are the worsening economic conditions, rising interest rates, and the energy transition. About 4.8 million homes in France have an energy performance F or G which are likely to face additional renovation costs to be rented. From 2023 onwards, properties with these scores can no longer be rented and to be sold, the owner needs to perform an energy audit. This, along with more regulations to come in force in the coming years, is likely to impact the price development for vintage properties.

Nahb Housing Market Index in the United States decreased to 39 points in March from 42 points in February of 2025. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - United States Nahb Housing Market Index - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

Key information about House Prices Growth

• Peru house prices grew 7.0% YoY in Dec 2021, following an increase of 13.4% YoY in the previous quarter.
• YoY growth data is updated quarterly, available from Dec 2008 to Dec 2021, with an average growth rate of 9.6%.
• House price data reached an all-time high of 49.2% in Mar 2009 and a record low of -5.7% in Dec 2017.

CEIC calculates House Prices Growth from quarterly Average House Prices per Square Meter. The Central Reserve Bank of Peru provides Average House Price per Square Meter in local currency. House Prices Growth covers Lima Metropolitan only.

New Home Sales in the United States increased to 676 Thousand units in February from 664 Thousand units in January of 2025. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - United States New Home Sales - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

Key information about House Prices Growth

• Morocco house prices grew 0.8% YoY in Dec 2024, following a decrease of 0.4% YoY in the previous quarter.
• YoY growth data is updated quarterly, available from Mar 2007 to Dec 2024, with an average growth rate of 0.3%.
• House price data reached an all-time high of 7.6% in Mar 2017 and a record low of -6.0% in Dec 2021.

Property Price Index is calculated following the repeat-sales method which takes into consideration only properties sold at least twice during the period under review.

China Property Price: YTD Avg: Overall data was reported at 9,934.828 RMB/sq m in Dec 2024. This records an increase from the previous number of 9,884.672 RMB/sq m for Nov 2024. China Property Price: YTD Avg: Overall data is updated monthly, averaging 5,107.416 RMB/sq m from Dec 1995 (Median) to Dec 2024, with 349 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 11,029.538 RMB/sq m in Feb 2021 and a record low of 599.276 RMB/sq m in Feb 1996. China Property Price: YTD Avg: Overall data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Price – Table CN.PD: NBS: Property Price: Monthly.

Key information about House Prices Growth

• Australia house prices grew 6.6% YoY in Sep 2024, following an increase of 6.7% YoY in the previous quarter.
• YoY growth data is updated quarterly, available from Sep 2004 to Sep 2024, with an average growth rate of 6.0%.
• House price data reached an all-time high of 24.1% in Dec 2021 and a record low of -6.1% in Mar 2019.

CEIC calculates quarterly House Price Index Growth from quarterly Residential Dwellings: Mean Price of Eight Capital Cities. The Australian Bureau of Statistics provides Residential Dwellings: Mean Price of Eight Capital Cities in local currency. House Price Index Growth prior to Q3 2012 is calculated from Residential Property Price Index: Weighted Average of Eight Capital Cities.

Housing Index in Hong Kong decreased to 136.48 points in March 9 from 137.46 points in the previous week. This dataset provides - Hong Kong House Price Index - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Global Off-Grid Housing Market size was valued at USD 2.1 billion in 2021 and is poised to grow from USD 2.27 billion in 2022 to USD 4.5 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.9% in the forecast period (2023-2030).

Existing Home Sales in the United States increased to 4260 Thousand in February from 4090 Thousand in January of 2025. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - United States Existing Home Sales - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

The average sales price of new homes in the United States experienced a slight decrease in 2024, dropping to 512,2000 U.S. dollars from the peak of 521,500 U.S. dollars in 2022. This decline came after years of substantial price increases, with the average price surpassing 400,000 U.S. dollars for the first time in 2021. The recent cooling in the housing market reflects broader economic trends and changing consumer sentiment towards homeownership. Factors influencing home prices and affordability The rapid rise in home prices over the past few years has been driven by several factors, including historically low mortgage rates and increased demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the market has since slowed down, with the number of home sales declining by over two million between 2021 and 2023. This decline can be attributed to rising mortgage rates and decreased affordability. The Housing Affordability Index hit a record low of 98.1 in 2023, indicating that the median-income family could no longer afford a median-priced home. Future outlook for the housing market Despite the recent cooling, experts forecast a potential recovery in the coming years. The Freddie Mac House Price Index showed a growth of 6.5 percent in 2023, which is still above the long-term average of 4.4 percent since 1990. However, homebuyer sentiment remains low across all age groups, with people aged 45 to 64 expressing the most pessimistic outlook. The median sales price of existing homes is expected to increase slightly until 2025, suggesting that affordability challenges may persist in the near future.

Key information about House Prices Growth

• Thailand house prices grew 8.5% YoY in Sep 2021, following an increase of 4.9% YoY in the previous month.
• YoY growth data is updated monthly, available from Mar 2009 to Sep 2021, with an average growth rate of 5.7%.
• House price data reached an all-time high of 20.2% in Dec 2009 and a record low of -6.1% in Dec 2020.

The Bank of Thailand calculates House Price Growth from Condominium Price Index with base 2009=100. House Prices Growth covers Bangkok and Vicinities only.

Key information about House Prices Growth

• China house prices dropped 4.1% YoY in Dec 2024, following a decrease of 4.8% YoY in the previous month.
• YoY growth data is updated monthly, available from Mar 1999 to Dec 2024, with an average growth rate of 7.4%.
• House price data reached an all-time high of 25.0% in Feb 2010 and a record low of -12.6% in Apr 1999.

CEIC calculates House Prices Growth from monthly Average Residential Property Price per Square Meter. The National Bureau of Statistics provides year-to-date Average Residential Property Price per Square Meter in local currency.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Real Estate Sector market size will be USD 3625.5 million in 2024. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.50% from 2024 to 2031.

North America held the major market share for more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 1450.20 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 1087.65 million.
Asia Pacific held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 833.87 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.0% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America had a market share of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 181.28 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa had a market share of around 2% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 72.51 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% from 2024 to 2031.
The Commercial real estate is the fastest-growing segment, driven by economic development, urbanization, and a shift toward modern, multi-use spaces

Market Dynamics of Real Estate Sector Market

Key Drivers for Real Estate Sector Market

Urbanization and Population Growth to Boost Market Growth

Urbanization is one of the primary drivers of the real estate sector. As more people migrate from rural areas to urban centers, there is an increasing demand for both residential and commercial properties. The growth of megacities around the world has spurred significant development in infrastructure, housing, and office spaces. This trend is expected to continue as populations in cities grow, creating new opportunities for real estate developers to meet the expanding demand for housing, retail spaces, and industrial areas. Additionally, urbanization leads to an increase in disposable income, further boosting the demand for better housing options and modern amenities. For instance, in October 2021, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) stated that the benchmark interest rate would remain at 4%, providing a substantial boost to the country's real estate sector. Low house loan interest rates are predicted to fuel housing demand and boost sales by 35-40% during the holiday season of 2021

Economic Expansion and Rising Income Levels to Drive Market Growth

The overall economic expansion in many countries is another key driver for the real estate market. As economies grow, the demand for residential, commercial, and industrial properties rises in tandem. Rising income levels also contribute to increased purchasing power, allowing more people to invest in homes and businesses. Furthermore, a strong economy often leads to higher investor confidence, attracting more capital into the real estate sector. The construction of new infrastructure projects such as highways, airports, and transport systems also fuels further demand for real estate, thereby benefiting the market.

Restraint Factor for the Real Estate Sector Market

High Construction Costs, will Limit Market Growth

One of the significant restraints in the real estate sector is the rising cost of construction materials and labor. The volatility in the prices of raw materials such as steel, cement, and timber, combined with labor shortages, leads to higher construction costs, which can delay projects and reduce profit margins. Additionally, increased costs can make property prices unaffordable for potential buyers, thus slowing the pace of development. This situation is exacerbated by global supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures, which negatively affect the overall cost structure in real estate development. Developers must navigate these challenges while maintaining competitive pricing to ensure market viability.

Impact of Covid-19 on the Real Estate Sector Market

Covid-19 pandemic significantly impacted the real estate sector, leading to shifts in both demand and operational dynamics. During the early phases of the pandemic, lockdowns and economic uncertainties caused a slowdown in construction activities, delays in project completions, and a decline in property transactions. The residential market experienced a surge in demand for larger homes and properties in suburban areas as people ...