Dec 16, 2025
Sales Slow, Inventory Rises
Existing home sales remained slightly above last year’s levels but have trended downward since June. Nationwide sales declined from 391 thousand units in June 2025 to 358 thousand units in October, with only a modest 0.8% month-over-month increase recorded in October.
Housing inventory rose to 1.52 million units in October, up from 1.37 million units a year earlier. Median sales prices softened alongside the slowdown in activity, falling from $433,000 in June to $415,000 in October, although prices remained above the $406,800 level recorded in October of the previous year.
On an annual basis, existing home sales totaled 4.1 million units, exceeding last year’s 4.03 million units. However, the recent downward trend in monthly sales indicates easing market momentum. While lower mortgage rates and softer prices may provide limited relief to buyers, they are unlikely to meaningfully address the underlying structural housing shortage.
Definition: Existing home sales statistics provided by the National Association of Realtors include data on sales activity, housing inventory, and median sales prices, offering a clear view of market demand, supply, and pricing trends. Together, these indicators provide valuable insight into overall housing market conditions and affordability dynamics.
