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Home prices rose nearly 3% annually in Q2, FHFA says

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  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, August 26th 2025 at 12:14 GMT by HousingWire
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Home Prices Surge Nearly 3% Year‑Over‑Year in Q2, FHFA Report Shows

In a market that has long been dominated by the headlines of sky‑high prices and a tightening supply chain, the most recent data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) confirms that home prices are still climbing — albeit at a more modest pace than in the first half of 2023. According to the FHFA’s House Price Index (HPI) for the second quarter of 2024, the median price of a single‑family home increased 2.9% on an annual basis, up from a 1.5% rise in Q1 and a 3.4% gain in Q2 of 2023. The index also noted that the median price for a new construction home surged 6.1% year‑over‑year, the strongest growth in that segment since the early 2020s.

Key Takeaways

The FHFA also highlighted regional variations. While the Midwest and Northeast experienced the most pronounced increases — 3.8% and 3.6% respectively — the West saw a smaller 2.4% jump. The Southeast’s growth, however, remained steady at 2.5%, indicating that affordability pressures have not eased uniformly across the country.

What Drives the Numbers?

1. Inventory Crunch Persists

Supply remains a primary constraint. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported that as of the end of Q2, the national housing inventory stood at 4.3 months of supply — well below the 4.5‑month “balanced” level. This tight market, combined with the fact that new‑home construction lagged at 1.8 units per 1,000 square feet of existing housing stock, keeps prices buoyant.

2. Construction Cost Increases

Even the “new‑home” segment, which usually acts as a benchmark for overall market health, has been feeling the squeeze. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s New Residential Construction statistics, lumber and steel prices have risen by 12% and 9% respectively over the last six months, pushing builders to price homes higher. The FHFA noted that “construction cost inflation” accounted for roughly 55% of the 6.1% new‑home price growth.

3. Mortgage Rates Stabilize but Remain Elevated

The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) data released in early July indicated that the 30‑year fixed‑rate mortgage had dipped modestly to 7.12% from 7.23% in June. While this small easing may help mitigate price‑pressure in some markets, the 7%+ rate environment keeps affordability low. The FHFA’s Affordability Index — a measure of the number of median‑income households that could afford a median‑priced home at current rates — fell to 1.8 units per household in Q2, a decline from 2.1 in Q1.

Regional Spotlight

Midwest – The Hotspot

The Midwest remains the most active region, with a 3.8% annual increase in the HPI. Detroit, Chicago, and Minneapolis were among the leading cities, all showing price gains exceeding 4%. Analysts attribute this to a combination of higher local income growth and a robust pipeline of new construction projects.

West – Moderately Strong Growth

California and Oregon saw modest price increases. The FHFA reports that the West’s growth lagged partly because of stricter zoning regulations and high land prices, which dampen the ability of builders to introduce new inventory quickly.

South – Steady, Not So Fast

Florida and Texas saw a 2.5% rise, the lowest among the four census regions. Despite a relatively low inventory, the region’s larger proportion of low‑income households keeps affordability in check.

The Broader Economic Context

The FHFA’s data is the latest evidence of a market that is still recovering from the pandemic‑era frenzy. While prices have moderated slightly from their 2023 highs, the pace of growth has slowed, suggesting a potential leveling off.

The report’s release comes at a time when the U.S. Federal Reserve is signaling a pause in its aggressive rate hikes. This dovetailing of policy action could moderate the impact on housing demand, especially as households weigh the cost of higher mortgage payments against future rate changes.

Implications for Buyers and Sellers

• For Buyers: The high rate environment continues to make affordability a hurdle. Even with the slight drop in mortgage rates, a 7%+ rate makes a $400,000 home require a monthly payment of roughly $2,600 on a 30‑year fixed, not accounting for taxes and insurance.

• For Sellers: The sustained price growth presents a window of opportunity. However, sellers must also navigate rising interest rates, which could curb the number of serious buyers.

• For Builders: The 6.1% rise in new‑home prices offers a signal that construction remains profitable, but the cost of building materials continues to rise. Builders may need to raise prices further, which could dampen demand.

Looking Ahead

The FHFA will release its next update in July, and market watchers will be keen to see whether the upward trajectory persists or tapers. The National Association of Realtors expects a slight slowdown, citing a potential inventory rebound as new construction picks up. Yet, the housing market remains a barometer of broader economic sentiment — from consumer confidence to wage growth.

In summary, the FHFA’s Q2 2024 data underscores a still‑robust housing market: prices have climbed nearly 3% on a year‑over‑year basis, with the new‑home sector experiencing the fastest growth. Supply constraints, construction costs, and high mortgage rates remain the twin engines of price appreciation, but the economy’s evolving policy environment may soon influence the next chapter in the U.S. housing story.