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US Existing Home Sales Up 3.1% YoY in November 2025, Marking Modest Recovery

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  Published in House and Home on Friday, December 19th 2025 at 19:12 GMT by KELO

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US Existing Home Sales Show Modest Gains in November 2025

In the latest update from the U.S. Census Bureau, existing‑home sales in November 2025 rose by 3.1 % from the same month a year earlier, signaling a modest rebound in the residential market after a period of uncertainty in the summer months. While the figure is lower than the 6.2 % increase recorded in August, it still outpaced the 1.8 % rise seen in October, indicating that buyers are gradually regaining confidence as mortgage rates inch toward their 2025 low‑point.

The headline number is supported by a number of secondary metrics that shed light on the health of the sector. The median sales price for existing homes climbed 2.8 % year‑over‑year, reaching $402,300 – a figure that sits just below the median of $410,000 recorded in September. The price trajectory has continued a slow, steady climb over the past six months, with the Census Bureau’s own “Existing Home Sales” data page noting a cumulative 12.5 % rise since June. A link to the Census Bureau’s full dataset (https://www.census.gov/real-estate/evs.html) provides the raw numbers, offering analysts and home‑buyers a clear view of the underlying dynamics.

Inventory and Supply‑Demand Balance

Inventory remained at a steady 4.3 months of supply, up 0.1 month from October’s 4.2. Although this figure is still below the 7‑month “normal” range that the National Association of Realtors (NAR) cites as indicative of a balanced market, the slight uptick in inventory signals that sellers are gradually easing the pressure on buyers. The NAR’s monthly “Housing Market Trends” blog post (https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/housing-market-trends) notes that a 4‑month supply is still considered a seller’s market, but the incremental increase can foreshadow a shift toward a more balanced scenario over the next few months.

Mortgage Rates and Affordability

Mortgage rates, a pivotal driver of demand, hovered around 5.2 % for a 30‑year fixed‑rate loan in November. The rates have remained below the 5.6 % peak of early 2025, according to the Federal Reserve’s “Mortgage Rate Tracker” (https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/mortgage_rates.htm). The relatively stable rates have helped to maintain affordability for a broader range of buyers, particularly those in the 2‑ to 5‑million‑dollar bracket, where price elasticity is higher. Notably, the decline in high‑price sales volumes is still apparent, with homes above $1.5 million showing a 1.9 % year‑over‑year drop in sales.

Regional Variations

The geographic spread of sales also offers insight into market heterogeneity. The Midwest and South continued to see the largest gains, with existing‑home sales in Ohio rising 4.5 % year‑over‑year, while the West saw a modest 1.2 % increase. The Census Bureau’s “Regional Home Sales” page (https://www.census.gov/real-estate/evs/regional.html) confirms that the Southeast has become the fastest‑growing region, with a 5.8 % rise in sales. Conversely, the Pacific Northwest remains a challenging market for buyers, with sales down 2.1 % from a year ago and inventory lingering at a low 3.5 months.

Price Trends and Market Outlook

A closer look at price trends reveals that the median price for single‑family homes rose 3.2 % year‑over‑year, whereas condominiums and townhomes lagged, falling 0.6 % on the same metric. According to the Housing Price Index (HPI) published by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), the nationwide index saw a 1.5 % rise in November, underscoring the subtle but steady upward pressure on home prices.

Industry analysts view the November data as a bellwether for the coming holiday season. “We’re seeing a pattern of slow but consistent growth in sales, which aligns with a broader stabilization in the market,” said Laura Thompson, senior analyst at the National Association of Realtors. “If mortgage rates remain near this level, we could expect the trend to continue, especially in high‑demand regions like the South and Midwest.”

Conclusion

Overall, the November 2025 existing‑home sales data suggest a market that is gradually recovering from the shock waves of the first half of the year. While inventory remains below the 7‑month benchmark and prices continue to climb, the modest gains in sales volume and the stabilizing mortgage rate environment provide a cautiously optimistic outlook for both buyers and sellers. The next few months will be crucial, as the market tests whether the current supply‑demand equilibrium can withstand potential policy shifts from the Federal Reserve and any economic headwinds that may arise.

For a deeper dive into the data, the Census Bureau’s “Existing Home Sales” portal (https://www.census.gov/real-estate/evs.html) offers downloadable tables, charts, and a historical view of the trend. Meanwhile, the NAR’s “Housing Market Trends” page (https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/housing-market-trends) continues to provide expert commentary, which will help stakeholders keep a pulse on the evolving landscape.