Sales price of existing single-family houses in the U.S. 2000-2024

The U.S. housing market has seen significant price growth since 2011, with the median sales price of existing single-family homes reaching a record high of 408,000 U.S. dollars in 2024. This represents a substantial increase of 133,000 over the past five years, highlighting the rapid appreciation of home values across the country. The trend of rising prices can also be observed in the new homes sold.

Regional variations and housing shortage

While the national median price provides a broad overview, regional differences in home prices are notable. The West remains the most expensive region, with prices twice higher than in the more affordable Midwest. This disparity persists despite efforts to increase housing supply. In 2024, approximately 982,000 building permits for single-family housing units were granted, showing a slight increase from previous years but still well below the 2005 peak of 1.68 million permits. The ongoing housing shortage continues to drive prices upward across all regions. 

Market dynamics and future outlook

The number of existing home sales has plummeted since 2020, reflecting the growing cost of homeownership. Factors such as high home prices, unfavorable economic conditions, and aggressive increases in mortgage rates have contributed to affordability challenges for many potential homebuyers. Despite these challenges, forecasts suggest a potential recovery in the housing market by 2025, though transaction volumes are expected to remain below long-term averages.