House Prices Decline, But Equity Buffers Remain Robust

By Mark Fleming on November 28, 2022
In September 2022, the Real House Price Index (RHPI) jumped up by 60.6 percent on an annual basis. This rapid annual decline in affordability was driven by two factors – a 13.5 percent annual increase in nominal house prices and a 3.2 percentage point increase in the average 30-year, fixed mortgage rate compared with one year ago. Even though ... Read More

Interest Rates Real House Price Index Affordability

Pandemic Boom Markets Cooling the Fastest

By Mark Fleming on October 21, 2022
Affordability continued its rapid decline in August 2022, as the Real House Price Index (RHPI) soared 49 percent on an annual basis. The ongoing and swift decline in affordability was driven by a 15 percent increase in nominal house prices and a 2.4 percentage point increase in the 30-year, fixed mortgage rate compared with one year ago. As ... Read More

Interest Rates Real House Price Index Affordability

Where is Housing Overvalued?

By Mark Fleming on September 27, 2022
Housing affordability continued its rapid annual decline in July 2022, as nominal house prices increased 16.7 percent year over year and the 30-year, fixed mortgage rate increased 2.5 percentage points compared with a year ago. The decline in affordability is reflected in the Real House Price Index (RHPI) jumping up by nearly 54 percent on an ... Read More

Interest Rates Real House Price Index Affordability

Where are House Prices Moderating the Most?

By Mark Fleming on August 29, 2022
In June 2022, the Real House Price Index (RHPI) jumped up by 53.3 percent on an annual basis, setting a new record for the fifth month in a row for the fastest year-over-year growth in the more than 30-year history of the series. This rapid annual decline in affordability was driven by an 18.5 percent annual increase in nominal house prices and a ... Read More

Interest Rates Real House Price Index Affordability

Will Rising Mortgage Rates Trigger an 'ARMs' Race for Home Buyers?

By Mark Fleming on July 22, 2022
In May 2022, the Real House Price Index (RHPI) jumped up by 50.8 percent year over year, which is the fastest growth in the more than 30-year history of the series. This rapid annual decline in affordability was driven by a 20.1 percent annual increase in nominal house prices and a 2.3 percentage point increase in the 30-year, fixed-mortgage rate ... Read More

Interest Rates Real House Price Index Affordability

Affordability Declines to its Lowest Level since 2007

By Mark Fleming on June 29, 2022
In April 2022, the Real House Price Index (RHPI) jumped up by 45.6 percent compared with a year ago, accelerating faster than any other point in the 30-year history of the series. This rapid annual decline in affordability was driven by two factors: a 21.2 percent annual increase in nominal house prices and a 1.9 percentage point increase in the ... Read More

Interest Rates Real House Price Index Affordability