What’s the Outlook for the Housing Market in 2024?

By Mark Fleming on November 29, 2023
The housing market has been on quite the roller coaster ride since the beginning of the pandemic. While it was strong prior to 2020, the onset of the pandemic and the societal changes it triggered redefined the role of a home. As work-from-home became the new normal, a house was no longer just a dwelling or a vehicle for wealth creation, but also ... Read More

Housing Interest Rates Affordability

Could the Affordability Crunch Ease in 2024?

By Mark Fleming on November 28, 2023
In September 2023, the Real House Price Index (RHPI) jumped up by 15 percent on an annual basis, dragging housing affordability to the lowest point in over three decades. Two factors drove the sharp annual decline in affordability – a 6.2 percent annual increase in nominal house prices, according to our First American Data & Analytics House ... Read More

Interest Rates Real House Price Index Affordability

Will Re-Accelerating House Price Appreciation Flip the Rent vs. Own Dynamic Again?

By Mark Fleming on October 31, 2023
In August 2023, the Real House Price Index (RHPI) jumped up by nearly 25 percent on an annual basis, dragging housing affordability to the lowest point in over three decades. Two factors drove the sharp annual decline in affordability – a 5.4 percent annual increase in nominal house prices, according to our First American Data & Analytics ... Read More

Interest Rates Real House Price Index Affordability

Affordability Sinks to Lowest Point in Over Three Decades

By Mark Fleming on September 25, 2023
In July 2023, the Real House Price Index (RHPI) jumped up by nearly 17 percent on an annual basis, bringing housing affordability to the lowest point in over three decades. Two factors drove the sharp annual decline in affordability – a 4 percent annual increase in nominal house prices and a 1.4 percentage point increase in the 30-year, fixed ... Read More

Interest Rates Real House Price Index Affordability

Where are Mortgage Rates Headed Through the End of 2023?

By Mark Fleming on August 28, 2023
Two of the three key drivers of the Real House Price Index (RHPI), nominal house prices and mortgage rates, dragged affordability lower in June. The 30-year, fixed mortgage rate increased by 0.3 percentage points and nominal house prices accelerated by 0.8 percent compared with May. While household income increased by 0.4 percent, it was not ... Read More

Interest Rates Real House Price Index Affordability

Does Resurgent House Price Growth Signal a Bottom in the Housing Market?

By Mark Fleming on July 31, 2023
In May, housing affordability fell relative to one month ago, as two of the three key drivers of the Real House Price Index (RHPI), nominal house prices and mortgage rates reduced house-buying power by 0.7 percent. Nominal house price growth ticked up 0.6 percent compared with one month ago, while the average 30-year, fixed mortgage rate increased ... Read More

Interest Rates Real House Price Index Affordability