News Flash

Published on May 11, 2026 at 10:43 AM

In April 2026, existing home sales in the United States rose by 0.2% from March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.02 million units. 

Key National Statistics (April 2026)

  • Sales Volume: The 4.02-million-unit pace was unchanged from April 2025 and fell short of economist expectations for a larger gain.
  • Median Home Price: Increased 0.9% year-over-year to $417,700, an all-time record for the month of April.
  • Housing Inventory: Total unsold inventory grew 5.8% from March to 1.47 million units, representing a 4.4-month supply at the current sales pace.
  • Market Speed: Properties typically remained on the market for 32 days, up from 29 days a year earlier. 

Regional Breakdown

Sales performance varied across the United States in April:

  • Midwest: Led gains with a 2.2% monthly increase to an annual rate of 950,000.
  • South: Saw a modest 0.5% uptick to an annual rate of 1.87 million.
  • Northeast: Sales remained flat month-over-month at an annual rate of 450,000.
  • West: Experienced a 2.6% decline to an annual rate of 750,000. 

Market Drivers and Trends

The National Association of REALTORS® reported that despite record-high stock markets, "mixed macroeconomic signals" like low consumer confidence and fluctuating mortgage rates—impacted by international conflicts—weighed on the spring buying season. 

  • First-Time Buyers: Accounted for 33% of all sales in April, slightly down from 34% in 2025.
  • All-Cash Transactions: Represented 25% of sales, which was unchanged from the previous year.
  • Affordability: While prices hit new records, NAR economists noted that affordability is beginning to improve as wage growth outpaces home-price gains in some regions. 

Would you like to see a comparison of new home sales versus these existing home figures for April?

All responses may include mistakes. For financial advice, consult a professional. Learn more

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