US Existing-Home Sales Rise in September

On Tuesday, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported that total existing-home sales—completed transactions for single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums, and co-ops—rose 1.5% in September to a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of 3.99 million. Year-over-year, sales were down 2.2%.

By region, sales rose in the South and West, held steady in the Midwest, and declined in the Northeast. Compared to a year ago, sales were lower in all four regions.

Total housing inventory at the end of September was 1.60 million units, up 1.9% from August and 4.6% from a year earlier. At the current sales pace, unsold inventory sits at a 4.8-month supply, unchanged from August but up from 4.5 months a year earlier.

The median existing-home price for all housing types was $417,500 in September, a 1.3% increase from $412,300 a year ago. This marked the 39th consecutive month of year-over-year price gains.

According to NAR’s monthly REALTORS Confidence Index, properties typically remained on the market for 33 days in September, compared with 31 days in August, 29 days in July, and 33 days a year earlier. First-time buyers accounted for 31% of sales, up from 30% in August and 30% in September 2025.

The NAR Housing Affordability Index registered a reading of 105.4, down from 106.7 in September 2025. Year-over-year, the index declined in three of four regions, with the Northeast down 4.5%, the Midwest down 3.1%, and the South down 0.4%. The West recorded a 1.0% increase.