U.S. Existing Home Sales Decline 3.6% in March 2026, Below Consensus Estimate
U.S. existing home sales fell 3.6% month-over-month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.98 million units in March 2026, according to the National Association of REALTORS. The median existing-home price rose 1.4% year-over-year to $408,800. Housing inventory increased to 1.36 million units, representing a 4.1-month supply.
zerohedge.comMarch 2026 Sales Decline U.S.
98 million units, the National Association of REALTORS reported. 06 million units. 0% from March 2025. S. 4% from $403,100 in March 2025, according to the National Association of REALTORS.
Inventory and Supply Metrics Total U.S.
3% rise year-over-year from March 2025, the National Association of REALTORS stated. 0 months in March 2025. 5% month-over-month in March 2026, per the National Association of REALTORS.
Affordability Index Changes The U.S. 2 in March 2025, according to the National Association of REALTORS.
February 2026 Revision U.S. 7%, the National Association of REALTORS reported. 09 million units.
Updated 2026 Forecasts The National Association of REALTORS adjusted its 2026 forecast for existing-home sales to a 4% increase from the prior year, revised from an earlier 14% estimate, while maintaining a projection for 4% median home price growth.
For new-home sales, the forecast was revised to remain flat, compared to an earlier projection of a 5% gain. The group projects a 4% rise in median home prices for 2026.
Story Timeline
4 events- March 2026
Existing home sales at 3.98 million units, down 3.6% from February; median price $408,800, up 1.4% year-over-year; inventory 1.36 million units, supply 4.1 months; affordability index 113.7.
1 sourceNational Association of REALTORS - February 2026
Existing home sales revised to 4.13 million units, up 2.7% month-over-month; inventory supply 3.8 months; affordability index 117.5.
1 sourceNational Association of REALTORS - March 2025
Existing home sales down 1.0% year-over-year from this period; median price $403,100; inventory supply 4.0 months; affordability index 104.2.
1 sourceNational Association of REALTORS - 2026 Forecast Revision
NAR revises existing-home sales forecast to 4% increase from 14%; new-home sales to flat from 5% gain; median prices to rise 4%.
1 sourceNational Association of REALTORS
Potential Impact
- 01
Continued price increases could strain affordability for lower-income households despite index rise year-over-year.
- 02
Higher inventory supply approaching balance could stabilize market conditions over 2026.
- 03
Slower sales pace may ease pressure on buyers in the short term due to rising inventory.
- 04
Revised flat forecast for new-home sales may signal builder caution amid existing market slowdown.
- 05
Downward revision in sales forecasts may influence mortgage rate expectations and lending practices.
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