09/26/2026
US Home Prices: What the Median Misses
As someone who’s spent over two decades navigating the real estate market, I’ve learned that headline numbers, like the national median home price, can sometimes miss the real story. In Q2 2026, the US median price for new single-family homes came in at $410,700, while existing homes reached $435,700—a $25,000 gap that quarter, and the widest we’ve seen nationally. This shift actually started back in Q2 2024, when existing-home prices began to overtake new builds. Much of this comes down to homeowners with ultra-low pandemic-era mortgages choosing to stay put, which has kept existing-home inventory tight. Meanwhile, builders have responded with smaller lots, more compact homes, and creative incentives to reach buyers.
But keep in mind: that national gap doesn’t reflect every local market. Factors like the mix of home types, lot sizes, and rising construction costs all influence how these medians play out in our neighborhoods across the metroplex. By Q2 2026, new-home prices dipped about 1% year-over-year, while existing-home prices slowed to 2% annual growth after a long run of increases. My focus is always on helping clients read between the lines, whether you’re buying your first home, upsizing, or seeking an investment. Understanding these trends—and how they show up locally—can make all the difference in finding the right property for your needs.
