09/21/2026
US Home Prices Face Real Value Erosion
Something we’re watching closely here in Atlanta: While US home prices are still ticking upward on paper, the real value of those homes is quietly slipping. In Q2 2026, one federal index barely budged month-over-month—even after seasonal adjustment—while another national measure showed about 1.5% price appreciation for the year (up a bit from 1% earlier in the quarter). But inflation’s running closer to 3.5%, which means homeowners are actually seeing their home’s true value fall for the 13th month in a row. The one bright spot? Nominal prices are holding steady, and the pace of real value erosion has slowed thanks to a dip in inflation and slightly stronger price gains.
We’ve seen these market pressures firsthand with our Atlanta buyers and sellers—especially first-timers feeling the pinch as typical monthly payments on single-family homes rise. Even with affordability front and center, history shows nominal home values have stayed positive every quarter since early 2012. Our background as builders helps us spot ways to maximize value (even in shifting markets), and we stay right by your side to help you navigate these ups and downs.
