Real Estate
Home›Real Estate›Residential›US home prices rise modestly as regional gaps widen
US home prices rise modestly as regional gaps widen
FHFA data show prices gained 2.1% from Q2 2025 to Q2 2026, while Pacific markets barely increased, and the biggest annual decline came in Seattle at -2.0%.
Home prices in the United States inched higher in the latest readings from FHFA and the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, with annual gains picking up slightly versus the prior month but remaining modest overall. According to FHFA, U.S. house prices rose 2.1% between the second quarter of 2025 and the second quarter of 2026, and increased 0.3% from the first quarter. The seasonally adjusted FHFA index was unchanged from May to June, indicating the quarterly rise did not build additional momentum heading into summer. While prices have continued to appreciate nationally, regional results diverged sharply. All nine census divisions posted annual gains, led by the East North Central division at 4.5%, while the Pacific division showed appreciation just above 0%. At the state level, Alaska recorded the largest increase at 8.3%, while Pacific states were weaker, and only four states saw declines, led by New Mexico with a 1.2% drop. Case-Shiller data also pointed to a modest acceleration. The U.S. National Home Price Index rose 1.5% year over year in June, after a 1.2% increase in May, and the 10-City Composite climbed 2.9% annually with the 20-City Composite up 2.1%. Among metro areas, Chicago recorded the strongest annual appreciation at 6.9%, while Seattle posted the biggest decline at -2.0%, underscoring a widening gap between stronger and softer housing markets.