The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports that US existing-home sales rose 3.2% in May 2026 to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.17 million, marking the strongest monthly gain of the year and the highest sales pace since December 2025.
The increase was driven by improved affordability conditions earlier in the spring, including slightly lower mortgage rates and rising incomes, which supported buyer demand despite still-elevated home prices and borrowing costs. Gains were seen across most regions, though the West was flat.
The median existing-home price also continued to rise year-over-year, reflecting persistent supply constraints in the housing market. The report suggests a modest rebound in housing activity, though affordability pressures and volatile mortgage rates continue to limit a stronger recovery.
