As we move through 2026, the story behind US home prices is more nuanced than headlines suggest. While nominal prices continued to rise in the second quarter, one key federal index actually held steady from mid- to late-Q2 after adjusting for seasonal factors. Nationally, annual appreciation ticked up to around 1.5% by late Q2—an improvement from mid-Q2’s 1%, but still nearly 2 percentage points shy of the 3.5% inflation rate. This means that, after factoring in inflation, real home values have now declined for the 13th consecutive month. The good news: lower inflation and firmer price growth have slowed this trend. Notably, one federal index has reported positive annual gains every quarter since early 2012, underscoring the resilience of nominal values even as real purchasing power faces pressure. For many families and first-time buyers, affordability remains front and center, with rising monthly payments on single-family homes continuing to challenge budgets. At The Brooks Group, we understand that behind each statistic is a personal story—and we’re dedicated to helping our clients navigate these shifting dynamics with clarity and care, always keeping their goals at the heart of every decision.
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