Two-year Rent Growth Streak Ends in Small Step Toward Normalcy
Asking rents across the U.S. finally ended a non-stop growth streak in October, falling 0.1% month-over-month and marking the first monthly decline in two years. The small step down is reminiscent of a more “normal” rental market, in line with October declines seen in each of the three autumns before the pandemic. The Zillow Observed Rent Index pegs typical national rent at $2,040 in October, still 9.6% above year-ago levels.
Prospective Buyers: Results from the Zillow Consumer Housing Trends Report 2022
A global pandemic, historic economic change and an unprecedented shift in the housing market have been hallmarks of the past year. But while these large-scale changes have shifted the landscape and have the potential to reshape buyers’ preferences over the longer term, many behaviors and attitudes remain the same.
Mortgage Rates Up Slightly Despite Midterms and Job Figures
Mortgage rates were up slightly this week, holding firm near 20-year highs after an eventful seven days filled with key monetary policy, economic and political updates. After rising strongly in response to comments from the Federal Reserve indicating that more rate hikes and policy tightening were likely in the coming months, mortgage rates had a muted reaction to the October jobs figures, which showcased a resilient, but softening labor market.
The typical U.S. home value was nearly flat from September to October (+0.1%), as buyers and sellers potentially settled on a new market equilibrium.
Mortgage Rates Enjoy a Calm Period, but Choppier Waters are Likely Ahead
Mortgage rates ticked up slightly this week and enjoyed a period of relative calm, as markets eagerly anticipated Federal Reserve policy updates and gauges of the economy for where to head next. But more pronounced movements are likely in the coming days.
Housing Inflation is Likely Poised to Decelerate by Early 2023
A growing body of research shows the Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI) leads survey-based average rent indexes, including the rent component of the Consumer Price Index, by up to 12 months.
The typical age of inventory is up 45% from last year, and is 30% less than the pre-pandemic average.
Mortgage Rates Reverse as Investors Expect Moderation
Mortgage rates fell this week, touching 20-year highs before retreating considerably in recent days. The sharp reversal over the past few trading sessions – a rarity these days – suggests that investors may finally be expecting some moderation in the Fed’s pace of monetary policy tightening and some softening in key economic data releases – the two factors that have combined to push rates firmly higher this year.
September New Home Sales: New Sales Back Down With Rates Climbing
Mortgage rates spiked in September, leading to a slowdown in new construction sales compared to August when rates took a slight dip down.
