Home prices continued to rise across the country in March, but the rate of increase slowed yet again, according to the latest S&P Cotality Case-Shiller Home Price Index. 

The pace of closed sales is only expected to increase through the summer, Illinois REALTORS® said. 

Despite a monthly decline, the rate of new-home construction still came in above consensus estimates. 

Among the top 50 metro areas, Boston and Miami led the pack. 

The median-existing sales price for all housing types rose 0.9% year over year to $417,700, its 34th consecutive increase. 

Nationally, home sales in the 50 metro areas surveyed by REMAX posted their largest monthly gain in three years, increasing 31.6%. 

The 2026 spring housing market is neither surging nor stalled, but moving forward as both buyers and sellers adjust their expectations.

S&P Dow Jones Indices noted that inflation outpaced national home-price appreciation for the ninth month in a row.

That timeline is typical for a family saving 15% of their income, assuming a 15% down payment.

The spring market is off to a competitive start across Chicagoland suburbs, according to Mainstreet REALTORS®’ March data report. 

Boomers made up 42% of all homebuyers during the period from July 2024 to June 2025, unchanged from the same time a year prior. Millennials lost market share, making up 26% of buyers, down 3% year over year.

The average monthly payment on an outstanding home loan reached $2,005 in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to Realtor.com’s latest data based on FHFA figures.

S&P Dow Jones Indices noted that inflation outpaced national home-price appreciation for the eighth month in a row. 

Nationally, home sales in the 51 metro areas surveyed by REMAX declined 3.2% year over year and rose 11.1% month over month. 

Though the most lucrative week to list varies by city and region, spring is undoubtedly the smartest season to list.

Regionally, pending sales rose in the Midwest, South and West, and declined in the Northeast on a month-over-month basis.