Lately, I’ve noticed a growing disconnect between rising home prices and real value—a trend highlighted by recent data from Q2 2026. While national home prices continued to climb on paper, one federal index actually stayed flat from mid- to late-quarter after seasonal adjustments. The national index showed annual appreciation ticking up slightly to about 1.5% by late Q2, compared to 1% earlier, but that’s still nearly two percentage points behind the inflation rate of 3.5%. For the 13th consecutive month, real (inflation-adjusted) home values have slipped, although slower inflation and steadier nominal gains have softened the impact. One federal measure has shown positive annual growth every quarter since early 2012, which speaks to how resilient prices remain—even as purchasing power lags. As we move into the second half of the year, affordability remains front and center: typical monthly payments for existing single-family homes rose again last quarter, putting extra pressure on first-time buyers. Having helped many clients navigate the Boston and Rhode Island markets at a wide range of price points, I understand how challenging these shifts can be for buyers and sellers alike. Staying informed and prepared is more important than ever.
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