In Q2 2025, investors purchased one-third of all single-family homes, the highest share in five years, with small investors dominating the market. While overall home sales declined, investor activity provided liquidity and increased rental inventory, especially in populous states like Texas, California, and Florida. Institutional investors are now selling more homes than they buy, shifting focus to build-to-rent projects, which reduces competition for traditional buyers and boosts rental supply.
A tour of two high-end Hamptons properties reveals a booming luxury real estate market driven by Wall Street wealth, with prices soaring despite broader economic uncertainties, and a focus on multi-generational homes and extensive amenities.
Two Hamptons zip codes, Bridgehampton and Water Mill, rank among the most expensive in the US, with median listing prices of $8.495 million and $6.845 million respectively, and inventory in the area is rising.
A legal dispute has erupted between Zillow and Compass over the handling of home listings, with Compass suing Zillow for allegedly using monopoly power to restrict access to certain listings, which could impact market transparency and consumer choice. The conflict centers on Zillow's upcoming policy to ban non-MLS shared listings, potentially pushing more homes into shadow markets, affecting buyers and sellers alike.
Billionaire Leslie Alexander, former owner of the Houston Rockets, has re-listed his Gramercy Park penthouse in Manhattan for $32 million, marking a $13 million reduction from its previous price. The luxurious property, featuring a private plunge pool, hot tub, and exclusive access to Gramercy Park, has seen several price adjustments since Alexander purchased it for $42 million in 2012. The decision to sell comes as Alexander no longer resides in New York, amid a challenging real estate market and potential for future property appreciation.
Mortgage rates saw a slight decrease last week, prompting a 12% increase in homebuyer demand for mortgages, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. The average rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages fell to 6.86%, leading to a surge in applications, which were 52% higher than the same week last year. Despite a drop in refinance applications, the overall mortgage demand rose due to improved home inventory and a strong economy. Economic data expected on Wednesday could further influence rates.
Rich Americans are increasingly buying old French chateaus, drawn by their romantic allure and relatively low prices compared to U.S. real estate. However, these properties often require extensive and costly renovations, with maintenance costs and French bureaucracy adding to the challenges. Buyers like Mark Goff and Phillip Engel, who purchased Château Avensac, and Abigail Carter, who bought Château de Borie, are turning these estates into event venues to offset expenses. Despite the difficulties, the dream of owning a piece of French history remains appealing to many.
Home sales in October saw a 3.4% increase from September, driven by a drop in mortgage rates, marking the first annual rise in over three years. The National Association of Realtors reported a seasonally adjusted rate of 3.96 million units sold, with inventory increasing by 19.1% from the previous year. Despite higher mortgage rates now at 7.05%, demand remains strong, particularly after the election, as potential buyers re-enter the market. However, first-time buyers and cash purchases have decreased, and inventory remains below pre-Covid levels.
Existing-home sales in the U.S. increased by 3.4% in October, marking the first year-over-year gain since July 2021, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. Sales rose across all major regions, with a total annual rate of 3.96 million. The median home price also increased by 4% to $407,200. Inventory levels rose slightly, while mortgage rates remained elevated but are expected to stabilize. First-time buyers accounted for 27% of sales, and cash sales made up 27% of transactions.
China's lawmakers are meeting to approve a significant fiscal stimulus package aimed at boosting the economy, which has been struggling due to a prolonged property slump and local government debt issues. The package, expected to be the largest since the pandemic, will focus on resolving local government debt and stimulating domestic demand. Analysts suggest China needs to spend up to Rmb10tn over three years, but caution that the measures may not significantly boost demand or consumer confidence. The National People's Congress is expected to announce details of the package soon.
Home prices in the Triangle have reached record highs due to a population boom and competitive market, despite stagnant sales and high mortgage rates. Inventory has increased nationally, but local demand remains high, with many homes receiving multiple offers. Real estate agents suggest new construction homes as a viable option for buyers, especially first-time homebuyers.
Home prices reached a record high in May, with the median price of an existing home at $419,300, up 5.8% year over year. Sales of previously owned homes remained stagnant, down 0.7% from April and 2.8% from the previous year, as high mortgage rates around 7% deterred buyers. Inventory increased by 6.7% month to month, but remains low overall. Despite higher prices, competition is still strong, with two-thirds of homes going under contract in less than a month.
Katharine Hepburn's former New York City townhouse in Turtle Bay Gardens is on the market for $7.2 million. The five-story, 4,600-square-foot home features four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a modern kitchen, and a 1,000-square-foot garden. The current owner, who bought the property for $3.9 million in 2004, has decided to sell due to infrequent visits to NYC.
Home sellers are reducing asking prices at the highest rate in 18 months due to high mortgage rates, with 6.4% of listings seeing price cuts. Despite this, the median home sale price hit a record high of $390,613, reflecting a 4.3% year-over-year increase. The market is showing signs of cooling, with homes staying on the market longer and a decline in pending home sales and mortgage-purchase applications. Buyers are advised to consider less trendy neighborhoods and homes that may need minor updates to avoid competition.
Toledo, Ohio, offers luxury homes at prices significantly lower than the national median, with only the top 5% of homes priced above $336,000 compared to the national median of $430,000. The city's stable luxury market is attributed to remote work trends and pre-pandemic economic conditions, making it an attractive option for affordability-minded buyers.
