08/26/2026
US Home Prices Rose in Q2
As someone who’s called Montgomery County home my entire life, I keep a close eye on what’s happening across our real estate landscape—and this quarter’s numbers are worth a look. In Q2 2026, home prices rose in 184 out of 230 U.S. metro areas, with the national single-family median reaching $434,900 (up 1.5% year over year). Regionally, the Northeast posted a 3.8% increase (now $547,200), the Midwest climbed 3.6% to $340,800, the South rose 1% to $380,000, and the West saw a slight dip of 0.8% to $637,900. Sales activity picked up in most regions, especially in the South thanks to faster job growth, while the Northeast’s pace was tempered by slower hiring and faster price appreciation. Median prices are up both yearly and quarterly, and the typical monthly mortgage payment hit $2,199—$219 more than last quarter, though $52 less than a year ago. The share of income families are spending on mortgage payments has also ticked up to 23.8% from 21.8%. Notably, starter-home prices dropped year over year, even as monthly payments increased by $214 this quarter. With two decades of local experience, I’m always here to help my clients make sense of these shifts and what they might mean for their next move in the DMV.
