The inventory of new homes for sale surged year over year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.    

Real estate economist Matthew Gardner joins Agent Publishing Co-Publisher Anne Hartnett to unpack the biggest housing trends from the second quarter, plus the potential impact of a new Fed chair and the future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Three-bedroom single-family rents grew 12.5% year over year during the first half of 2025, averaging $4,500.

At the same time, the pace of existing-home sales declined from May’s level. 

Nationally, home sales rose 5.7% year over year and 1.3% month over month, RE/MAX said. 

New single-family home construction declined as builders continue to grapple with macroeconomic headwinds. 

Data shows that the median price for single family homes hit $1,003,250 after hovering near the $1 million point since April.

Purchase applications slowed to their lowest level since May as economic worries dampened activity, the Mortgage Bankers Association said. 

Wellesley, Winchester, Lexington and Needham ranked among the nation’s top suburbs based on median household income, home values and other economic indicators.

“Retirees increasingly prioritize affordability, healthcare access and climate resilience over sun-soaked climates,” researchers said.

Renters paid an average of $3,311 for Boston apartments, up 1.44% year-over-year and 7.33% compared to two years ago.

Boston ranked 8th nationwide, just behind New York and several west coast cities like Los Angeles and San Diego. In the study, Boston homes fetched nearly $38,000 more after staging.

May’s 1.8% monthly gain follows a 6.3% drop in April, the National Association of REALTORS® said. 

“The biggest trend we’re seeing in the market over the last few months is the increase in inventory,” noted CCIAOR President Todd Machnik.

The pace of home-price appreciation slowed to its most modest pace since 2023, according to the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index. 

The median-sales price for an existing home rose 1.3% year over year to $422,800.