Nationally, interest rates rose as builder confidence fell.

Nationally, housing prices were also on the rise, according to the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price NSA Index. 

Boston ranked third among large U.S. cities for the highest median one-bedroom monthly rent at $2,550 in December.

“There was less pending home sales action this time around, which I would ascribe to low housing supply, but also to buyers being hesitant about home prices,” National Association of REALTORS® chief economist Lawrence Yun said.

Fears of an economic fallout are causing long-term U.S. mortgage rates to fall as the newest COVID-19 strain reignites worry among Americans. 

Check out the hometown stories which most interested our Boston readers.

Take a look at which national stories from the year generated the most interest with our readers.

The median sales price of new homes hit a new high of $416,900.

The median existing-home sales price for all housing types rose again on an annual basis, marking 117 consecutive months of gains.

The seasonal housing cooldown may end early this year according to Zillow’s latest market report, which found the spring market thaw may be here before winter even begins.

You’ve heard of Gothic architecture … but what about goth architecture? A certain listing in Lincoln, Ill. is trending for its shocking black exterior.

Despite the declines, median prices continued to grow and set records.

Eviction filings are rising as millions of Americans are being forced from their homes months after lawmakers allowed the federally imposed eviction moratorium to expire. 

“The market is roaring along, with only half the seasonal slowdown we typically see from October to November.” — RE/MAX LLC President Nick Bailey

The Boston Planning & Development Agency has approved a South Boston redevelopment project that will develop four mixed-use buildings at an underutilized industrial site on Dorchester Avenue.

The partnership will help potential homeowners find down-payment assistance programs to make homeownership more attainable, especially for first-time buyers.