Most people don’t follow the housing market that closely. Until we’re ready to buy a house, we probably aren’t digging into the data. But not following the market can lead to misconceptions. It can also lead to worry. So, what’s the top worry among Americans thinking about buying? Well, the number one worry among Americans, according to a newly released survey, is high home prices. Forty-five percent of respondents listed the high price of buying as their top concern. Fifty-five percent of them said they think prices are headed even higher over the next year. Of course, those are common concerns for buyers, especially after seeing prices spike significantly between 2020 and 2022. But there may be a misconception that they’re still surging. They’re not. In fact, home-price increases have slowed more recently and, in 2025, saw the smallest annual year-over-year increase in 15 years. Nationally, prices were essentially flat from one year earlier. That means, while prices are still challenging, they’ve plateaued a bit and – along with moderating mortgage rates – have combined for the best affordability conditions buyers have seen in years. (source)
