Seattle-based Redfin Corp. found the median home sale price in the U.S. in the four-week period ending Dec. 26 increased 14.6% year over year to a new all-time high of $361,171. The number of homes for sale also fell to a record low, with the last month of the year typically being a slower time in the overall housing market.
“The holiday effect of homebuyers and sellers diverting their time and attention toward travel and celebrations was even more extreme than during the pre-pandemic Christmas week of 2019,” said Taylor Marr, Redfin deputy chief economist, in a statement. “We see this slowdown as a temporary consequence of the holidays, and not as an indication that homebuyer demand is backing off. Those who did purchase homes over the holidays paid high prices due to the ongoing supply shortage.