Midwest drives US spring 2026 housing rebound as contract signings rise 4.5%

Realtor.com’s Spring 2026 Housing Market Progress Report shows the US housing market gaining momentum for the first time in three years. New listings are up 1.4% year‑over‑year and contract signings increased 4.5% in April, the strongest gain since 2022. The Midwest led the recovery, with Kansas City posting a 12.5% rise in listings and a 20.7% jump in signings, followed by Louisville, Indianapolis, Columbus and Cincinnati, all registering double‑digit gains in both metrics.

By contrast, traditionally hot Sunbelt markets are slowing; Las Vegas contract signings fell 7.4% year‑to‑date and Tampa’s listings dropped 12.2% with longer days on market. Analysts attribute the Midwest surge to more affordable price points that are attracting buyers who have been waiting for realistic pricing.

The report suggests that the current alignment of supply and demand could translate into higher closed‑sale volumes by early summer, signaling a broader shift in the US housing market.