US Home Prices Accelerate in May Amid Regional Split

U.S. home prices rose faster in May, with the S&P CoreLogic Case‑Shiller index showing accelerating price growth while Realtor.com data indicated buyers gaining leverage through higher inventory and more price reductions. The median price reached $424,950, marking a 0.8% year‑over‑year increase after a slowdown in the prior two years.

Analysts note a pronounced geographic divide. Mid‑western markets are seeing price gains as buyers move from expensive coastal areas, whereas high‑growth coastal and Sun‑belt markets are entering a cooling phase. In San Francisco, well‑capitalized buyers are driving an almost 9% annual rebound, reflecting a wealth‑driven segmentation of opportunity. Cotality projects a further 4.8% rise in national home prices over the next year, though affordability pressures from elevated mortgage rates remain a key constraint.