US existing home sales accelerate in December as mortgage rates ease
Existing home sales in the United States rose more than expected in December as lower mortgage rates and moderating price growth encouraged buyer activity.
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Existing home sales in the US 
USaccelerated significantly in December, rising 5.1 percent to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 4.35 million units. This increase, reported by the National Association of Realtors on January 14, 2026, exceeded the expectations of economists polled by Reuters, who had forecast a more modest rise to 4.21 million units. On a year-over-year basis, sales were up 1.4 percent, signaling a shift in housing market conditions at the close of 2025.
USaccelerated significantly in December, rising 5.1 percent to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 4.35 million units. This increase, reported by the National Association of Realtors on January 14, 2026, exceeded the expectations of economists polled by Reuters, who had forecast a more modest rise to 4.21 million units. On a year-over-year basis, sales were up 1.4 percent, signaling a shift in housing market conditions at the close of 2025.The improvement in market activity was largely attributed to a decrease in mortgage rates during 2025 and a notable moderation in home price growth. Lawrence Yun lawrence yun, the chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, noted that market conditions began to improve in the fourth quarter as the dual tailwinds of lower rates and slower price appreciation eased constraints on potential buyers. Investors tracking the broader interest rate environment via the iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF 
TLThave observed that while mortgage rates have retreated from their peaks, they remain considerably higher than levels seen three years ago.
TLThave observed that while mortgage rates have retreated from their peaks, they remain considerably higher than levels seen three years ago.