US Single-Family Home Price Growth Slowed in January, FHFA Data Showed

US Single-Family Home Price Growth Slowed in January, FHFA Data Showed

US single-family home prices backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were reported to have increased by 0.1% in January 2026, matching market expectations and marking a slower pace of growth compared with the 0.3% rise recorded in December, according to data released by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). The latest figures were seen as an indication that price momentum in the housing market may have moderated at the start of the year, as affordability pressures and elevated borrowing costs were believed to have continued influencing buyer activity.

The FHFA report suggested that housing price performance remained uneven across the country’s nine census divisions. Monthly price movements reportedly ranged from a 0.7% decline in the West South Central division to a 1.7% increase in the East South Central division. The variation across regions was viewed as a sign that local economic conditions, supply constraints, and buyer demand may have continued shaping market outcomes differently across the United States. Areas with stronger employment growth and tighter housing inventories were thought to have shown greater resilience, while others may have faced softer demand conditions.

On an annual basis, house prices were said to have risen 1.6% in December, reflecting continued but moderate appreciation compared with previous years of stronger gains. The 12-month regional changes reportedly ranged from a 0.8% decline in the West South Central division to a 4.4% increase in the East North Central division. Analysts had noted that year-over-year gains remained positive overall, though the pace appeared subdued relative to the rapid increases seen during the pandemic-era housing boom.

Historical data cited in the report showed that the monthly US House Price Index had averaged 0.35% from 1991 through 2026. The index had previously reached an all-time high monthly gain of 1.8% in June 2021, while the sharpest decline of 1.8% was recorded in November 2008. Market participants were likely to monitor future releases closely for clearer signs on whether the housing market was stabilising further or facing renewed pressure amid broader economic uncertainties.