(Washington)

The US property market is a complex and bifurcated sector right now. On the commercial side, prices look set to weaken on huge supply of property and financing. On the residential side, inventory is tight and prices are rising. On the latter market, new data out shows that home sales and inventory are plummeting, and prices are rising quickly. Home sales have fallen for a third straight month, and according to the National Association of Realtors, “The root cause is, without a doubt, the severe housing shortage that is not releasing its grip on the nation’s housing market. What is for sale in most areas is going under contract very fast, and in many cases has multiple offers”. US median home prices are up 5.2% year on year and have set a new high of $276,900.

FINSUM: So the market is seeing rising prices and rising rates. What gives? At some point fairly soon the market almost has to stall by default.