Austin to Miami: Freddie Mac’s 2024 Home Price Insights Across U.S. Cities

November 01, 2024 : The Freddie Mac House Price Index (FMHPI) is a crucial tool for understanding housing market trends in the United States. This comprehensive report offers an in-depth look at home price changes across various metro areas, allowing both buyers and sellers to gain valuable insights into the current state of the real estate market. Using data up to September 2024, the FMHPI provides a clear view of how home prices have fluctuated from different starting points, including January 2020, January 2021, and September 2022. In analyzing these figures, trends emerge across cities that highlight both significant growth in some regions and marked declines in others.

One of the most notable areas featured in the FMHPI report is Austin, Texas, which saw a substantial peak-to-present decline in home values of -14.7%, with its peak in May 2022. This downturn highlights a broader trend in many cities where the overheated markets of the past few years have begun to stabilize or decline. Austin's significant decline is reflective of an overall adjustment seen in cities where housing demand surged rapidly during the pandemic, and as conditions have normalized, prices have started to correct. San Francisco, Portland, and Denver also reported declines from their peak values, with decreases of -3.5%, -4.0%, and -4.2%, respectively. These figures underscore the effects of economic normalization after rapid price surges in high-demand areas.

However, not all metro areas experienced similar declines. The report highlights several regions where prices have continued to climb, reflecting strong local demand. For instance, Miami, Florida, and Tampa, Florida, experienced notable increases since January 2020, with Miami’s home prices surging by 74.5% and Tampa’s by 70.6%. These cities have benefited from steady demand due to favorable factors, including strong migration trends and comparatively affordable real estate markets. Charlotte, North Carolina, and Providence, Rhode Island, followed closely with price increases of 66.8% and 64.6% since January 2020, respectively. These cities illustrate that while some markets are cooling, others continue to attract homebuyers, contributing to significant long-term price growth.

Additionally, year-over-year data from the FMHPI shows varied performance among metro areas, indicating that the real estate market is far from uniform. Cities such as Providence, New York, and Cleveland maintained positive year-over-year growth, showing increases of around 7.4%. These metro areas have continued to attract steady interest, and this demand has helped sustain price growth in these regions. Conversely, Austin experienced a slight year-over-year decline of -0.9%, reflecting the continued correction within its market. Other cities with similar patterns include San Francisco and Denver, where local conditions have tempered recent home price gains.

Monthly data from the FMHPI reveals further fluctuations. Some cities demonstrated modest month-over-month increases, including Cleveland and Detroit, with growth rates nearing 0.9%. Other cities, such as Austin and Tampa, saw slight month-over-month declines, continuing their respective cooling trends. The monthly data points serve as a useful indicator for buyers and sellers interested in the latest developments, as this information can be helpful when determining optimal timing for real estate decisions.

The FMHPI report also emphasizes the broader trend of metro areas experiencing a decrease from their peak values. A total of 91.41% of the 384 cities measured in the report have seen a decline from their highest price levels, with an average decrease of -1.6%. These declines, however, vary widely depending on the specific city, with each market showing its unique trajectory. Many areas reached their peak values between the second quarter of 2022 and the present day, reflecting a shift in the housing market as it moves into a phase of adjustment and potential stability. The FMHPI data highlights this trend, showing that while markets have generally cooled from their peaks, conditions differ considerably by region.

The Freddie Mac House Price Index provides a reliable view of the state of housing across the United States. By examining home prices in a wide range of metro areas, from Austin to Miami, it becomes clear that the market is experiencing both growth and correction, depending on local conditions. The data reveals key insights for anyone interested in real estate, offering a valuable resource for understanding current trends and making informed decisions. With a mix of rising prices in some areas and cooling trends in others, the FMHPI is an essential tool for navigating today’s housing market​