As the year ends, the U.S. housing market exhibits contrasting trends. December witnessed a 5.1% increase in existing home sales, marking the strongest pace in nearly three years, driven by easing mortgage rates and a surge in resale activity. Despite this late-year momentum, 2025 is recorded as one of the weakest years for home sales in three decades, with overall transactions stuck at a 30-year low due to persistently high prices and onerous mortgage conditions. Experts suggest that while the market showed signs of revived interest towards the end of the year, significant challenges remain ahead for prospective buyers navigating a landscape hindered by high costs and limited inventory.