An estimated 762,000 new homes were sold in 2021, according to the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. This is 7.3% below the 2020 figure of 822,000.
Sales of new single‐family houses in December were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 811,000, or 11.9% above the revised November rate of 725,000, but is 14% below the December 2020 estimate of 943,000.
“The housing market finished 2021 on a high note as consumers remained active in the market trying to buy what few homes were for sale,” says Ali Wolf, Zonda chief economist. “An early read from Zonda’s data shows that sales in January have improved compared to December as it appears the spring-selling season started early for many builders across the country.”
The median sales price of new houses sold in December was $377,700, while the average sales price was $457,300.
“Of the sales in December, the distribution skewed higher in price compared to earlier months,” continues Wolf. “For example, last year, 13% of total new-home sales were from $500,000 to $749,000. Today, that’s at 20%. Further, 26% of new-home sales were between $200,000 and $299,999 last year compared to 21% today.”
The seasonally adjusted estimate of new houses for sale was 403,000 at the end of December, representing a six-month supply at the current sales rate.
