There’s always more to the story than a single number can tell—especially with home prices. By Q2 2026, the US median price for new single-family homes came in at $410,700, while the median for existing homes rose to $435,700—a $25,000 national gap that quarter. That’s the widest spread we’ve seen, continuing a trend that started back in Q2 2024 when existing homes began outpacing new builds on price.
What’s behind this shift? Many homeowners who locked in low mortgage rates during the pandemic chose to stay put, keeping supply tight. Meanwhile, builders responded by offering smaller lots, more compact homes, and a range of incentives to attract buyers. But these national figures don’t always reflect what’s happening here in Baltimore. Every market has its own mix of home types, lot sizes, and construction realities that shape the numbers in unique ways.
By the same Q2 2026, new-home prices nationally slipped about 1% year over year, while existing-home prices kept climbing—though growth slowed to around 2% after three years of steady increases. For anyone thinking about a move or investment in Baltimore, these trends offer context, but the real insight comes from looking locally and understanding the factors that actually affect your decision. That’s where a deep knowledge of our neighborhoods and market rhythms truly matters.
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