The U.S. Housing Market Hotness Index increased to 88.29 for the week ending March 1, 2026, up from 86.36 the previous week. The rise suggests that the spring housing season is beginning to gain momentum, with both buyers and sellers returning to the market after severe winter weather disrupted activity in many parts of the country. Although mortgage rates have climbed to 6%, largely reflecting inflation expectations related to the conflict in the Middle East, they remain below the 6.6% level recorded a year ago. Housing affordability has improved modestly as home price growth has slowed relative to wage gains, though homeownership remains out of reach for many prospective buyers.
At the regional level, Santa Clara, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Alameda Counties in California remain among the most active housing markets in the country, along with Monroe County, New York. Meanwhile, housing activity has been more moderate in portions of Florida and Texas. Similarly, the District of Columbia and Honolulu County, Hawaii continue to exhibit relatively softer market conditions compared with the nation’s strongest housing markets.
*Index values are subject to revision as deemed necessary, contingent upon the receipt of new or updated data.
