美国5月成屋销售超预期 但仍为2009年以来最疲软的5月销售 房价再新高

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. housing market remains constrained due to affordability issues, despite a slight increase in existing home sales in May 2023, reflecting the ongoing challenges faced by buyers [1][3]. Group 1: Sales Data - In May 2023, existing home sales totaled an annualized 4.03 million units, exceeding expectations of 3.95 million units and slightly up from the previous month's 4 million units [1]. - Month-over-month, existing home sales increased by 0.8%, contrary to the expected decline of 1.3% [1]. - Year-over-year, existing home sales decreased by 4% [1]. - May 2023 marked only the second increase in existing home sales this year, yet it represented the weakest May performance since 2009 [1]. Group 2: Inventory and Prices - Housing inventory rose by 6.2% in May, reaching 1.54 million units, the highest level in five years [1]. - The median sales price in May increased by 1.3% year-over-year to $422,800, setting a record for the same period [2]. - Over the past five years, home prices have cumulatively risen by 51% [2]. - Despite an increase in inventory, home prices have not declined significantly, indicating a resilient market overall [2]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - High mortgage rates, currently near 7%, are identified as a primary factor contributing to low sales volumes, with expectations of rates remaining above 6% for at least the next year [1][3]. - The luxury market, defined as homes priced at $1 million or more, is experiencing sales performance that is not superior to lower-priced homes [4]. - In May, 60% of homes sold within a month of listing, consistent with April's figures, while 28% sold above the listing price, down from 30% in May of the previous year [4]. - The South region saw a 1.7% increase in existing home sales, with an annualized sales volume of 1.84 million units, while the West region experienced a 5.4% decline [4]. Group 4: Buyer Composition - Individual investors or buyers of second homes accounted for 17% of sales in May, up from 15% in April, while cash transactions made up 27% of total sales [4]. - First-time homebuyers represented 30% of the sales volume, indicating their ongoing efforts to enter the market [4]. - Existing home sales constitute approximately 90% of the U.S. real estate market sales volume, with data reflecting decisions made in the preceding months [4].