April 2023 Connecticut Housing Report

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April 2023
connecticut housing report

April Highlights

  • The current mortgage rates are posing an affordability challenge for buyers and sellers, reaching their highest levels since early March. The average rates are hovering in the 6-7% range for a 30-year fixed mortgage.
  • The market conditions have improved recently for buyers. This shift in the market provides you with increased options and a higher likelihood of securing a great deal as other buyers exit the market and more sellers list their properties. Take advantage of this opportunity to find the perfect home for you! 
  • Buyers should remain vigilant and be ready to strike with an updated preapproval should mortgage rates unexpectedly drop, and take advantage of the increased affordability lower rates offer.
  • Many sellers are facing a dilemma in the market, torn between their desire to make a move and the hesitation caused by trading their pandemic-era interest rate for a higher one. It is advisable for sellers to take advantage of the current buyer demand and low inventory by selling now, ensuring they maximize the selling price of their home.
  • Buyers and sellers should explore the various mortgage options available, such as buydowns and mortgage assumptions, to navigate the current rate climate effectively. 
  • Home sales have experienced a decline compared to the past few years, which is expected as the market readjusts after the elevated and frenzied levels seen during the pandemic.
  • Despite the headlines, prices are NOT crashing. Crashes are associated with high levels of inventory that exceed demand, causing prices to decrease. However, circumstances are currently the opposite, with inventory levels being remarkably low. Buyers will be waiting for a long time if they’re hoping to secure a home for a lower price, and sellers who are waiting to list shouldn’t!
     
national home inventory april 2023
Source: Calculated Risk Blog

  • This supply-demand imbalance, where demand surpasses supply, has led to an overall increase in average prices in April compared to the previous year. The limited inventory acts as a support for prices, preventing them from declining.
  • While homes are indeed selling, there is a shortage of listings due to hesitant sellers. As a result, pending sales are decreasing.
  • The spring/summer market typically experiences increased activity, so those interested in making a move should consider getting themselves and their homes prepared. Sellers often prefer to sell when the weather is warm, and buyers with families aim to close on their homes before the new school year to allow ample time for settling in.

CONNECTICUT

Combined Home Sales Down 30%

Combined sales are down 30% year over year, with April 2023 at 2,372 compared to 3,389 last April. Sales are down across all categories. 

  • Single families:  2,570 (2022) | 1,809 (2023) 
  • Condominiums: 819 (2022) | 563 (2023) 

Combined average prices have increased by 5.7% compared to last year, now at $508,674 from $481,446. Specifically, single-family prices increased by 3.9%, and condo prices increased by 14.9%.  

  • Single families: $548,071 (2022) | $569,645 (2023) 
  • Condominiums: $272,380 (2022) | $312,982 (2023) 

Homes Listed For Sale:

The number of homes listed is down by 31.6% when compared to April 2022, as would-be sellers are concerned about jumping into the market.  

  • 2023: 3,646
  • 2022: 5,334
  • 2021: 6,342

Pending Home Sales:

The number of homes placed under contract is down by 23.4% when compared to April 2022.

  • 2023: 3,004
  • 2022: 3,923
  • 2021: 4,610

Data provided by SmartMLS then compared to the prior year.