U.S. Housing Market Faces Declines Amid Interest Rate Hikes

The U.S. housing market is showing signs of potential declines, with experts predicting significant drops in home prices in cities like San Francisco and New York, where values could decrease by 5%-10% and 5%-8%, respectively, by year-end. Meanwhile, global property markets are struggling under high borrowing costs, with insolvencies rising in countries like Germany and the UK, as central banks attempt to lower rates without restoring the boom conditions of the past decade. Despite a decrease in mortgage payments to their lowest levels in six months, U.S. home sales are not increasing, attributed to high property prices and economic uncertainty. In New Zealand, confidence in the housing market has waned, with a significant drop in price expectations as supply remains high and demand weakens due to rising unemployment. The Mortgage Bankers Association reported improved borrower affordability in July, yet this has not translated into higher sales, leaving the market in a state of caution and speculation. Experts suggest that while some indicators are favorable for buyers, the overarching economic concerns are preventing a market rebound.