Newsroom

June 07, 2017

Fannie Mae index shows decline in homebuyer sentiment

The Fannie Mae Home Purchase Sentiment Index in May decreased 0.5 percentage points as the net share of Americans reporting that now is a good time to buy a home fell 8 percentage points to a record low of 27 percent.

"Despite the decline in buyer sentiment, demographic trends will help ensure a healthy dose of demand for years to come," said NAFCU Chief Economist and Director of Research Curt Long. "But supply remains tight and affordability conditions continue to suffer as a result."

However, according to the index, the net share reporting that now is a good time to sell a home increased 6 percentage points to 32 percent – a new survey high.

Among other survey results for May on a net share basis:

  • those who say that home prices will go up decreased 5 percentage points to 40 percent;
  • those who say mortgage rates will go down over the next 12 months rose 5 percentage points to -52 percent;
  • those not concerned about losing their jobs fell 6 percentage points to 71 percent; and
  • those who say their household incomes are significantly higher than 12 months ago rose 5 percentage points to 18 percent.