Housing in 2026: Prices Are High, but the Market Is Barely Moving

The July Case-Shiller index reached another nominal high, but inflation, financing costs and weak sales tell a different story for the marginal buyer. Pattern Nexus reconstructs national prices from 1987, tests pre-2008 and 2019 inventory baselines, separates vacant homes for sale from rental vacancies, compares a 2019 and 2026 purchase payment, checks credit and construction, maps metro divergence and scores earlier PN housing claims. Includes 18 original charts and a practical guide for housing stakeholders.