California Home Prices Forecasted to Appreciate at Slower 3.2 Percent Pace in 2016

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According to the California Association of Realtors' 2016 California Housing Market Forecast released today, California's housing market will continue to improve into 2016, but a shortage of homes on the market and a crimp in housing affordability also will persist.
 
The C.A.R. forecast sees an increase in existing home sales of 6.3 percent next year to reach 433,000 units, up from the projected 2015 sales figure of 407,500 homes sold.  Sales in 2015 also will be up 6.3 percent from the 383,300 existing, single-family homes sold in 2014.
 
"Solid job growth and favorable interest rates will drive a strong demand for housing next year," said C.A.R. President Chris Kutzkey.  "However, in regions where inventory is tight, such as the San Francisco Bay Area, sales growth could be limited by stiff market competition and diminishing housing affordability. On the other hand, demand in less expensive areas such as Solano County, the Central Valley, and Riverside/San Bernardino areas will remain strong thanks to solid job growth in warehousing, transportation, logistics, and manufacturing in these areas."
 
C.A.R.'s forecast projects growth in the U.S. Gross Domestic Product of 2.7 percent in 2016, after a projected gain of 2.4 percent in 2015.  With nonfarm job growth of 2.3 percent in California, the state's unemployment rate should decrease to 5.5 percent in 2016 from 6.3 percent in 2015 and 7.5 percent in 2014.
 
The average for 30-year, fixed mortgage interest rates will rise only slightly to 4.5 percent but will still remain at historically low levels.
 
The California median home price is forecast to increase 3.2 percent to $491,300 in 2016, following a projected 6.5 percent increase in 2015 to $476,300.  This is the slowest rate of price appreciation in five years.

"The foundation for California's housing market remains strong, with moderating home prices, signs of credit easing, and the state continuing to lead the nation in economic and job growth," said C.A.R. Vice President and Chief Economist Leslie Appleton-Young. "However, the global economic slowdown, financial market volatility, and the anticipation of higher interest rates are some of the challenges that may have an adverse impact on the market's momentum next year. Additionally, as we see more sales shift to inland regions of the state, the change in mix of sales will keep increases in the statewide median price tempered."

2016 CALIFORNIA HOUSING FORECAST