Fannie Mae Releases August 2025 National Housing Survey Results

WASHINGTON, Sept. 8, 2025 – Fannie Mae (OTCQB: FNMA) released its August 2025 National Housing Survey (NHS) findings today, revealing a slight dip in consumer housing sentiment. The Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI), a key metric derived from the survey, edged down 0.4 points month-over-month to 71.4. Compared to August 2024, the HPSI is down 0.7 points. This modest decline suggests a continuing, albeit slow, cooling in housing market optimism amid ongoing economic uncertainties.

While the month-over-month and year-over-year decreases are relatively small, they provide a snapshot into the evolving perceptions of potential homebuyers and homeowners. Analysts at CNBC are closely monitoring these trends as they can be leading indicators of future housing market activity. The HPSI is composed of several components that gauge consumer views on various aspects of the housing market, including whether it’s a good time to buy or sell a home, home price expectations, job security confidence, and household income.

Experts believe persistent inflation, despite recent moderation, coupled with fluctuating mortgage rates, is weighing on consumer sentiment. “The slight decline in the HPSI reflects the ongoing affordability challenges facing many potential buyers,” notes a CNBC market analyst. “While wage growth has been positive, it hasn’t kept pace with rising home prices and borrowing costs in many markets. This affordability gap is contributing to a cautious outlook among consumers.”

Furthermore, technological advancements in real estate are beginning to influence consumer behavior. The rise of AI-powered property search tools and virtual home tours enhances access to information, simultaneously empowers prospective buyers. However, this increased transparency can also highlight the financial realities of homeownership, potentially contributing to a more tempered sentiment.

The Fannie Mae Economic and Strategic Research (ESR) Group, headed by Chief Economist Mark Palim, provides in-depth analysis of the housing market and broader economy. The ESR Group’s forecasts and surveys, including the NHS, are closely watched by investors, policymakers, and industry participants seeking to gauge the direction of the housing market.

This information provides a valuable lens through which to understand the present dynamics of the housing market and anticipate potential future developments. CNBC will continue to track these trends and provide updates as they unfold, exploring the interplay of economic forces, technological innovation, and consumer behavior that drive the housing market.