The Wisconsin REALTORS® Association released its April 2026 Real Estate Report today, showing that the state’s housing market continued its strong spring performance, with both sales and prices increasing for the second consecutive month despite ongoing inventory constraints.
Tom Larson, President & CEO, Wisconsin REALTORS® Association, stated, “The spike in sales has put significant stress on the limited supply. With just 3.7 months of supply, we would need inventory to increase by nearly 62% to get to a balanced market. For potential sellers, this is an excellent time to list as we move into the all-important peak summer market.”
Existing home sales increased 7.4 percent compared to April 2025, while the statewide median home price rose 6.3 percent to $340,000. On a year-to-date basis, sales are now up 4.1 percent compared to the first quarter of 2025, with the median price increasing 4.9 percent to $325,000.
Supply and Inventory Pressures
Inventory remains constrained, with just 3.7 months of supply statewide, which is well below the six-month level typically considered balanced. New listings increased 5.6 percent year over year, but strong buyer demand kept total listings rising at only 0.2 percent.
WRA Board Chair Amy Curler expressed optimism regarding the sustained buyer interest despite the challenging inventory conditions.
“We’re pleased to see March’s sales momentum extend into April across Wisconsin. Even with limited inventory, the consistency in activity reflects resilient buyer demand and continued strength in our existing home market,” Curler highlighted.
Economic and Affordability Metrics
Mortgage rates provided modest relief compared to April 2025, with the average 30-year fixed rate falling 40 basis points to 6.33 percent, down from 6.73 percent one year earlier. Affordability slipped to 1.6 percent year over year, with the Wisconsin Housing Affordability Index dipping to 127 as strong price appreciation outpaced improvements in mortgage rates and family income.
In the broader economic context, WRA consultant and economist Dave Clark indicated that conditions remain solid despite specific inflation metrics.
“Annual headline inflation jumped from 2.3 percent in April 2025 to 3.8 percent in April 2026 because of the unresolved conflict in the Middle East. Even with that uncertainty, the economy remains on solid footing, with stronger-than-expected job growth and inflation-adjusted GDP up 2 percent in the first quarter. The predictable spike in inflation from higher oil prices will likely result in the Fed holding the line on interest rates for the foreseeable future,” Clark said.
