ZILLOW GROUP INC - ZG STOCK NEWS

According to a Zillow Home Price Expectations Survey, housing market experts predict a return to pre-pandemic inventory levels and first-time buyer participation by 2024. The total inventory of homes sold has drastically declined, resulting in a 32% increase in home values over the last two years. Experts forecast a 9% increase in home prices for 2022, driven by inventory shortages and rising mortgage rates. First-time buyers are projected to regain market share, but challenges persist due to inflation affecting affordability.

In 2021, home value appreciation outpaced median incomes in 25 of 38 major U.S. metropolitan areas, according to a Zillow study. Home values grew significantly, with San Jose leading at an increase of $229,277, nearly equal to an oral surgeon's annual salary. Rent payments surged by over $3,000 annually, while down payments increased by more than $10,000, making homeownership increasingly unattainable for many. The widening gap between homeowners and renters was underscored by rising home prices and escalating rents, particularly in high-demand areas like Miami and Phoenix.

The U.S. housing market has dramatically transformed due to the pandemic, with inventory down 48% compared to 2020, leading to a 32% rise in home values. As of February 2022, typical home values reached $331,533, and appreciation is forecasted to peak at 22% in May before settling at 17% by February 2023. Rent prices have surged, with an increase of nearly $3,400 compared to two years ago. Despite rising interest rates, demand remains robust, evidenced by homes selling in an average of 11 days. Sales in 2022 are projected to rise 4.8% compared to 2021.

Zillow has launched a new feature called Homes to Compare, available on its mobile app and website, allowing users to compare up to five home listings side-by-side. This tool highlights over 70 key details, including price and square footage, to streamline the home-buying process. Zillow's research indicates that one-third of first-time home buyers feel dissatisfied with existing comparison options. The new feature aims to alleviate stress in home shopping, especially as buyers face rising prices and low inventory. Zillow continues to innovate with technology-driven solutions to enhance user experience.

Zillow Group (NASDAQ: Z, ZG) will participate in the Wedbush Real Estate Technology Conference on March 3, 2022, at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET. CEO Rich Barton will be featured in a fireside chat moderated by Ygal Arounian. Attendees are encouraged to register in advance for the event. Both live and replay webcasts will be accessible on Zillow's Investor Relations website. Zillow is a leading online real estate platform in the U.S., offering services for buying, selling, renting, and financing homes.

The latest Zillow report reveals a record-low inventory and unprecedented price growth in the housing market. The Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) reached $325,677, rising 1.5% from December to January and 19.9% year-over-year, marking a 20-year high. Active inventory dropped 13%, significantly affecting buyer options, with January listings the lowest since 2019. Despite these challenges, home sales in January remain similar to peak levels in 2021. Rent growth decelerated to 0.1% monthly but year-over-year rent increased 15.9%.

Zillow data reveals that 146 U.S. cities achieved million-dollar city status in 2021, nearly tripling the count from 2020. The total now stands at 481 cities, with projections indicating 49 more may join by midyear. The surge in home values saw an average appreciation of 19.6%. Coastal regions dominate, with New York and San Francisco each housing 76 cities. Indian Creek, Florida tops the list as the most expensive city with a typical home value of $28.3 million, followed by Atherton, California at $7.7 million.

Zillow Group reported Q4 2021 revenue of $3.9 billion, surpassing expectations, with full-year revenue reaching $8.1 billion. The IMT segment saw a 14% year-over-year revenue increase, while Homes segment revenue hit $3.3 billion. Despite strong revenue growth, Zillow faced a consolidated net loss of $261 million for Q4 and $528 million for the full year. The company emphasizes its potential for future growth, noting that only 3% of customer transactions generated revenue in 2021. The cash reserves decreased slightly to $3.1 billion due to share repurchases.