Triangle home sales were lackluster in May, traditionally one of the strongest selling months of the year, as the fledgling economic recovery continued to limit the number of buyers in the market.

There were 1,524 homes sold in Durham, Johnston, Orange and Wake counties in May, down 27 percent from the same month a year ago, Triangle Multiple Listing Services data show.

Some declines were expected because of the absence of the federal tax credits, but sales were also down 8 percent from the same period two years ago.

There did appear to be more people out looking in May as showings were up 9 percent from the same period a year ago.

Pending sales were down 3 percent.

Concern over the health of the U.S. housing market has grown in recent months with fears that many markets are now experiencing a double-dip in prices.