Is It a Good Time to Buy a House Right Now?

Fierce Media
Dec 30, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Dec 31, 2025

Buying real estate during economic uncertainty often feels counterintuitive, but for those who are financially stable, the "unease" in the market can actually create specific advantages that aren't available during boom times.

Here are the primary reasons why buying in the current US market may be a strategic move:

1. Increased Negotiation Power

In a "wait-and-see" economy, many prospective buyers sit on the sidelines, which reduces competition.

Motivated Sellers: With homes sitting on the market longer, sellers are often more willing to offer concessions, such as paying for your closing costs or funding a "2-1 rate buy-down" (which lowers your interest rate for the first two years).
Inspections and Repairs: In a hot market, buyers often waive inspections just to get an offer accepted. In an uncertain market, you have the leverage to demand repairs or price credits for issues found during the inspection.

2. The "Refinance Later" Strategy

While mortgage rates have been volatile, hovering around 6.1% to 6.3% as of late 2025, many buyers are operating on the philosophy of "Marry the house, date the rate."

Locking in the Price: It is often easier to refinance a high interest rate later than it is to "fix" a high purchase price. If you wait for rates to drop significantly, a flood of buyers will likely return to the market, driving home prices up and reigniting bidding wars.
Building Equity Immediately: Buying now allows you to start paying down your principal and capturing any appreciation immediately, rather than paying 100% interest to a landlord in the form of rent.

3. Real Estate as an Inflation Hedge

Historically, real estate is one of the most reliable hedges against inflation.

Fixed Costs in a Rising World: While the cost of groceries, utilities, and gas may rise, a fixed-rate mortgage locks in your largest monthly expense for 30 years.
Asset Appreciation: Even in "flat" years, US home values have historically appreciated by an average of 3.5% to 3.8% annually. Over the long term, physical assets tend to retain their value better than cash during periods of currency fluctuation.

4. Stabilization of the Rental Market

If you are buying as an investor, the current "affordability crisis" is actually a tailwind for rental demand.

High Demand: Because many people are currently priced out of buying, the pool of renters remains large and stable.
Rental Growth: In many US metros, rents have remained resilient or continued to grow, ensuring that well-located properties can still generate reliable cash flow despite broader economic jitters.