Will Housing Prices Drop in 2023? | Bankrate (2024)

In 2022, hopeful homebuyers were up against sky-high interest rates and rock-bottom inventory deficits. These factors put homeownership out of reach for many people, particularly first-time buyers, who saw monthly mortgage payments on a typical starter home balloon by 49 percent in just one year, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Up until 2023, the median price for an existing single-family home had increased year-over-year for more than a decade — a NAR record. Will home prices ever come back down to earth?

NAR does expect more stability in home prices for 2023, and many other housing market experts predict the same. In fact, in February, median home prices finally saw a year-over-year decline — but only of 0.2 percent. If you’re hoping to buy a house this year, the prices you see will depend largely on your local market and the Federal Reserve’s rate moves. Here’s a deeper look.

What drives housing prices?

Many factors affect home prices, but some weigh more heavily than others. These are some of the major variables most likely to drive housing prices:

  • Mortgage rates: The interest rate on a home loan can drastically sway the long-term price of ownership. As of mid-April, the average interest rate on a 30-year fixed rate loan was 6.4 percent, much higher than rates have been over the last couple years. The higher monthly payments that result mean less purchasing power for buyers, which in turn means fewer people that can afford a home.
  • Available inventory: When there is high buyer demand but few options on the market to meet it, sellers can get away with asking higher prices. However, the pandemic’s raging seller’s market is starting to tilt back into balance in many areas. NAR data shows there were 90,000 more homes for sale in 2022 than in 2021. This is a small increase in the grand scheme of things, but an increase nevertheless — if the trend continues through 2023, prices may decrease as options increase.
  • Inflation: Inflation is finally starting to ease, which is obviously good news for consumers. However, the declining inflation rate is not driving down housing prices: In fact, the shelter category drove 60 percent of the overall increase in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’s Consumer Price Index for March. Homebuyers are still feeling the financial crunch.
  • Local market conditions: In the end, real estate is a very local industry, and prices can soar sky-high in one location while at the same time plummeting in another. The local job market, housing stock and overall cost of living all play large roles in each market’s housing prices.

Are home prices dropping?

Historically, home prices tend to rise over time, not fall. Prices are currently coming down in some markets, and the national median price was ever-so-slightly lower in February 2023 than it was in 2022, but experts do not expect dramatic drops.

In many areas where prices are falling, the declines have not significantly improved affordability. Take the notoriously expensive San Francisco Bay Area, for example. According to data from the California Association of Realtors, Bay Area prices fell nearly 10 percent over the course of 2020. However, despite that seemingly considerable drop, the median price for a single-family home was still over $1 million — lower than before, yes, but still well out of reach for the average buyer.

Where are they dropping the most?

An April Redfin report found that home prices were down in more than half of the 50 most populous metro areas in the country. Prices fell the most in the following metro areas:

CityPercent price drop
Source: Redfin
Austin13.39%
Oakland11.4%
San Francisco10.9%
Seattle10.9%
Sacramento10.6%

Should I buy a house now or wait?

Is today the day to put in an offer? Or should you put your home search on hold for now? While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, there are a few things to consider when deciding whether you should buy a home now or pump the brakes.

1. Do you plan to stay put for a while?

Given the closing costs associated with buying a home, which can run up to 5 percent of the purchase price, it doesn’t usually make sense to buy a home if you won’t live there long enough to recoup those costs. There are also tax implications to consider if you sell a home after only a short time.

2. What do mortgage rates and other economic trends look like?

Keep an eye on the fluctuation of mortgage rates. If you can lock in a relatively low rate — or one that fits within your budget, at least — it may be a good time to buy. You can always refinance later if rates go down. Consider the overall economy, too: Fears of a possible recession still loom large in 2023, and if your job situation is not completely stable, it might be smart to hold off.

3. How much inventory is available near you?

The fewer homes that are available on the market, the hotter the competition will be for them. When buyers don’t have a lot to choose from, sellers have the upper hand — and prices tend to rise. Inventory is still low across most of the country, which contributes to prices remaining high. If you live in a market where competition is still fierce, you may want to wait for things to balance out a bit more.

Next steps for hopeful buyers

  • Do an honest analysis of your personal finances before you decide whether the time is right to buy a home. How much do you have in savings? How much other debt do you have, like student loans or car payments? What’s your credit score? Buyers with less-than-stellar credit won’t be able to take advantage of the best available rates. It may be smart to take some time to improve your credit score and pay down your existing debt before you commit to becoming a homeowner.
  • Consider putting the money you’re saving for a down payment fund into a high-yield savings account while you wait. When you’re ready, Bankrate’s new-home calculator can help you crunch the numbers to figure out how much you can comfortably afford.
  • When it’s time to start house-hunting, be sure to get preapproved for a mortgage first. A preapproval letter helps you budget by giving you a solid idea of how much a lender will be willing to loan you. It also shows sellers that you’re a serious, qualified buyer, which is extra-helpful in competitive markets.
  • Then, consult with an experienced local real estate agent to learn more about the market in your area. An agent will be able to point you toward listings that meet your needs and your budget, and will guide you through every step of the homebuying process with professional expertise.
Will Housing Prices Drop in 2023? | Bankrate (2024)

FAQs

Will Housing Prices Drop in 2023? | Bankrate? ›

Experts say hopeful buyers should not expect today's high prices to plummet anytime soon. “Home prices won't drop in 2023,” Evangelou says.

Will there be another housing market crash in 2023? ›

It's also worth noting that while foreclosure rates are up year-over-year, experts do not expect to see a wave of foreclosures in 2023, even where home values are depreciating, as many homeowners have substantial equity due to progressive home price appreciation in recent years.

Will 2023 be a good time to buy a house? ›

Homebuyer.com data analysis indicates that, for first-time home buyers, June 2023 is a good time to buy a house relative to later in the year. This article provides an unbiased look at current mortgage rates, housing market conditions, and market sentiment.

Will 2024 be a good time to buy a house? ›

With mortgage rates declining faster than expected, home prices are likely to remain mostly flat throughout 2024. This will be good news for buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines for a good time to enter the market.

Are US house prices falling? ›

Home prices are falling in housing markets around the country after surging during the pandemic. But where you live makes a huge difference, according to a Washington Post analysis of home value data from Black Knight, a mortgage and real estate technology and data provider.

Will the housing market crash in 2023 or 2024? ›

Fannie Mae expects U.S. home prices to fall -1.2% between Q4 2022 and Q4 2023, and then another -2.2% between Q4 2023 and Q4 2024.

Will mortgage rates go down in 2024? ›

Chief Economist at First American Financial Corp, Mark Fleming, says an interest rate drop may not happen for several months. "Possibly in 2024, but it will depend on the Fed's decisions about raising rates in the second half of the year," says Fleming.

What will my home value be in 2023? ›

The median home price will rise to $385,800, an increase of only 0.3% from this year's level ($384,500), while home sales will fall 6.8% compared to 2022's level (5.13 million).

How high will interest rates go in 2023? ›

So far in 2023, the Fed raised rates 0.25 percentage points twice. If they hike rates at the May meeting, it is likely to be another 0.25% jump, meaning interest rates will have increased by 0.75% in 2023, up to 5.25%.

Is 2023 a good time to invest in real estate? ›

Despite what some may think, 2023 is still a good year to invest in real estate, thanks to advantages like long-term appreciation, steady rental income, and the opportunity to hedge against inflation. Mortgage rates are expected to decline, but the housing market is likely to remain competitive due to low supply.

Is it a good idea to pay off your house? ›

Paying off your mortgage early can save you a lot of money in the long run. Even a small extra monthly payment can allow you to own your home sooner. Make sure you have an emergency fund before you put your money toward your loan.

What age should I buy a house? ›

Key Takeaways. The best age to buy is when you can comfortably afford the payments, tackle any unexpected repairs, and live in the home long enough to cover the costs of buying and selling a home. Legally, you must be at least 18 in most states to buy a home.

What will my house be worth in 2030? ›

The Average US Home Could be Worth $382,000 by 2030

House prices in the US have risen by 48.55% in the last ten years (from $173k to $257k) and if they continue to grow at this rate for another decade, the average US home will be worth $382k by 2030.

Will home prices drop in a recession? ›

Will house prices go down in a recession? While the cost of financing a home typically increases when interest rates are on the rise, home prices themselves may actually decline. “Usually, during a recession or periods of higher interest rates, demand slows and values of homes come down,” says Miller.

What happens if the US housing market crashes? ›

As prices become unsustainable and interest rates rise, purchasers withdraw. Borrowers are discouraged from taking out loans when interest rates rise. On the other side, house construction will be affected as well; costs will rise, and the market supply of housing will shrink as a result.

What happens to my mortgage if the housing market crashes? ›

What happens to my mortgage if the housing market crashes? A housing market crash won't affect your existing fixed-rate mortgage. However, if the value of your home drops below your purchase price, then you'll be making payments that are greater than the worth of your property.

Will 2026 be a good year to buy a house? ›

Housing Market Predictions 2026

A more conservative cohort predicts a more modest 10.3 percent growth in the same period. In addition, a mere 8 percent of poll participants expect the housing market to largely favor homebuyers in 2026.

How will I ever be able to afford a house? ›

Stick to the 28/36 Rule

No matter how you finance your home purchase, most experts agree that people should not spend more than 28% of their gross income on housing expenses, and no more than 36% on debt. For example, if you earn $5,000 each month, your ideal mortgage payment should be no more than $1,400 per month.

Will home prices drop in 2023 Florida? ›

Overall, the Florida housing market is likely to remain strong in 2023, with continued demand for homes and steady price growth. However, the market may begin to stabilize as the growth rate slows down, which may lead to more balanced conditions between buyers and sellers.

Will mortgage rates go down in 2023 or 2024? ›

These organizations predict that mortgage rates will decline through the first quarter of 2024. Fannie Mae, Mortgage Bankers Association and National Association of Realtors expect mortgage rates to drop through the first quarter of 2024, by half a percentage point to about nine-tenths of a percentage point.

How long will rates stay high? ›

Economists have long expected the Fed would likely stop raising interest rates at some point in 2023, but “where” rates peak — a level known as the “terminal” rate — is actually more important than “when.”

How high will mortgage rates go over next 5 years? ›

The predictions made by the various analysts and banks provide insight into what the financial markets anticipate for interest rates over the next few years. Based on recent data, Trading Economics predicts a rise to 5% in 2023 before falling back down to 4.25% in 2024 and 3.25% in 2025.

Will 2025 be a good year to buy a home? ›

After falling in 2023 and 2024, home prices are predicted to plateau in 2025 before rising again at just above the rate of inflation. However, due to the spike in home values from 2020 through 2022 due to record-low mortgage rates, median sales prices will take at least until 2027 to regain the highs of mid-2022.

What is the best date to close on a house? ›

If you need to be occupying your home by a certain date to save on rent, it's a much better deal to close at the end of the previous month (for example, January 30) instead of the beginning of the current month (February 1).

What to expect next from the housing market? ›

CoreLogic: The real estate research firm expects U.S. home prices, as measured by the CoreLogic HPI, to rise 4.6% between March 2023 to March 2024. If CoreLogic is right, then U.S. home prices would end 2023 back at price levels achieved at the height of the boom in June 2022.

What will the Fed interest rate be at the end of 2023? ›

4.75% to 5.00%

What will interest rates be in 2023 2024? ›

Direct Loan Interest Rates for 2023-2024
Loan Type10-Year Treasury Note High YieldFixed Interest Rate
Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans for Undergraduate Students3.448%5.50%
Direct Unsubsidized Loans for Graduate and Professional Students3.448%7.05%
1 more row
May 16, 2023

Where are interest rates going in the next 5 years? ›

An interest rate forecast by Trading Economics, as of 12 May, predicted that the Fed Funds Rate could hit 5.25% by the end of this quarter - a forecast that has been materialised. The rate is then predicted to fall back to 3.75% in 2024 and 3.25% in 2025, according to our econometric models.

Should you flip a house in 2023? ›

Is House Flipping Profitable in 2023? Yes! If you get the basics right, flipping homes in California is easier in 2023 than flipping homes in 2021's competitive market. You Make Money When You Buy Your Flip: Stick to the home flipper's 70% rule.

What are the real estate challenges in 2023? ›

Top 10 Issues Affecting Real Estate 2022-2023
  • Inflation and Interest Rates.
  • Geopolitical Risk.
  • Hybrid Work.
  • Supply Chain Disruption.
  • Energy.
  • Labor Shortage Strain.
  • The Great Housing Imbalance.
  • Regulatory Uncertainty.

How to make money in real estate in 2023? ›

  1. House Flipping. Fix and flips are one of the most popular methods of making money in the real estate market. ...
  2. Rental Properties. Another way to invest in real estate is to buy property directly. ...
  3. House Hacking. ...
  4. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) ...
  5. Online Real Estate Crowdfunding Platforms.
Jan 11, 2023

What happens if I pay an extra $1000 a month on my mortgage? ›

Throwing in an extra $500 or $1,000 every month won't necessarily help you pay off your mortgage more quickly. Unless you specify that the additional money you're paying is meant to be applied to your principal balance, the lender may use it to pay down interest for the next scheduled payment.

Do millionaires pay off debt or invest? ›

They stay away from debt.

Car payments, student loans, same-as-cash financing plans—these just aren't part of their vocabulary. That's why they win with money. They don't owe anything to the bank, so every dollar they earn stays with them to spend, save and give!

Is it better to keep cash or pay off house? ›

For guaranteed savings and the security of owning your home debt free, paying off your mortgage earlier is a better option than investing your extra cash.

Can I get a 30 year mortgage at 60 years old? ›

Age doesn't matter. Counterintuitive as it may sound, your loan application for a mortgage to be repaid over 30 years looks the same to lenders whether you are 90 years old or 40.

Is it wise to buy a house at age 55? ›

Buying a home after 55 is a major decision that is sure to impact your retirement. While some financial companies will give out loans to older buyers, most are wary of this for several reasons. According to personal finance expert David Ning, it's unwise to get a new 30-year fixed mortgage in your 50s.

What age do most people pay off their mortgage? ›

While the average age borrowers expect to pay off their mortgage is 59, the number of survey participants who have no idea when they will pay it off at all stood at 16%. In 2019, 9% of those asked didn't know and in 2020, 11% gave this answer.

How much longer will a 100 year old house last? ›

Without special care and regular maintenance, their lifespan can reach about 200 years. But even though the materials used in many old houses are designed to last this long, there is still a chance that you will find problems in the structure or foundation.

What will housing look like in 100 years? ›

Personal homes will be almost fully independent of a dangerously overtaxed energy grid. One hundred years in the future, our houses will be, in almost all respects, semi-living, artificial organisms—closed systems with a metabolism, sensory apparatus, immune response, and an approximation to a nervous system.

What will house be like in 2050? ›

Houses will be interactive and fully wireless, allowing us to access data from any point. A drive for extensive resource efficiency could see water harvested and recycled within each home. Integrated solar panels and microgen combined with ultra-thin insulation films will allow some houses to come off the grid.

How long did it take for house prices to recover after 2008? ›

It took 3.5 years for the recovery to begin after the recession began. A lot of buyers who bought in 2008, 2009 or 2010 saw their home prices decrease before the recovery started in 2011. Condos deprecated by only 12%, while single-family homes depreciated by 19% after the recession.

How much did house prices drop in the recession 2008? ›

The median price for a U.S. home sold during the fourth quarter of 2008 fell to $180,100, down from $205,700 during the last quarter of 2007. Prices fell by a record 9.5% in 2008, to $197,100, compared to $217,900 in 2007. In comparison, median home prices dipped a mere 1.6% between 2006 and 2007.

Should I sell my house before a recession? ›

Reasons to Sell a Home Before a Recession

Best Price – Home prices are typically at their highest during a time of economic expansion which is the opposite of a recession. If you want to get the highest price for your home, aim to sell the home at a time of economic exuberance.

Will housing market crash in 2024? ›

Despite the fact that there are some troubling trends in the housing market, we're likely not going to see a crash in 2023 or 2024. While house prices are likely to drop, demand for housing caused by America's ongoing housing shortage is likely to keep prices relatively stable.

When was the last US housing market crash? ›

What Caused the Financial Crisis of 2008? The growth of predatory mortgage lending, unregulated markets, a massive amount of consumer debt, the creation of "toxic" assets, the collapse of home prices, and more contributed to the financial crisis of 2008.

How do you know when the housing market crashes? ›

Based on pre-crash signals received before other housing market crashes, these four signs indicate that another may be on the way.
  1. Home prices continue to soar. ...
  2. Mortgage interest rates continue to climb. ...
  3. Inventory drops. ...
  4. Predatory lending rears its ugly head.
Apr 3, 2023

How did housing market crash in 2008? ›

The housing market crash of 2008 remains one of the most significant events in the history of the United States housing market. It was caused by a combination of factors, including the subprime mortgage crisis, high levels of debt, and a lack of regulation in the financial sector.

Can you refinance if the market crashes? ›

Point of Interest. Recessions can be tough times for the economy as a whole, but refinancing during a recession may offer some unique opportunities to lock in a great rate, lower your payments and save some money over both the short and long haul.

Will the housing market crash in 2024? ›

Despite the fact that there are some troubling trends in the housing market, we're likely not going to see a crash in 2023 or 2024. While house prices are likely to drop, demand for housing caused by America's ongoing housing shortage is likely to keep prices relatively stable.

What will happen if the housing market crashes? ›

As prices become unsustainable and interest rates rise, purchasers withdraw. Borrowers are discouraged from taking out loans when interest rates rise. On the other side, house construction will be affected as well; costs will rise, and the market supply of housing will shrink as a result.

What are the signs of the housing bubble? ›

There are several signs that indicate a housing bubble, such as rapid price increases, high levels of debt, and a rise in the number of speculative buyers. In the past, housing bubbles have led to significant economic problems, such as the Great Recession of 2008.

Will the housing market crash in 2026? ›

According to Folvary, the next housing market crash cycle is expected in 2024, which he says will snowball into a great economic depression in 2026. On the other hand, NAR economists forecast price growth in the housing market in the range of 15-25 percent over the next half-decade.

Will houses be cheaper if the market crashes? ›

During a housing market crash, the value of a home decreases. You will find sellers that are eager to reduce their asking prices.

Will it be easier to buy a house if the housing market crashes? ›

During a traditional recession, the Fed will usually lower interest rates. This creates an incentive for people to spend money and stimulate the economy. It also typically leads to more affordable mortgage rates, which leads to more opportunity for homebuyers.

Will housing prices drop if there is a recession? ›

However, believe it or not, home prices usually tend to drop in a recession. But they don't always decline in every downturn. Home prices dropped four out of five times in the last five recessions. They usually fall at an average of 5% each year the economy remains in a recession.

Is housing bubble about to burst? ›

Frequently Asked Questions About Housing Bubbles

Demand for homes remains high, and there are fewer home sellers than there were in 2022. And while the market is cooling, experts don't expect an actual housing crash or a housing bubble burst in 2023. Will there be a housing market crash in 2023?

Should I sell my house before the market crashes? ›

Before a recession hits, home prices are typically at an all-time high. This means that selling your home before a recession will result in a higher profit between the purchase price of the real estate and the sale price, which can increase your capital gains taxes.

What will cause housing bubble to burst? ›

A bubble finally bursts when excessive risk-taking becomes pervasive and prices no longer reflect anything close to fundamentals. In the housing market, this will happen when builders continue to build in response to demand that has started tapering off. In other words, demand decreases while supply increases.

Is it a buyers or sellers market in Florida? ›

Selling a home in Florida

Florida sellers still have the upper hand in Florida, simply because there aren't enough homes available to meet demand. In April, there was just a 2.6-month supply of single-family homes; 5 or 6 months is considered a balanced market.

What will happen to Florida real estate in 2023? ›

In 2023, experts forecast that the Florida home prices may fall down to 20%. Mortgage Rates Have Almost Doubled: Mortgage rates almost doubled from April 2021's 3.12% to 6.27% for the week ending on April 13, 2023. Sellers are Coming Back, but Slowly: The number of listings dropped by 14.9% in March 2023.

Are Florida house prices dropping? ›

In April 2023, 14.8% of homes in Florida sold below list price, down 28.8 points year. There were only 26.5% of homes that had price drops, up from 15.0% of homes in April last year. There was a 97.3% sale-to-list price, down 3.3 points year over year. …

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