Should You Consider Buying a Home in the Winter? Here’s What the Data Says

Should I consider buying a home in the winter?

Yes. For many buyers, winter (especially post-holidays) can be one of the most strategic times to buy because you often face less competition—and as spring demand ramps up, prices and stress tend to rise right along with it.

Why Winter (Post-Holidays) Can Be a Smart Time to Buy

1) Mortgage rates recently improved—creating a better window for buyers

One of the biggest “proof points” heading into early 2026 is that mortgage rates moved down at the end of 2025. Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey showed the average 30-year fixed rate at 6.15% as of December 31, 2025 (the lowest readout of the year). If you’re shopping with a payment in mind, even small rate moves can meaningfully impact affordability.

• Source: Freddie Mac PMMS (Mortgage Rates)
• Supporting coverage: AP News summary of the same Freddie Mac rate readout

2) Buyer momentum is already building—before spring officially arrives

If you’re assuming demand “won’t be back until spring,” recent data suggests otherwise. The National Association of REALTORS® reported that pending home sales rose 3.3% in November 2025 (and were up 2.6% year-over-year), reaching their strongest level in nearly three years. Translation: motivated buyers are already re-entering the market—even during the traditionally slower season.

• Source: NAR Pending Home Sales Report (Nov 2025)
• Independent reporting: Reuters coverage of the report

What Makes Winter Easier on You as a Buyer

Less competition can mean more negotiating room

Spring and early summer are typically the busiest and most competitive parts of the year. That matters because competition affects how you feel during the process: more urgency, more offer situations, and less time to think. In winter, you’re often shopping when fewer buyers are actively writing offers, which can create a calmer experience and more flexible negotiations.

• Source: Bankrate: Best time of year to buy

Motivated sellers tend to show up in winter

Homes listed post-holidays are often tied to real timelines—relocation, financial planning, or a desire to close sooner rather than later. When a seller has a reason to move, you may have more room to negotiate terms like closing date, repairs, or credits (depending on your local market conditions).

Why Waiting Until Spring Can Cost You More (and Feel More Stressful)

Spring demand can push prices upward

Seasonality is real. NAR’s economist research shows home prices commonly trend higher as you move into late spring and summer compared to winter months. That doesn’t mean prices rise everywhere at the same rate—but it does mean the season itself often brings a price premium.

• Source: NAR Economists’ Outlook: Seasonal perspective

More buyers also means more time and emotional energy

Spring can bring more listings, but it also brings more buyers. That can mean:

• More properties to tour (and more weekends consumed)
• More offer situations and “decision fatigue”
• More back-and-forth, and more likelihood you’ll lose out on a home you loved

If you value a steadier pace and want to reduce the frenzy factor, winter can be a smart time to take action.

How to Decide If Buying This Winter Is Right for You

Winter buying is especially worth considering if:

• You’re financially ready (down payment and reserves are in place)
• You want to avoid peak-season competition
• You’d rather negotiate from a calmer position
• You want to get ahead of the spring ramp-up in demand

Final Takeaway

Yes, you should consider buying a home in the winter—because the data supports what many buyers experience in real life: the post-holiday season can offer a better pace, less competition, and an opportunity to act before spring pressure builds. If you wait, you may not only face more competition—you may also face higher prices driven by seasonal demand.

Call to Action

If you want to explore whether buying this winter makes sense for your situation, the smartest next step is to create a clear plan—budget, timeline, and must-haves—so you can move confidently while competition is still lighter. Reach out to us, the Sandy Erickson Real Estate Team, to schedule a quick buyer strategy call at 651-998-2098, and you’ll know exactly what to do next!