If you’ve been struggling to find a home that fits your budget, you’re not alone. The past few years have been a rollercoaster for homebuyers, with soaring home prices and rising mortgage rates making the process challenging. But there’s good news—2025 is shaping up to be a much more promising year for buyers.
A key factor that had been holding buyers back was low inventory. When there aren’t enough homes available, competition heats up, driving prices higher and making it harder to find a home that checks all the boxes. But this year, things are changing. The number of homes for sale is increasing—both for existing homes and new builds—giving buyers like you more opportunities to find the perfect place.
Let’s dive into the two biggest reasons why 2025 could be the year you finally find your dream home.
1. More Existing Homes for Sale—A 22% Increase
Over the past few years, homeowners were hesitant to sell, largely due to high mortgage rates and uncertainty in the market. But that’s changing. According to Realtor.com, the number of existing homes for sale has jumped by an impressive 22% in 2024, and experts predict that inventory will grow another 11-15% by the end of 2025.
Why This Matters for You
More homes on the market mean:
✅ A wider selection of properties to choose from
✅ Less competition for each listing
✅ A better chance of finding a home that fits your needs and budget
If you’ve been searching for a home but haven’t found “the one” yet, this increase in inventory could be exactly what you need. As more homeowners list their properties, you’ll have more options to explore.
According to Ralph McLaughlin, Senior Economist at Realtor.com:
“It could be a particularly good time to get out into the market . . . you’re going to have more choice. And that’s not something that buyers have really had much over the past several years.”
In short, more homes on the market means less stress, more options, and a better shot at securing a home that truly meets your needs.
2. More New Construction Homes Available—A Hidden Opportunity
New construction homes have traditionally been seen as expensive, out-of-reach options for many buyers. But in 2025, that’s changing.
Right now, 31.1% (or roughly 1 in 3 homes) on the market are newly built homes, according to data from the Census and the National Association of Realtors (NAR). That’s a higher share than usual, but it’s not because builders are overproducing homes—it’s because they’re finally catching up after years of underbuilding.
Why New Construction Might Be More Affordable Than You Think
Builders are now focusing on smaller, more affordable homes, which means new construction homes may cost less than expected. In fact, in some areas, a brand-new home might actually be priced similar to or even less than a pre-owned one.
CNET explains:
“If you live in an area where there’s a lot of new construction happening . . . you might be able to purchase a new house for a price similar to or even less than a pre-owned one.”
This is a huge opportunity, especially for first-time buyers or those who may have assumed new builds were out of their price range.
Advantages of Buying a New Construction Home
🏡 Move-In Ready – No need for major repairs or updates before you move in.
⚡ Energy Efficiency – New homes often come with the latest energy-saving features, which can lower utility bills.
🔑 Fewer Maintenance Costs – Everything is brand new, so you won’t have to worry about replacing an old roof, HVAC system, or appliances anytime soon.
🎨 Customization Options – Many new homes allow buyers to choose finishes, flooring, and other features to personalize their space.
If you’ve been skipping over new construction homes in your search, now is the time to take another look. You might be missing out on a third of the homes available in your area!
What This Means for Buyers in 2025
With both more existing homes and more new construction options available, buyers have a stronger position in the market this year. You’ll have:
- More choices—Less settling for a home that isn’t quite right
- Less competition—Fewer bidding wars and more negotiating power
- Better deals—Sellers and builders may be more willing to negotiate on price, closing costs, or incentives
If you’ve been waiting for the right time to buy, 2025 could be it.
Bottom Line: More Homes = More Opportunities
The key to achieving your homebuying goals this year is exploring all your options. Whether you’re looking at existing homes or considering new construction, the increased inventory is working in your favor.
Now is the time to connect with a local real estate agent who can guide you through your options and help you find the best home for your budget. They can help you explore both existing homes and new builds so you don’t miss out on any hidden opportunities.
📢 What features are you looking for in your next home? Let an agent know so they can put together a list of homes you’d love!