In the housing market, there are predictable ebbs and flows that occur each year. Understanding the seasonality can help both buyers and sellers navigate the market more effectively. Here is an overview of the typical pattern:
Spring: Peak Homebuying Season
Spring is widely known as the peak homebuying season, when the market is most active. This period usually begins in March and continues through May or June. During the spring, there is a surge in homebuying activity as many people prefer to move during the warmer months. The increased demand during this time can lead to higher competition among buyers and potentially drive home prices up.
Summer
The summer months, typically from June to August, still see strong homebuying activity. The market remains relatively active, although it can start to wane slightly compared to the peak season in spring. Buyers who missed out on purchasing a home in the spring may continue their search throughout the summer.
Fall and Winter
As the cooler months approach, the housing market tends to experience a slowdown. From September to December, there is a decrease in activity compared to the spring and summer months. Fewer people tend to move during this time, resulting in reduced competition for homes. As a result, home prices may stabilize or see slower growth.
Seasonality and Home Prices
Home prices tend to follow along with seasonality due to the relationship between supply and demand. Prices appreciate the most when there is high demand for homes. During the peak homebuying season in spring, when the market is most active, home prices typically experience significant growth. As fall and winter approach, activity eases, and price growth may slow down, but there is still typically appreciation in home prices.
It’s important to note that the data shown in the graph reflects the typical monthly home price movement from 1973 through 2021, without adjustments for inflation or other factors. While it provides a historical perspective on seasonality, it’s important to consider that individual years may deviate from these patterns, especially during extraordinary circumstances like the recent years we experienced.
Understanding the seasonality in the housing market can be helpful for both buyers and sellers in terms of timing their decisions. If you have further questions or need more information about the current market conditions, feel free to ask.
