As we look ahead to 2025, understanding expert projections for the housing market is crucial. Whether you’re considering buying or selling a home in North County San Diego next year, having a clear picture of what’s anticipated can help you make the best decisions for your homeownership goals.
Here’s an early look at the most recent projections on mortgage rates, home sales, and prices for 2025.
Mortgage Rates Are Projected To Come Down Slightly
Mortgage rates play a significant role in the housing market. The forecasts for 2025 from Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), the National Association of Realtors (NAR), and Wells Fargo show an expected gradual decline in mortgage rates over the next year (see chart below):
Mortgage rates are projected to come down because continued easing of inflation and a slight rise in unemployment rates are key signs of a strong but slowing economy. And many experts believe these signs will encourage the Federal Reserve to lower the Federal Funds Rate, leading to lower mortgage rates. As Morgan Stanley says:
“With the U.S. Federal Reserve widely expected to begin cutting its benchmark interest rate in 2024, mortgage rates could drop as well—at least slightly.”
Expect More Homes To Sell
The market is expected to see an increase in both the supply of available homes and a rise in demand as more buyers and sellers, who have been holding off due to higher rates, decide to take action. That’s a key reason why experts are projecting a rise in North County San Diego.
According to Fannie Mae, MBA, and NAR, total home sales are forecast to climb slightly, with an average of about 5.4 million homes expected to sell in 2025 (see graph below):
That would represent a modest uptick from the lower sales numbers in 2023 and 2024. For reference, about 4.8 million total homes were sold in 2023, and expectations are for around 4.5 million homes to sell this year.
While slightly lower mortgage rates are not expected to bring a flood of buyers and sellers back to the market, they certainly will get more people moving. That means more homes available for sale – and competition among buyers who want to purchase them.
Home Prices Will Go Up Moderately
More buyers ready to jump into the market will put continued upward pressure on prices. Take a look at the latest price forecasts from 10 of the most trusted sources in real estate (see graph below):
On average, experts forecast home prices will rise nationally by about 2.6% next year. But as you can see, there’s a range of opinions on how much prices will climb. Experts agree, however, that home prices will continue to increase moderately next year at a slower, more normal rate. But keep in mind, that prices will always vary by local market.
Bottom Line
As we approach 2025, staying ahead of housing market trends is key to making informed decisions. Whether you’re considering buying or selling in North County San Diego, understanding the latest forecasts can give you a competitive edge. Reach out to Shafran Realty Group, and let’s explore how these market insights could shape your next steps.