Buying a home is one of life’s biggest decisions. Today’s market, however, feels like a game of musical chairs played with bricks and mortgage calculators. But even with fluctuating interest rates, inflation chatter, and inventory ups and downs, people are still asking the same timeless question: When is the best time to buy a home?

The answer depends on national trends, such as interest rates and inflation, your finances, and the type of home you’re buying. While resale homes dominate the conversation, new construction is a growing part of the picture, and understanding how these homes are priced is key to making an informed decision.

Whether you're browsing Zillow at midnight or seriously house-hunting, this guide covers everything you need to know. From current market conditions to long-term affordability, we’ll help you decide if now’s the moment to make your move. Plus, we’ll break down how NHC’s affordable home prices can factor into your ultimate buying decision.

The Current State of the Housing Market

Let’s talk about the elephant in the market: interest rates. They're not as low as they were in the 2020 frenzy, but they’ve shown signs of stabilizing, potentially making it the best time to buy a home for now. For buyers, this is good news, as it helps balance supply and demand and keeps you from wildly overpaying in a bidding war. 

Source: Note Servicing Center

Inventory remains tight in many regions, especially for move-in-ready homes. With many existing homes in need of updates or simply overpriced, more buyers are shifting their attention toward new construction. But here’s the catch: material and labor costs are still high, and external forces like tariffs on construction materials are making it harder (and more expensive) for builders to deliver homes at an affordable price point.

If you’re shopping for homes right now, you may notice price tags creeping higher. But waiting may not help. In fact, as highlighted in our blog on how tariffs could raise home costs, buying sooner could protect you from paying more later. And that’s where understanding how new homes are valued becomes crucial. New construction pricing isn’t just about the square footage—it’s also tied to land costs, materials, local demand, and market timing.

If you're trying to determine the best time of year to buy a house, keeping an eye on trends like these will help you make a more strategic decision.

Builders like NHC have found ways to bring value back to the buyer, offering large square footage, energy-efficient layouts, and the lowest prices per square foot in many areas. In a market where affordability is harder to come by, that kind of transparency and consistency is rare.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home Right Now?

Even if the market is primed for purchase, the more important question is—are you? Financial readiness is just as important as timing, and it starts with knowing how much home you can afford. And remember: the best time to buy a home is when your budget and the market are aligned.

Here’s what to factor in:

• Credit score and debt-to-income ratio
• Income stability and savings
• Expected down payment
• Monthly costs, including taxes and insurance

To simplify the math, our mortgage calculators do the number crunching for you. And yes, it is possible to buy with zero down, especially if you qualify for USDA or VA loans. NHC even helps first-time buyers navigate those options. 

Don’t forget about taxes either. Property taxes for new construction can sneak up on buyers if they aren’t paying attention to the difference between unimproved and improved land. We’ve outlined how to estimate those numbers in this property tax guide.

If you're wondering what time of year is typically cheapest, many buyers consider winter the best season to buy a house, though NHC’s homes are affordable all year long.

Is New Construction a Good Option in Today’s Market?

New construction gives you modern layouts, warranties, and fewer surprise repair costs—not to mention homes built with energy-efficient materials and smarter design. You also get to skip the stress of bidding wars and last-minute price hikes.

Source: NHC 

Some buyers consider rent-to-own models instead, thinking it’ll buy them time. But when you compare it side-by-side in our breakdown of new construction vs. rent-to-own, the long-term value of buying outright with builders like NHC becomes crystal clear.

And while not all builders deliver on affordability, NHC does with flexible financing, spacious floor plans, and pricing that puts dream homes within reach. For many buyers, choosing new construction is what ultimately makes this the best time to buy a home.

Do You Need a Realtor in This Market? 

Here’s a hot take: not always.

If you're buying new construction, especially from a builder like NHC, the path is already streamlined. Sales agents walk you through the process, financing is often in-house, and contracts are straightforward. No middleman required.

Of course, if you’re navigating resale homes or competing in hot markets, a realtor can help. But in many cases, especially when you’re prioritizing affordability and simplicity, you may be better off without one. 

Here’s how to buy a home without a realtor in 7 steps:

1. Get pre-approved for a mortgage
2. Search for neighborhoods you like
3. Find a property
4. Ask for a Seller’s Disclosure
5. Make an offer and negotiate
6. Secure financing, complete a home inspection, and an appraisal
7. Finalize the mortgage and close the deal

And whether you're working with an agent or not, timing still matters. If you're asking, “When is the best time of year to buy a house?”—you’re already thinking ahead.

So, Is Now the Best Time to Buy a Home?

In today’s market, waiting isn’t always winning. Interest rates might fall, or they might spike. Tariffs may increase construction costs. Inventory might tighten. And the perfect home? It might be gone next month.

But if you're financially ready and focused on long-term value, now is a strategic moment to buy, especially with new construction options that cut through the chaos.

NHC is here to help buyers win. With homes starting from the $160s, modern layouts, flexible financing options, and a commitment to making homeownership accessible, we’re the partner you want when the market feels uncertain.

Ready to make your move? Contact us to schedule a tour or explore our available homes today!

FAQs

When is the best time to buy a home?

The best time to buy a home depends on your financial situation and the market. But generally, buying when interest rates are stable and inventory is healthy is ideal, especially if you're going with affordable new construction.

When do most houses go on the market?

Most houses go on the market in Spring and early summer (March–June), but that also means more competition.

Will 2025 be a better time to buy a house?

No one can predict the market with certainty, but waiting might mean higher prices or fewer choices due to inflation, tariffs, or tighter inventory.

What time of year is it cheapest to buy a house?

Historically, winter months (November–January) offer lower prices due to reduced demand, but selection may be limited. Builders like NHC offer competitive pricing year-round, making it the best season to buy a house, no matter when you shop.