Pandemic homebuyers may be next year’s home sellers

Research shows that many sellers may unload their homes after less than five years

Pandemic homebuyers may be next year’s home sellers

Research shows that many sellers may unload their homes after less than five years
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The pandemic broke a lot of rules, including how long homeowners should stay put before selling. According to research from Bright MLS, many homeowners planning to sell in 2025 bought their homes less than five years ago. Next year’s home sellers will also be younger than usual, as baby boomers are planning to stay on the sidelines.

Bright MLS surveyed 1,581 homeowners nationwide in November and about 17.5% said they plan to sell their home in the next year. Of those planning to move, 32.2% of them have lived in their homes for less than five years.

The study found that the most active group of sellers in 2025 will be homeowners in their 30s and 40s, with 26.8% between the ages of 30 and 39 and 28% of homeowners between 40 and 49 saying they expect to sell in the next 12 months. Only 10.1% of older homeowners were planning to sell.

“Record low mortgage rates during the pandemic were a huge incentive for individuals and families to buy a home. Many of these buyers also have been able to quickly accumulate significant equity in their homes as home prices have escalated,” said Lisa Sturtevant, Bright MLS chief economist. “This wealth gain has created financial security for this group of homeowners and is also allowing them to be move-up buyers even in today’s relatively high-interest rate environment.”

The survey found that marriage, starting a family and career moves remain the main reasons for buying and selling a home. Nearly 37% of homeowners between the ages of 30 and 39 said it was for job reasons, such as a career change or to move for a new job. Another 34.4% said the move was prompted by family reasons, such as marriage, birth of a child, divorce and being closer to family.

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