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Despite Recession Fears, Nearly 30% of Home Shoppers Say a Downturn Could Make Them More Likely to Buy a Home
54.4% of surveyed buyers said a recession would have no impact on their decision to purchase a homeInventory shortages and budget constraints are the biggest
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[{"type":"text","content":"54.4% of surveyed buyers said a recession would have no impact on their decision to purchase a homeInventory shortages and budget constraints are the biggest barriers to entry for buyersDeclining concerns about overbidding point to a calmer and less competitive marketAUSTIN, Texas, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As economic anxiety intensifies, a new survey from Realtor.com® reveals that U.S. homebuyers are bracing for a potential recession, but is there a silver lining? While 63.4% of surveyed home shoppers said they expect a recession within the next 12 months, marking one of the highest levels of concern since 2019, nearly 30% indicated that a recession would make them somewhat more likely to purchase a home. This is nearly twice as large as the share who report they'd be less likely to buy a home in a recession (15.8%). The nuanced sentiments signal a unique buying landscape shaped by caution and, on the flip side, opportunity.\n\n\"Confidence in the economy has clearly taken a hit amid ongoing headlines around trade, tariffs, and rate uncertainty,\" said Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com®. \"But while concerns are definitely present, some buyers anticipate that a downturn can bring opportunity. Well-prepared buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines are likely motivated by personal and lifestyle needs like growing families, new jobs, or retirements and these considerations can outweigh short term economic uncertainties.\"\nEconomic Uncertainty Isn't Stopping EveryoneThere are heightened fears of a recession. But, for the 29.8% of buyers who remain motivated, and even indicate they could be more likely to buy in a downturn, the potential for lower mortgage rates and less competition amid an economic slowdown serve as key incentives. At the same time, 54.4% said a recession would have no impact on their decision to purchase a home. This is a signal that many buyers are driven more by life circumstances than macroeconomic shifts. Only 15.8% of respondents reported they would be less likely to buy in a recession, reinforcing the idea that the housing market may see continued resilience even in a shaky economic climate.\nBarriers to Buying: Inventory, Budgets, and Borrowing ChallengesWhile there is a silver lining for many buyers, another aspect of the market brings challenges. Limited for-sale housing inventory co...