The best time to buy property in every metro as peak season approaches

For buyers ready to make a move, the clock is ticking. The week of Oct. 12–18, 2025, is projected to be the year’s “Best Week” to buy a home—offering the most favorable combination of inventory, pricing, and competition.

Buyers who start preparing now can take full advantage of this window, positioning themselves to find the right home without the rush of peak summer demand, according to a new Realtor.com® Best Time To Buy 2025 report. While waiting a few weeks might bring additional savings, acting during this prime period often means access to the widest selection of fresh listings.

“Historically, this week provides the most advantageous market conditions for buyers, with higher inventory levels, prices usually falling below their seasonal highs, reduced competition among buyers, and a generally more manageable market pace,” says Hannah Jones, a senior economic research analyst at Realtor.com.

A slower market sets the stage

This year’s homebuying season has been notably slower than in recent years. Inventory climbed beyond 1 million listings in late spring and continued to rise through the summer, approaching pre-pandemic levels. Despite this growth, overall inventory nationally remains about 13% below pre-pandemic totals.

“Homebuyers are likely to encounter a larger selection of homes for sale than in recent years. Many of these listings have been on the market for a while, potentially giving buyers an edge with sellers who may be more willing to negotiate to close a deal,” says Jones.

Time on the market has slowed to a pre-pandemic pace, as buyers face affordability challenges and attractive rental options. Meanwhile, the West and South regions are seeing even more robust supply, with listings in some areas exceeding pre-pandemic levels.

Home prices and mortgage rates have remained relatively steady compared with 2024, giving buyers a chance to plan without the pressure of bidding wars. Still, the supply gap of roughly 4 million homes due to years of underbuilding keeps vacancies low and prices elevated, according to the report.

The broader economy has sent mixed signals: Tariffs, inflation pressures, and concerns over interest rates and employment growth have contributed to slower existing-home and new-home sales. Despite these challenges, a slowdown in market activity has allowed listings to accumulate, creating breathing room for buyers.

A shift toward a buyer-friendly market

While the national housing market hasn’t fully tipped into a buyer’s market, conditions are far more balanced than in previous years, according to the Realtor.com August 2025 Monthly Housing Trends Report.

High inventory levels combined with slower buyer demand means less competition, giving prospective homeowners more flexibility in negotiations. Austin, TX, for example, is showing clear buyer-friendly conditions, with increased inventory and more options for price-conscious shoppers.

“These buyer-friendly conditions are expected to continue until the broader housing market tightens. As more buyers return, excess inventory will be absorbed, gradually moving the market back toward balance unless new listings increase,” says Jones.

Regionally, the landscape varies. The South and West currently offer more favorable conditions for buyers, while the Midwest and Northeast lean slightly toward sellers.

For those looking to sell, rising inventory requires strategic pricing and thoughtful presentation, as buyers are no longer forced into bidding wars. Meanwhile, motivated buyers can take advantage of more negotiating power, extended time on the market, and a wider selection of homes that fit both lifestyle and budget.

‘Best Week’ varies by metro

While Oct. 12–18 is the national “Best Week,” timing can shift depending on the local markets.

Of the 50 largest U.S. metros, 13 have a Best Week that’s slightly earlier than the national timeline, while 16 markets see a slightly later peak.

For instance, New York City and Philadelphia reach their Best Week in early to mid-September, while Miami and Tampa may not see optimal buying conditions until early December. Many other markets, including Houston, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC, align closely with the national Best Week.

Buyers can maximize these favorable conditions by monitoring local listings in advance. National trends suggest that the third week in October may offer up to 32.6% more active listings than at the start of the year, translating to potential savings of over $15,000 for a median-priced home of $439,450.

Shoppers who prioritize choice should consider acting as listings peak in early fall, while those focused on price might wait slightly longer to take advantage of seasonal dips.

With the Best Week just around the corner, potential buyers should familiarize themselves with local markets, identify priorities, and set up alerts to be notified the moment suitable homes hit the market. While the national market is moving toward balance, success still comes to those who plan ahead—understanding both seasonal trends and regional nuances.

By mid-October, buyers across much of the country may finally find the combination of inventory, pricing, and negotiating power they’ve been waiting for—a rare opportunity in a market that has been tight for most of the past decade.