Published October 15, 2025

Should You Buy a Home Before 2026? Why Philly Buyers Still Have an Edge This Fall

Written by Ryan Kanofsky

Thinking about buying a home in Philadelphia before the year ends?

You might be wondering if it’s smarter to wait until 2026 or jump in now. Here’s the truth: if you’re serious about buying, late 2025 offers a few quiet advantages most buyers don’t realize.

The End of the Year = Less Competition

As the holidays roll in, a lot of buyers hit pause and that’s your opportunity. With fewer showings and slower weekends, motivated sellers are more open to negotiation. Whether it’s closing cost help or a price reduction, deals are easier to find in November and December than in the busy spring market.

Rates May Dip - But Prices Won’t

Everyone’s watching mortgage rates, but here’s what matters: when rates drop, competition spikes. If you buy now, you can refinance later but you’ll own before prices get pushed up again by pent-up demand in early 2026.

Philly’s Market Is Still One to Watch

Philadelphia remains one of the most affordable and resilient big-city markets on the East Coast. From rowhomes in South Philly to new builds in Fishtown and East Kensington, buyers still have options across every budget and they’re not disappearing anytime soon.

If you’ve been on the fence, buying before 2026 could be your best move. Less competition, more negotiating power, and the chance to get ahead of the next wave of buyers, all reasons to start the process now.