With the election now behind us, you may be curious about what it means for the housing market. If history has anything to say, we’re in for a rebound!

Election Years Bring a Temporary Slowdown

It’s no surprise that home sales slow a bit each fall—that’s just part of the seasonal cycle. But in election years, there’s usually a bit more hesitation. BTIG’s data shows that in the month leading up to an election, home sales tend to dip slightly more than in typical years. Why? One word: uncertainty. Many people hit pause on big financial moves, waiting to see what the election outcome will mean for the future. This trend has been consistent for years and impacts buyers and sellers alike.

This year, that pattern was no different. In fact, a recent survey from Redfin revealed that about 23% of first-time buyers were holding off until after the election to make a move. Nearly a quarter of potential buyers chose to wait it out, likely due to those same feelings of “let’s see what happens first.”

Home Sales Bounce Back After the Election

Now, here’s the good news: those “paused” sales don’t disappear forever. Historically, home sales bounce back after the election dust settles. Buyers and sellers regain their footing and confidence, resulting in a boost in market activity. In fact, post-election sales have increased 82% of the time in the following year. Once people feel certain about the path ahead, they’re more comfortable diving back into the housing market.

What To Expect in 2025

If we look at past trends, 2025 is shaping up to be an active year for real estate. Forecasts suggest a rise in home sales, with this year estimated at 4.6 million total sales, climbing to 5.2 million in 2025. It’s right in line with the classic post-election pattern: a bit of a dip before things pick back up with a steady momentum.

So, while it might have seemed like the market was cooling off a bit, it’s really just a temporary slowdown. As we’ve seen before, once election uncertainty fades, buyers and sellers usually head back to the market, ready to make their moves.

Bottom Line

Election years may bring a brief pause in the housing market, but history shows it’s just that—a pause. Those delayed sales are typically back in action once things settle down, and all signs point to 2025 following the same trend. So, if you’ve been waiting for a clearer outlook before making your next move, take comfort in knowing the market is expected to ramp up in the coming months.