Is January Actually the Best Time to Buy a Home?

You don’t have to put your homebuying plans on hold just because it’s winter. While many people believe spring is the ideal time to purchase a home, recent data suggests that January may offer the best opportunities—especially for buyers focused on affordability.

Surprising? Here’s why January is worth a closer look.

1. Home Prices Are Often Lower in January

January has consistently been one of the most affordable months to buy a home. Historically, price-per-square-foot tends to be at its lowest during this time of year. In contrast, spring usually brings a surge in demand—and higher prices.

To put this into perspective, based on the most recent full year of data, buyers who purchased a typical 1,500-square-foot home in January paid roughly $23,000 less than those who bought in May. While exact savings vary depending on the home’s size, location, and price, the overall trend is clear: winter buyers often spend less. And with affordability still a concern for many households, those savings can make a real difference.

2. Less Competition and More Willing Sellers

Winter is traditionally one of the slowest seasons in real estate. Many buyers and sellers choose to wait until spring, which creates advantages for those who stay active in January:

• Fewer competing buyers

• Less chance of bidding wars

• More time to explore available homes

• Greater flexibility in negotiations

  
  

With fewer buyers in the market, sellers who list during winter are often more motivated. That motivation can translate into better terms—such as price reductions, closing cost credits, repair concessions, or flexible timelines. While discounts aren’t guaranteed, buyers are more likely to negotiate successfully and be taken seriously.

Should You Hold Out Until Spring?

The biggest benefit of buying in January is avoiding the intense competition that comes with the spring market. Once more buyers jump in, prices often rise, bidding wars return, and the process can feel far more stressful.

Timing always depends on your personal situation, but it’s worth reconsidering the assumption that waiting for spring is the best move. January offers a combination of lower prices, reduced competition, and motivated sellers—advantages that are harder to find later in the year.

Bottom Line

If you’re thinking about buying a home, this season may present more opportunity than you expect.

Curious what buying in January could look like for you? Let’s review your options, run the numbers, and explore what’s currently available in your local market.