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5 Min Read

Should I Build a House Now, Or Wait?

Kitchen area and island in 4-season room addition by GTG Builders in Central, NJ

You’ve worked hard to be able to build the custom home of your dreams, but the current market has you wondering if now is a bad time to build a house. So is it?

It’s no secret that the housing market of the last few years has caused many future home buyers to be concerned about the 2025 housing market. However, interest rates have finally started to drop, and, dare we say, 2025 may just be a good time to build or buy a house.

In this blog post, we'll dig into the details and help you decide if now is a good or bad time to build a home.

 

 

1. Is now a good time to buy a house?

Let's start with the nitty-gritty and the question that is plaguing most of our minds. You're likely wondering if it's smart to buy a house right now. At this juncture, we’re happy to report that the housing market in 2025 is feeling the boost of lowered interest rates. We're not ever fully out of the woods, but those looking to determine the right time to buy their first house is can be relieved to see lowered interest rates. In fact, we're all happy to see those rates drop.

Today is an opportune time to invest in a home with sustainable, energy-efficient features designed around your needs and lifestyle. The shortage of homes on the market provides an excellent incentive for building the home you’ve been dreaming of for years.

Should you build now or wait?

Remember the good ol’ days of interest rates under five percent and lower prices? We miss those days. 

The adage “Marry the house; date the rate!” applies here. Take advantage now of slightly lower rates before prices and demand begin to climb. We don’t want anyone to miss out on their dream home because of waiting for interest rates to lower. Custom homes are not quick builds, and you might find the custom home building process taking longer than anticipated - particularly if you’ve waited for the perfect interest rate along with everyone else. Remember: everyone else is also looking for the perfect time to buy or build a home. 

 

2. What is the outlook for the housing market in 2025?

If you've decided on building a home in 2025, you might be hoping for a brighter outlook in the housing market. We wish we had a crystal ball for the housing market, but here's what we know. Now is not a bad time to build because interest rates are slowly dropping, and labor rates are holding steady. People are also looking for stability in their community, and building or buying a home right now means you are becoming a stakeholder in your community. 

Building a Home in 2025

There's no risk-free venture, and we'll never tell you that building a home in 2025 will be completely without worry. But if it's been on the agenda for quite some time, it might behoove you to make that leap. Not convinced yet? Take a peek at our portfolio, then read on to learn more!

 

3. Are house prices going down in New Jersey?

If you've been weighing the cost to build a house in New Jersey, you might have noticed that house prices aren't decreasing. However, building a house in New Jersey is still a great investment. Our great state is an incredible place to live, and steady prices mean now is a good time to build a house. However, if you're waiting for house prices to go down, you might be waiting a few decades. Given the custom home construction timeline, it's wise to start the process sooner rather than later. 

Is it cheaper to build than buy now?

An underrated reason to not shy away from building a custom home in today’s housing market is that it ensures that you are more likely to stay in the home longer, creating a more stable investment. It's never cheaper to build than buy, but it can be a better investment.

If you’re waiting for a buyers’ market to build a home, remember that many other people are also waiting for home prices to drop. However, if you choose to build now—whether it is a buyers' or sellers' market–you can choose your pick of custom home builders and not feel rushed in the process. 

However, if you’re still debating whether or not a custom home is right for you, buying a pre-existing home in today’s market might be the right choice for you. Our New Jersey homeowner's resources can help you make an informed decision. 

 

4. when is the best time to buy a house?

Is this a good time to build or buy a house? Is it the best time to buy a house? If you're considering building a home to elevate your retirement, the clock may be ticking in more ways than one. 

Interest rates are finally trending downward, so if you know what type of house you want and have chosen your ideal location, you might be looking for the best time of year to buy or begin building a house. 

The best time to buy (or build) a house seasonally is in warmer weather. With spring blossoms and summer barbecues comes the most conducive time to move in or start home construction. During these warmer months, builders can work more efficiently, minimizing weather delays and getting you into your custom home sooner. If you're looking for the right to buy or build a home, it's a great idea to talk to a builder today to get your place in line. While you're waiting, think about these questions to ask before buying land.

Government incentives for new homes

If you're still wondering if now is the right time to build a house, here's a perk that might seal the deal for you. A little-known reward of building a custom home over buying a pre-existing home is the government incentives for custom home buyers. You can even cash in on tax credits for energy-efficient home features. 

Government-backed loan programs, like those offered by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) in the U.S., can also facilitate new home construction by providing favorable loan terms and lower down payment requirements.

 

5. What is the most expensive part of building a house?

How much it costs to build a house in New Jersey heavily depends on the lot (and how much an acre of land costs), site work, the materials you use, and labor. This custom home budget worksheet can help give you an idea of what certain aspects may cost. As we've learned over time, you'll likely be asking yourself if it's a good time to build a new home over the next year and perhaps the next. Investing in newly built homes means homeowners get to put their money into what they value - versus what someone else values. That's one of the reasons we argue that building a home in 2025 is still a good idea. Our custom home guide allows you to see what's possible in a custom home and dream just a little bigger. 

why build a home with gtg builders?

Even as the landscape of the housing market continues to evolve, your personal needs, budget, and location should always be at the forefront of your decision-making process. We're not just custom home builders. We're the team that can help you find the right land for your home, help you discern your site work budget, and work with you every step of the way. 

It’s important to remember your original reasons for building a custom home. These are reasons that are not impacted by the US housing market but rather pertain to your past work and your future goals. 

At GTG Builders, we're committed to building our clients the homes of their dreams within budget and as soon as possible. 

Contact us today to see if we can make your custom home build a reality in 2025.