What Happens to Housing when There’s a Recession?

What Happens to Housing when There’s a Recession?
Since the 2008 housing bubble burst, the word recession strikes a stronger emotional chord than it ever did before. And while there’s some debate around whether we’re officially in a recession right now, the good news is experts say a recession today would likely be mild and the economy would rebound quickly. As the 2022 CEO Outlook from KPMG says:
 
“Global CEOs see a ‘mild and short’ recession, yet optimistic about global economy over 3-year horizon . . .
 
 More than 8 out of 10 anticipate a recession over the next 12 months, with more than half expecting it to be mild and short.”
 
To add to that sentiment, housing is typically one of the first sectors to rebound during a slowdown. As Ali Wolf, Chief Economist at Zondaexplains:
 
“Housing is traditionally one of the first sectors to slow as the economy shifts but is also one of the first to rebound.”
 
Part of that rebound is tied to what has historically happened to mortgage rates during recessions. Here’s a look back at rates during previous economic slowdowns to help put your mind at ease.
 
Mortgage Rates Typically Fall During Recessions
 
Historical data helps paint the picture of how a recession could impact the cost of financing a home. Looking at recessions in this country going all the way back to 1980, the graph below shows each time the economy slowed down mortgage rates decreased.
 
What Happens to Housing when There’s a Recession? | MyKCM
 
Fortune explains mortgage rates typically fall during an economic slowdown:
 
Over the past five recessions, mortgage rates have fallen an average of 1.8 percentage points from the peak seen during the recession to the trough. And in many cases, they continued to fall after the fact as it takes some time to turn things around even when the recession is technically over.”
 
While history doesn’t always repeat itself, we can learn from and find comfort in the trends of what’s happened in the past. If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, you can make the best decision by working with a trusted real estate professional. That way you have expert advice on what a recession could mean for the housing market.
 

Bottom Line

 
History shows you don’t need to fear the word recession when it comes to the housing market. If you have questions about what’s happening today, let’s connect so you have expert advice and insights you can trust.

Recent Blog Posts

Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends.

The Best Way To Keep Track of Mortgage Rate Trends

Rates have been volatile and you may be wondering why? The answer is complicated because rates are affected by so many factors, including what’s happening in the broad… Read more

San Francisco Market Update - April 2024

In San Francisco, home prices haven’t been largely affected by rising mortgage rates after the initial period of price correction from May 2022 to July 2022. Since Jul… Read more

East Bay Market Update - April 2024

In the East Bay, low inventory and high demand have more than offset the downward price pressure from higher mortgage rates, and prices generally haven’t experienced l… Read more

Prepping Your Home For A Successful Sale

When you're ready to sell your home, doing a little preparation beforehand can potentially help your home sell quicker and for a higher price. 

San Francisco Market Update - March 2024

The median single-family home and condo prices rose meaningfully from December 2023 to February 2024, up 14.1% and 17.9%, respectively. Year-over-year prices also appr… Read more

East Bay Market Update - March 2024

Mortgage rates increased in February, but their strong effect on the market may be waning.

Expert Home Price Forecasts for 2024 Revised Up

Over the past few months, experts have revised their 2024 home price forecasts based on the latest data and market signals, and they’re even more confident prices will… Read more

San Francisco Market Update - February 2024

The median single-family home and condo prices rose meaningfully from December 2023 to January 2024, up 12.9% and 7.3%, respectively. Year-over-year prices also apprec… Read more

East Bay Market Update - February 2024

Mortgage rates were remarkably stable in January, and near-term Fed rate cuts look less likely.

Let’s Talk

You’ve got questions and we can’t wait to answer them.