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Redfin Survey: Three-Quarters of Homebuyers & Sellers Report Changing Plans Due to Inflation

Written by Posted On Wednesday, 29 December 2021 05:50
Redfin Survey: Three-Quarters of Homebuyers & Sellers Report Changing Plans Due to Inflation

Seventy-three percent of homebuyers and sellers say inflation is influencing their future buying or selling plans, according to a new report from Redfin (redfin.com), the technology-powered real estate brokerage. Responding to a recent Redfin-commissioned survey of Americans who are planning to buy or sell a home in the next 12 months, 29% of respondents said they're delaying homebuying plans due to inflation. Twenty-four percent of respondents are moving up their homebuying plans and 11% are canceling plans altogether. 

Meanwhile, 10% of respondents said inflation is causing them to move up their home selling plans, 7% are delaying their selling plans and 3% are canceling. 

"The way Americans interpret news about rising prices can have a variety of effects on their financial decisions, including homebuying," said Redfin Chief Economist Daryl Fairweather. "Some people may delay buying because they're worried that with prices rising on everything from food to fuel, now is not the right time to make a huge purchase. But others might move faster to find a house because they're worried home prices and rent prices will increase even more, and they want to lock in a fixed payment."

The survey results come amid reports that inflation is at its highest level in nearly 40 years, with consumer prices jumping 6.8% in November from a year earlier. Increasing prices for gas and other energy sources are driving the inflation surge. 

Seventy-three percent of survey respondents said rising gas prices are impacting decisions about their homebuying plans or their commute. Thirty-five percent said they plan to drive less or drive a more efficient vehicle because of rising gas prices, while 25% plan to shorten their commutes. Twenty-one percent said they plan to buy a cheaper home.

"Different homebuyers react to high fuel prices in different ways, depending on their circumstances," said Redfin Deputy Chief Economist Taylor Marr. "Some people will pay a premium to shorten their commute, while others will opt for a more affordable home to make up for expensive gas or a new – but more fuel-efficient – vehicle."

Three-quarters of respondents said the rising cost of home energy is impacting their homebuying or selling plans. Specifically, 36% of respondents said they plan to add energy-saving features to their home, 33% plan to move to a more energy-efficient home and 15% plan to move to a smaller home. 

To read the full report, including charts and graphs, please visit: https://www.redfin.com/news/inflation-homebuying-survey/

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Redfin is a technology-driven real estate company with the country's most-visited real estate brokerage website. As part of Rocket Companies (NYSE: RKT), Redfin is creating an integrated homeownership platform from search to close to make the dream of homeownership more affordable and accessible for everyone. Redfin’s clients can see homes first with on-demand tours, easily apply for a home loan with Rocket Mortgage, and save thousands in fees while working with a top local agent. You can find more information about Redfin and get the latest housing market data and research at Redfin.com/news. For more information about Rocket Companies, visit RocketCompanies.com.

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