‘No-Buy 2025’ Shouldn’t Stop You From Putting an Offer on Your Dream Home

The “no-buy 2025” challenge is taking the social media world by storm. The new trend aims to curb overspending and save more this year by not buying anything beyond the essentials.

In 2024, 20% tried the “no spend challenge,” according to a Chime survey. In 2025, the Wall Street Journal reported that “Google searches for ‘no buy challenge’ are up 40% year over year, while ‘no spend challenge’ searches have hit an all-time high.”

Whether it’s on TikTok or Instagram, Americans are sharing tips on how they are cutting anything from beauty routines like manicures and facials to take-out deliveries.

While this is sensible and can help save money—especially in the current economic situation—the story might be different for some big-ticket items.

For instance, if you’re in the market or thinking about buying a home, this year might be the year to do it, as experts say that conditions are improving.

What is the ‘no-buy’ challenge?

The surge in the “no-buy” trend is not surprising. Inflation and high rates have put pressure on many Americans and left them little to save.

“A lot of us struggle with impulse spending, and making a conscious decision ahead of time to cut back on our spending is a powerful way to curb our waste,” says Jack Prenter, CEO and personal finance expert at Dollarwise.

So why are people turning to this challenge?

According to Prenter, it’s a combination of the cost-of-living crisis and a cultural shift from excess.

“There’s certainly a cost-of-living crisis right now, but I think the cultural swing is playing a bigger role than most realize,” he says. “We’ve had decades of ‘more,’ and with sustainability and ethical concerns being more mainstream, there’s a swing away from ‘more.'”

With inflation at 2.9% in December, according to the consumer price index, Americans still feel the pinch, whether at the grocery store or the gas pump.

What’s more, President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs might put more pressure on consumers, as many economists view them as inflationary.

So it’s no wonder consumers are turning to apps like Facebook Marketplace and BuyNothing instead of overloading their Amazon basket.

In fact, BuyNothing has been downloaded 850,000 times to date. It allows you to “find and request what you need, giving it a second life while reducing consumption.”

Why you should buy a home in 2025

Buying a home in 2025 still makes sense, and experts say that if you have your sights set on one, now might be the time to act.

Inventory

First, inventory is poised to rise. The 2025 Realtor.com® Housing Report notes that the “market is moving away from historically tight inventory conditions.”

“We anticipate an 11.7% increase in available homes for sale in 2025 compared to 2024,” according to the report.

Hannah Jones, Realtor.com senior economic research analyst, says that for-sale housing inventory is at its highest level since mid-2020, which means that buyers have the most “beginning-of-the-year home options in five years.”

“This January, home prices were at their lowest level since March 2022,” she adds.

“Buyers who have been eagerly waiting to get into the market could very well find the right opportunity this year. The winter market typically means fewer home options, but this year’s ample inventory and pickup in seller activity could spell opportunity for buyers, perhaps even before home prices climb this spring.”

Mortgage rates

In addition, mortgage rates are stabilizing. Sure, long gone are the days of a 2% to 3% 30-year mortgage. But as of Jan. 23, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage saw “its first decline in six weeks,” according to Freddie Mac, now standing at 6.96%.

Construction

Another critical factor is that construction is expected to rise, building up inventory, which would ease pressure on prices. Realtor.com projects a “13.8% increase in single-family housing starts, bringing the annual total to 1.1 million, its highest since 2021.”

The lock-in effect might ease

Finally, the lock-in effect—buyers hesitant to sell due to the low rates they secured a few years back—might ease.

Freddie Mac attributed this to owners getting used to “ the new normal with respect to rates, therefore adding more inventory to the market.”

That’s why 2025 is the year many people will decide that they simply cannot wait any longer.

“Many have been on the sidelines since the [COVID-19] pandemic real estate boom due to sharply rising prices, multiple offers, and more recently a series of interest rate increases that dampened affordability,” says Cara Ameer, real estate broker with Coldwell Banker. “People thought they would wait until rates came down to buy, but they are seeing that the current interest rates are the new normal for the foreseeable future and not much has changed.”

Buying a home now

Of course, home prices are still high and will increase, but with additional inventory, bidding wars might finally slow down. 

“Though still-high home prices and elevated mortgage rates mean housing remains relatively expensive, buyers may find more flexibility from sellers, especially in areas with ample home supply,” Jones says.

However, some experts say that while some may hesitate due to concerns around “no-buy 2025,” the reality is that the market is presenting a “golden opportunity” for buyers.

Chad Harmer, founder, CIO, and financial planner at Harmer Wealth Management, says owning a home is a powerful financial tool beyond stability. It allows buyers to build equity, secure fixed mortgage payments, and avoid the rising costs of rent.

Harmer also notes that looming economic factors, such as potential increases in tariffs on construction materials and ongoing inflationary pressures, could drive up housing and renovation costs.

“Buying now allows homebuyers to lock in current prices before these cost increases impact affordability,” he says.

Top housing markets to watch for in 2025: Florida and Texas

Florida and Texas remain the top markets to watch in 2025.

Harmer says that Florida continues to attract buyers with its lack of state income tax, expanding tech and finance sectors, and desirable lifestyle.

“Cities like Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville have demonstrated steady home price appreciation,” he says.

In addition, experts note that real estate should remain strong in the Lone Star State. 

Caroline Bean, broker associate at Compass Houston, says inventory is poised to rise, giving buyers more options than in the ultracompetitive market of the past few years.

“Despite economic shifts, Houston’s real estate market continues to show resilience, particularly in sought-after neighborhoods where demand remains high,” she says. “Prices have steadily appreciated due to strong job growth, corporate relocations, and the city’s overall economic strength. Real estate isn’t just a purchase—it’s a wealth-building tool that historically outperforms inflation and other investments over time.”