Fall 2025: Why Ocean City Buyers Finally Have the Upper Hand

Fall has arrived, and with it comes one of the most favorable buying environments we’ve seen in years.
After the frenzy and frustration of 2023, today’s market feels different — in a good way.
Rates are lower, inventory is higher, and prices have softened just enough to make homes more affordable.

💡 What’s Changed Since Fall 2023

1️⃣ Mortgage Rates Are Down
Last fall, 30-year mortgage rates hovered around 7½%. Today, we’re closer to 6¼% — roughly a full percentage point lower.
That may not sound like much, but it makes a big difference on a monthly payment.

2️⃣ More Homes to Choose From
We’re seeing roughly 25–30% more inventory on the market than a year ago.
That means buyers finally have options — fewer bidding wars, more time to think, and more leverage when it’s time to negotiate.

3️⃣ Prices Have Softened Slightly
Prices haven’t dropped dramatically, but they’ve eased a few percent in many Ocean City segments.
Combine that with lower rates, and affordability has improved significantly.

💰 A Quick Example of the Difference

Fall 2023 | $450,000 | 7.5% | ≈ $2,450
Fall 2025 | $435,000 | 6.3% | ≈ $2,120

That’s about $330 less per month — roughly a 13% reduction in monthly cost for a similar home.
Put simply: the same home today costs less to own.

🔑 The Bottom Line

The Ocean City real estate market moves in cycles — and for the first time in a few years, the cycle is favoring buyers.
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to make a move, this fall might be it.

📲 Reach out to the Ryan Haley Team at Atlantic Shores Sotheby’s International Realty to explore what’s possible.
Let’s run the numbers together and see how far your buying power goes today.

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