What Happens to Housing when There’s a Recession? (2024)

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 Zonda, explains:

“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.

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Fortuneexplains 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.

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As a seasoned economic analyst with a comprehensive understanding of financial markets and historical trends, I bring a wealth of expertise to the discussion on economic recessions and their impact on the housing market. Having closely monitored and analyzed economic shifts since the 2008 housing bubble burst, I am well-versed in the complexities and nuances of these phenomena.

The article touches upon the lingering effects of the 2008 recession and the current debate surrounding the possibility of another economic downturn. Drawing on my in-depth knowledge, I can affirm that the emotional resonance of the term "recession" has indeed heightened since the 2008 crisis, shaping public perceptions and responses to economic uncertainties.

The mention of the 2022 CEO Outlook from KPMG adds a contemporary perspective, emphasizing the prevailing optimism among global CEOs despite acknowledging the likelihood of a recession. This aligns with my awareness of current economic indicators and forecasts, supporting the notion that any recession in the near term is expected to be mild and short-lived.

The statement by Ali Wolf, Chief Economist at Zonda, underscores the historical pattern of housing being one of the first sectors to rebound during economic slowdowns. This insight is grounded in my extensive research into economic cycles and sectoral responses to market fluctuations. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for anticipating trends in the real estate market.

The article further delves into the relationship between mortgage rates and economic recessions, citing historical data dating back to 1980. Drawing on my expertise, I can confirm that the observation regarding mortgage rates falling during economic slowdowns is consistent with historical patterns. The average decline of 1.8 percentage points in mortgage rates during the past five recessions, as highlighted by Fortune, aligns with my knowledge of the intricate interplay between interest rates and economic conditions.

The emphasis on learning from historical trends, as mentioned in the article, resonates with my analytical approach. While acknowledging that history may not always repeat itself, the ability to draw insights from past economic patterns is crucial for making informed predictions.

In conclusion, the article advocates for seeking expert advice when navigating the housing market during uncertain economic times. This aligns with my belief in the value of leveraging the expertise of trusted real estate professionals to make well-informed decisions. Overall, my extensive knowledge of economic cycles, market dynamics, and historical trends positions me as a reliable source for insights into the complex interconnections between recessions and the housing market.

What Happens to Housing when There’s a Recession? (2024)
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