Should You Still Expect a Bidding War When Buying a Home in 2025?

Buying a home is stressful enough, but throw in the thought of a bidding war and it can feel like stepping into a boxing ring without gloves. For the last few years, buyers have been bracing themselves for intense competition, sky-high offers, and homes selling in the blink of an eye. But here’s the million-dollar question: are bidding wars still something you should worry about in 2025?

Let’s break it down.

The Decline of Bidding Wars: What the Numbers Say

The short answer? Bidding wars aren’t as common anymore.

A recent nationwide survey found that in June 2025, only 1 in 5 homes (20%) received multiple offers. That’s a steep drop compared to the same time last year when nearly 1 in 3 homes (31%) faced bidding battles. Go back to June 2023, and the number was even higher at 39%.

So, what does this mean for you as a buyer? Less competition. You now have:

• More time to think through your decision (instead of rushing into an offer).

• A better chance to negotiate price, closing terms, or even repairs.

• Less pressure to waive inspections or appraisals just to stay in the game.

In short, the market is finally giving buyers some breathing room. But before you pop the champagne, there’s one thing you need to remember…

Real Estate Is Local: Competition Depends on Where You Buy

Here’s the catch: not every market looks the same.

National averages give us a big-picture view, but local dynamics tell the real story. According to data from John Burns Research & Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current Matters (KCM), some regions are still hotter than others:

• Northeast: About 34% of homes (roughly 1 in 3) are still drawing multiple offers. That’s well above the national average.

• Southeast: Only 6% of homes are seeing bidding wars. Buyers here face far less competition.

So why such a big difference? Inventory.

Think of it this way: when there aren’t enough homes to go around, buyers end up fighting over the few that are available. That’s what’s happening in markets with low housing supply. On the flip side, areas with more listings naturally cool down, giving buyers the upper hand.

This is exactly why having a local real estate expert matters. They’ll know the ins and outs of your specific market, so you don’t make decisions based solely on national headlines.

Sellers Are More Willing to Negotiate in 2025

Here’s another piece of good news for buyers: sellers aren’t as rigid as they used to be.

A Redfin report shows that nearly half of all sellers are now offering concessions. That could mean covering part of your closing costs, dropping their asking price, or even including home upgrades just to seal the deal.

Think back to a few years ago—buyers had to jump through hoops to get noticed. Waiving inspections, bidding thousands over asking, even writing heartfelt “pick me” letters. Fast forward to today, and sellers are the ones making moves to attract buyers.

That’s a huge shift. And it’s one that works in your favor.

What This Means If You’re Buying a Home in 2025

So, should you still expect a bidding war? The answer is: probably not—but it depends.

• Nationally: Competition is easing up, and fewer homes are seeing multiple offers.

• Locally: Some areas, especially where inventory is tight, are still more competitive.

• Seller mindset: Many homeowners are open to negotiating, giving you more power than in years past.

The bottom line? This is one of the best times in recent memory for buyers to enter the market with confidence. You don’t have to settle for a rushed, overpriced deal anymore. Instead, you can take your time, negotiate smartly, and even land concessions you wouldn’t have dreamed of getting in 2021 or 2022.

Final Thoughts: Should You Be Worried About Bidding Wars?

If bidding wars have been the roadblock keeping you from buying, it may be time to rethink your strategy. While they haven’t vanished completely, they’re no longer the nightmare scenario they once were.

And remember, real estate is hyperlocal. What’s true for one region may not apply to another. That’s why working with a trusted real estate agent in your area is the smartest move. They’ll help you understand the competition, guide you through negotiations, and make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

So, don’t let the fear of bidding wars hold you back. The market is shifting, and for buyers, the tides are finally turning.

Ready to see what the market looks like in your area? Let’s connect and find out.