Should You Buy a Home in 2025? The One Question That Matters Most | Will Flanagan Realty Group

If you’re thinking about buying a home in 2025, you’ve probably heard conflicting advice:

• “Wait for rates to drop.”

• “Home prices are too high.”

• “Now’s the best time to buy!”

The truth is, no one has a crystal ball. The real question you should be asking isn’t when to buy—it’s how long you plan to stay.

Because when it comes to real estate, time is your biggest asset. Let’s break down why.

The Longer You Stay, The More You Gain

If you’re only planning to live in a home for a year or two, buying may not be the smartest move. Transaction costs, property taxes, and maintenance expenses can eat away at any short-term gains. Plus, if you sell in less than two years, you may owe capital gains taxes on any profit.

But what if you stay longer? According to Redfin, the typical U.S. homeowner stays in their home for 11.8 years. (Source: Redfin) If you’re planning to stay that long, historical trends show that you’re likely to benefit from home price appreciation.

📌 Oklahoma City Market Data:

• The median home price in OKC as of February 2025 is $272,000, reflecting a 4.6% increase from last year. (Source: Redfin)

• Since 2020, OKC home values have surged by 43%, mirroring national trends. (Source: Zillow)

• Homeowners in OKC who purchased 10 years ago have seen an average home price appreciation of 56%. (Source: OKC MLS)

Even during economic downturns, long-term homeowners have historically seen positive returns. For example, during the Great Recession, homeowners who held onto their properties for 10+ years still saw appreciation by the time they sold. (Source: ResiClub)

An analysis from ResiClub found that national home price growth since 2020 has already surpassed the entire appreciation of the 1990s and 2010s. (Source: ResiClub)

Buying vs. Renting: What Makes Sense in OKC?

The question isn’t “Is now a good time to buy?”—it’s “How long am I staying?”

✅ Buy if you plan to stay for at least 10 years

• You’ll build equity and ride out any short-term market fluctuations.

• Home prices in OKC and nationwide historically trend upward over the long run.

• Locking in a mortgage can provide payment stability compared to rising rents.

❌ Rent if you might move within 1-2 years

• Selling too soon could mean losing money on transaction costs.

• You’ll have more flexibility if your job or lifestyle changes.

• Renting might be the smarter short-term financial move.

🤔 What if you plan to stay 5-7 years?

• Check OKC’s appreciation trends—some neighborhoods are experiencing faster price growth than others.

• Compare mortgage vs. rent costs—in many parts of OKC, buying still makes financial sense over renting.

• Consider rental potential—buying a home that can generate passive income could be a smart move if your plans change.

Market Timing vs. Long-Term Strategy

Many buyers try to time the market, waiting for the perfect moment to buy. But in reality? Even top economists can’t predict short-term market movements with certainty. However, historical data tells us that:

📈 Over the last 50 years, home values in Oklahoma City have increased at an average rate of 4.5% per year. (Source: OKC MLS)

🏡 Zillow reports that home values nationwide have jumped 45.3% since 2020, compressing a decade’s worth of appreciation into just five years.

💡 Mortgage rates fluctuate, but homeowners who buy and hold have historically benefited from long-term equity growth.

The Bottom Line: Should You Buy a Home in OKC in 2025?

If you know you’ll be in your next home for 10 or more years—and can comfortably afford your monthly payments—buying is likely a strong financial decision.

📩 Still unsure about your options? Let's talk. Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your situation and get personalized insights on the OKC market. → Book a Consultation