Should You Buy or Sell a House This Year and the Next? Insiders Point Out 4 Things to Consider.

1. Home prices are no longer a one-way street, don’t dream of “buying low and selling high”

For many people, the motivation to buy a house is not just for living but also for investment, with the expectation that the asset will increase in value over time. But the reality of the market over the past 2-3 years has shown that the concept of real estate always being profitable is becoming outdated.

Even in large cities, which are considered difficult to depreciate, are not immune to the downward trend. Many areas have had to adjust their asking prices, and it’s not easy to find a buyer even if you sell at the purchase price.

In this context, if you’re buying a house just to wait for the price to go up before selling it, the risk is enormous. Although supportive policies have been somewhat relaxed, the market has not really picked up, and buying power has not recovered. The era of “buying wins, holding gains” has come to an end.

Therefore, those considering buying a house should adjust their expectations. Don’t bet on the dream of buying at the bottom and selling at the top anymore. The goal of buying a house now should be for actual use, not for speculation.

2. Real demand doesn’t mean buying wholesale, it must be carefully selected

If you truly have a practical need for a home, such as a child about to start school, needing a stable place for your parents to live, or if renting has become inconvenient, then buying a house is entirely reasonable. However, even with a real need, it doesn’t mean that any property is worth investing in.

First of all, stay away from projects by small developers, poor construction quality, lack of amenities, and inconvenient locations. These types of homes are often hard to maintain their value, even more difficult to sell, and can cause many inconveniences for long-term living.

In addition, many new projects in the suburbs, although advertised extensively with attractive prices and many incentives, actually have a very high vacancy rate. When you move in, you will feel the eerie silence, with few residents, non-operational commercial areas, distant schools, and inconvenient shopping… Over time, you will feel like you’ve fallen into a trap.

So, at the moment, when choosing to buy a house, give priority to established residential areas: old apartments in central locations, houses near good schools, or completed projects with full amenities. Even if the area may be smaller or the price higher, it brings peace of mind, good liquidity, and a truly convenient life.

3. If you already own a house, don’t rush to sell without a clear goal

For those who already own real estate, don’t panic and rush to sell just because you hear the market is “cooling down.” Before making a decision, ask yourself two questions: Do you still need that house? And if you sell it, what will you do with the money?

If it’s a house for living in a convenient location with a stable quality of life and you’re still happy with it, there’s no need to “follow the trend” and sell.

However, if you own multiple properties, especially those that are hard to rent and have a high vacancy rate, taking the initiative to liquidate gradually can relieve your financial pressure. Of course, not every property needs to be sold, but it’s important to evaluate each one clearly: its location, liquidity, and whether the market demands that type of asset.

Don’t just sell because others are selling. If you don’t consider carefully, you may end up in a situation where “it’s advertised forever but no one buys.”

4. If you want to invest in real estate, it’s best to… wait

Throughout the past decade, investing in real estate has indeed been an effective strategy for many people. But currently, the context is entirely different, and real estate is no longer a “buy-to-win” investment channel as before. For those who are not financially comfortable, investing money in real estate at this time is like tying your own feet, as you will be stuck with the capital if you urgently need money but cannot sell the house.

Of course, if you believe in the long-term potential of a city or area and want to hold the asset for the long term, you may consider it. However, be cautious. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

Even if you decide to buy, choose apartments with beautiful locations, reasonable prices, and good liquidity. Otherwise, it will be challenging to exit when you want to.

At this point, buying and selling real estate should be based on actual needs rather than just chasing profit goals.

In conclusion, whether you’re hesitating between buying or selling, the most important thing is to understand your actual needs and financial capabilities. It’s good to listen to others’ advice, but the final decision must be yours, made after careful consideration.