Is Now a Bad Time to Buy a Home in Nashville?

No — it's not automatically a bad time to buy in Nashville. But it's not automatically a great time either. It really depends on your payment comfort, your timeline, and whether you value negotiating room over chasing the perfect interest rate. As Nashville natives who have worked with buyers across Donelson, East Nashville, Bellevue, and beyond, we can tell you: this is a transitional market, and transitions create opportunities.

If you're browsing homes now, you can explore everything currently on the market here: View Nashville Homes for Sale.

The Quick Answer: When It Is and Isn't a Good Time to Buy

It might be a bad time if…

• You're stretching your monthly payment to the edge
• You may need to move again in 1–2 years
• Your income or job stability is uncertain
• You're hoping for a short-term flip
• You're waiting for a massive drop in interest rates

It might be a good time if…

• You're planning to stay 5+ years
• You prefer more choices and fewer bidding wars
• You want negotiating room
• You're open to refinancing later if rates drop
• You want builder incentives or concessions
• You want calmer conditions compared to the frenzy years

What's Actually Happening in Nashville Right Now (Data + Real Perspective)

This isn't a hot market, and it's not a cold one. Nashville is in a “sorting-out” phase — higher inventory, more measured buyers, and sellers who can’t rely on 2021–2022 momentum. For more context on how Nashville's market has shifted, you can browse our full library of local insights here: Nashville Real Estate Blog.

From the latest Realtracs October 2025 data for Davidson County:

• Average DOM (Closed): 38 days — this is the clearest indicator of buyer behavior.
• Active inventory is up 21%
• Total inventory up 14%
• Months of supply: 5.17 — nudging toward balance.
• Price reductions: ~40%
• Relisted homes: ~24%
• Average sale price up 15% YoY

Some websites show massive "days on market" numbers (80–120+), but that's because they're measuring list-to-close or relist cycles. Closed DOM — the 38-day figure above — is the cleanest read.

Redfin data adds more color:

• Sale-to-list ratio: 96.8%
• Homes selling above list: 12.9%
• Homes with price drops: 30%

Together, this points to a very “normalizing” Nashville market — buyers finally have space, but well-priced homes still sell.

When Waiting Makes More Sense

1. Payment stretch
If today's rate pushes your monthly payment into uncomfortable territory, waiting is reasonable.

2. Short-term plans
If you may relocate, upgrade, or downsize in the next 1–2 years, it's better to wait. Real estate works best with time.

3. Income instability
If your career or income is in motion, pausing can help you avoid unnecessary stress.

4. You're trying to “time the bottom”
We've never seen anyone successfully predict the perfect intersection of rates and prices in Nashville.

When Buying Now Can Make More Sense

1. More choices
Inventory is up double digits.

2. Negotiation is back
Price reductions are common. Sellers accept below list.

3. Normal pace
You can think and breathe.

4. Refinance later
Payments can improve; the home still builds equity.

5. Better homes
Calmer markets allow buyers to choose more intentionally.

A Real Buyer Example

"We weren't sure whether buying made sense with rates where they are, but waiting felt riskier. Their lender, Mary Littleton, walked us through the real numbers. Seeing the monthly difference between buying now and what we were paying in rent took the fear out of it. We ended up getting the home we wanted, negotiated repairs, and never felt rushed."
— Sally L (first-time buyer in Woodbine)

You can read more experiences like this on our Buyer Reviews page: See Buyer Reviews.

FAQ: Quick Questions Buyers Ask Us All the Time

Will Nashville home prices drop?
We don't see clear evidence of that.

Should I wait for rates to drop?
You can — but expect buyer demand to surge the moment it happens.

Are bidding wars still happening?
Rarely.

Is it cheaper to rent than buy?
Sometimes — but rent doesn't build equity, and Nashville rents remain high.

Will waiting save me money?
Maybe — if prices soften and rates drop at the same time (rare here).

How We Can Help

If you're weighing the pros and cons, we're happy to run the numbers with you — no pressure, no urgency. Just clarity. You can reach out here anytime: Contact James & Stephanie.

If you're moving to the area, this resource is a great place to start: Moving to Nashville Guide.

And if you want to know more about who you're talking to: About James & Stephanie Crawford.