The decision to buy a home is one of the most important financial decisions any family will make. With constant changes in interest rates, the Euribor, real estate prices, and financing terms, many buyers are currently asking the same question: is it better to buy a home now or wait until next year?

Although there is no one-size-fits-all answer, there are several factors that can help determine which option is most advantageous for each situation.

The Real Estate Market Remains Dynamic

In recent years, the Portuguese real estate market has demonstrated a strong ability to adapt. Despite the recent rise in interest rates, demand for housing remains high in many regions of the country.

At the same time, available supply remains limited in several areas, contributing to prices staying at historically high levels.

This means that waiting does not necessarily guarantee that properties will become cheaper.

What Might Happen Next Year?

Many experts believe that interest rates may stabilize or even see slight declines over the next year.

If that happens, there could be some advantages for buyers:

  • Potentially lower monthly payments;
  • Greater financing capacity;
  • More favorable credit terms;
  • Greater consumer confidence.

However, there is also an important side effect.

If interest rates fall, more buyers may return to the market, increasing demand once again. When demand grows faster than supply, real estate prices tend to rise.

Therefore, a drop in interest rates does not automatically mean a cheaper opportunity to buy a home.

The Advantages of Buying Now

For those who have currently found a property that suits their needs and have stable financial conditions, buying now can bring several benefits.

1. Lock in the Current Price

Property prices remain relatively resilient across much of the country.

Buying now allows you to lock in the current value of the property and avoid potential future increases.

2. Start Building Equity

While you wait, you continue to pay rent or postpone building your own equity.

Every payment made on your own home represents an investment in your future.

3. Option to Renegotiate Later

If interest rates do indeed fall, there is always the option to:

  • Renegotiate your mortgage;
  • Transfer the loan to another institution;
  • Benefit from better terms in the future.

Thus, buying today does not prevent you from taking advantage of more favorable terms tomorrow.

The Advantages of Waiting

In certain situations, waiting may be the most prudent decision.

For example:

  • If you do not yet have a sufficient down payment;
  • If you want to improve your debt-to-income ratio;
  • If you are working on securing job stability;
  • If you want to increase your borrowing capacity.

In these cases, a few additional months may allow for a more comfortable and financially sustainable purchase.

The Role of Euribor in the Decision

Euribor remains one of the key indicators for those looking to take out a mortgage.

When it rises, monthly payments tend to increase.

When it falls, monthly payments may decrease.

However, basing your decision solely on Euribor trends can be a mistake.

It is important to analyze the full picture:

  • Property value;
  • Debt-to-income ratio;
  • Financial stability;
  • Available savings;
  • Family goals;
  • Prospects for appreciation in the area.

A good purchase results from a balance between all these factors.

Buying a Home Is a Personal Decision

Often, the best time to buy a home doesn’t depend solely on the market.

It depends above all on each buyer’s individual situation.

Ask yourself:

  • Am I financially stable?
  • Do I have savings for a down payment?
  • Can I afford the current monthly payment?
  • Have I found the right home for my family?
  • Do I plan to stay in the area for several years?

If the answer is yes to most of these questions, simply waiting in the hope of a potential market shift may not offer significant advantages.

Conclusion

Trying to predict the perfect time to buy a home is extremely difficult. The real estate market is influenced by multiple economic, financial, and social factors that do not always evolve as expected.

For some buyers, waiting may make sense.

For others, moving forward now could represent an excellent opportunity to secure the desired property before potential price increases or greater competition in the market.

The best decision will always be the one that takes into account your financial situation, your goals, and the appropriate advice from a specialized professional.

Need help with this topic?

Vitor Miguel
Real Estate Consultant — MaisConsultores TEAM
📍 Peniche
📱 928153342
✉️ vitor.miguel@maisconsultores.pt

🏢 AMI: 23990

👉 Contact me for a no-obligation consultation.