Buy a property with a house on it or buy a property and build a house? Which is best and most affordable?

[testdepth]

I was wondering recently. Are housing prices a better representation of real inflation over the past 5 or so years? I am wondering are houses overpriced everywhere or is this just what happens when the fed runs the printing press 24 hours a day? I’m beginning to think houses aren’t overpriced in many markets. We just can’t wrap our heads around how devalued the USD has become.

I have been looking for a house for several months and the housing market in my opinion is still over valued by 30% or more. Many of the homes on sites like Realtor.com show prices that have dropped per home $15000 to $50000. I saw one that offered $22000 to the buyer from the seller. People trying to sell their homes at unrealistic prices. My neighbor up the street bought his house 3yrs ago for $389000 (top price). He placed this house for sale Nov 2024 for $439000 and dropped the price to $409000 in January. He pulled it off the market last month. He will be lucky to break even if he can sell it.

 

[basstracker89]

I have been looking for a house for several months and the housing market in my opinion is still over valued by 30% or more. Many of the homes on sites like Realtor.com show prices that have dropped per home $15000 to $50000. I saw one that offered $22000 to the buyer from the seller. People trying to sell their homes at unrealistic prices. My neighbor up the street bought his house 3yrs ago for $389000 (top price). He placed this house for sale Nov 2024 for $439000 and dropped the price to $409000 in January. He pulled it off the market last month. He will be lucky to break even if he can sell it.

You know what they say, location, location, location. Our old home we sold has risen another 12% since we sold it over 2yrs ago. In our new neighborhood they still continue to sell fast as well. I truly don't get it either. I'm just glad we bought that starter home so many years ago. Haven't had to put a dime of new money in another home since.

 

[TheGman]

subscribed. Thinking of starting to build within the year, own the rpoperty.

I am told a ranch will be $200 to $300 sqft dependent upon interior

I also heard yesterday that tariffs may push lumber prices higher

 

[jaxyaks]

subscribed. Thinking of starting to build within the year, own the rpoperty.

I am told a ranch will be $200 to $300 sqft dependent upon interior

I also heard yesterday that tariffs may push lumber prices higher

Lumber prices have been going up every month since the beginning of 2025. 20% since Jan. Now whether that is reflected yet or not on your local supplier that is another story. I would bet some people are getting amendments weekly on their upcoming builds lumber packages.

Lumber - Price - Chart - Historical Data - News

Lumber increased 134.13 USD/1000 board feet or 24.39% since the beginning of 2025, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Lumber - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on March of 2025.

tradingeconomics.com

 

[basstracker89]

As expensive and difficult the way of this new world is, I wouldn't wish a new build on anybody

 

[olerambler]

You know what they say, location, location, location. Our old home we sold has risen another 12% since we sold it over 2yrs ago. In our new neighborhood they still continue to sell fast as well. I truly don't get it either. I'm just glad we bought that starter home so many years ago. Haven't had to put a dime of new money in another home since.

Yes location is plus something joins USFs land bring more $$