Is it smart to build a house in 2023?
Housing demand is on the rise. The number of houses available in the market remains almost unchanged. This increases the resale value of a newer housing investment. A house built in 2023 is a valuable investment for the future.
Is it cheaper to build or buy a house? As a rule of thumb, it's cheaper to buy a house than to build one. Building a new home costs $34,000 more, on average, than purchasing an existing home. The median cost of new construction was $449,000 in May 2022.
In February 2023, most pundits believe the construction materials cost will continue to fluctuate. The consensus is that the cost of most materials will not return to pre-pandemic levels this year, though they should come down or at least not increase as dramatically as they have been.
Homebuyer.com data analysis indicates that, for first-time home buyers, June 2023 is a good time to buy a house relative to later in the year. This article provides an unbiased look at current mortgage rates, housing market conditions, and market sentiment.
Lumber demand will drop again
U.S. lumber consumption will fall somewhere between 4% and 5% in 2023, Jalbert predicts.
“We expect 2023 construction costs to moderate alongside broader inflation, falling closer to the average historical rate,” the report states. JLL is projecting a 5.9% increase in construction deliveries in the U.S. in 2023, and a 5% gain in construction activity.
Labor & Skilled Trades
The cost of construction has historically been lower during recessions, and there's no reason to think that trend won't continue. That's because labor supply typically increases during a recession, meaning contractors will have more workers available and can afford to charge less per hour.
Despite what some may think, 2023 is still a good year to invest in real estate, thanks to advantages like long-term appreciation, steady rental income, and the opportunity to hedge against inflation. Mortgage rates are expected to decline, but the housing market is likely to remain competitive due to low supply.
During tougher economic times, construction decreases in all sectors. This can result in the cost of building materials dipping some to keep inventory moving.
Prediction 2: Lumber demand will drop again 2023
To no surprise, Fastmarkets' view of the housing market largely dictates the demand outlook for lumber and other wood products. Our latest forecast calls for US softwood lumber consumption to fall by 4-5% (2.2 billion board feet (BBF)) to about 48.2 BBF in 2023.
Is the construction industry slowing down 2023?
International construction sector's progress is predicted to remain sluggish this year, expanding just by 0.8%.
This report, which “is intended to help identify future turning points in the business cycle of the home improvement and repair industry,” reported home renovation spending rates of 16.3% at the end of 2022, and predicts that rate to drop down to 2.6% by the end of 2023.
Although home prices are expected to improve in the second half of the year, the California median home price is projected to decrease by 5.6 percent to $776,600 in 2023, down from the median price of $822,300 recorded in 2022.
Since the start of 2022, the Fed has hiked rates 10 times to combat rising inflation. As of May 2023, the federal funds rate ranges from 5.00% to 5.25%. If this prediction is correct, it won't be surprising to see some of the best high-yield savings accounts offering rates exceeding 4%.
“[W]ith the rate of inflation decelerating rates should gently decline over the course of 2023.” Fannie Mae. 30-year fixed rate mortgage will average 6.4% for Q2 2023, according to the May Housing Forecast. National Association of Realtors (NAR).
Most notable is their forecast for Material Cost Index (MCI). In 2022, the MCI showed an 18.6% increase, this index is forecasted at 1.3% for 2023. The overall Building Cost Index is forecasted at 3.8% in 2023.
Stuart Katz, CIO at wealth management firm Robertson Stephens, said the price of lumber could reach its pre-pandemic level by mid-2022.
According to Witzeling, lumber is about 75% back to its normal prices across the board. Beyond lumber, Modern Builders also supplies other home essentials, such as doors and windows, but unlike lumber, items such as doors and windows fluctuate in cost with fuel, shipping, and labor, among others.
We expect the overall cost of home renovations to stabilize during 2023, as the economy slows and inflation moderates. If you are in the design phase for a new home and worried about 2023 construction costs, remember that the market may stabilize this year.
Despite macroeconomic headwinds such as inflation, rising interest rates, and weak consumer sentiment scores, the AIA's Consensus Construction Forecast panel—comprising leading economic forecasters—is projecting nonresidential construction spending to grow 5.8 percent in 2023 but slow to under 1 percent in 2024.
What is the construction outlook for 2024?
In 2024, forecasts predict spending on commercial buildings to decline by 1.4 percent, while industrial projects gain a modest 0.4 percent, with a 3.8 percent increase for institutional facilities.
Housing Market Predictions for 2024
The year 2024 is expected to bring more stability to the housing market after a few years of uncertainty. With mortgage rates declining faster than expected, home prices are likely to remain mostly flat throughout 2024.
Will house prices go down in a recession? While the cost of financing a home typically increases when interest rates are on the rise, home prices themselves may actually decline. “Usually, during a recession or periods of higher interest rates, demand slows and values of homes come down,” says Miller.
In addition, during recessions, people with access to cash are in a better position to take advantage of investment opportunities that can significantly improve their finances long-term.
You might wonder, is buying land a good investment in 2023? The quick answer is YES! Of course, it may not suit all people, but investors who want to diversify their portfolio and make good profits must consider land. Land investment is a crucial real estate investment you want to know about.
- Inflation and Interest Rates.
- Geopolitical Risk.
- Hybrid Work.
- Supply Chain Disruption.
- Energy.
- Labor Shortage Strain.
- The Great Housing Imbalance.
- Regulatory Uncertainty.
In 2022, house flippers generated an average gross profit of over $70,000 per property, according to ATTOM Data Solutions. In 2023, house flipping will remain a profitable real estate investing strategy and some of the best cities to flip houses could suprise you.
They usually fall at an average of 5% each year the economy remains in a recession. Because housing prices may decrease during a recession, some people may find it the perfect time to jump in and buy a home. This is usually done by the homebuyers purchasing with cash and not a large mortgage loan.
Contractors would likely respond to a downturn by trimming their least productive personnel but would strive to keep their most talented team members. A recession would weaken the labor market, rendering workers more concerned by job security. Under those circ*mstances, they could accept lower compensation increases.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Complete customization | More expensive financing |
Less competition | Unexpected costs and delays |
Less ongoing maintenance | Build time |
Newer materials | More effort |
What is the outlook for timber in 2023?
Softwood lumber outlook
FEA forecasts that U.S. lumber consumption was relatively flat year-over-year in 2022 but will decrease by 9% in 2023 as end-use market activity deteriorates in response to the U.S. Federal Reserve raising interest rates.
With factors like tariffs and extreme weather reducing supplies, the ongoing housing shortage in the U.S. keeps demand for lumber and other wood products high. To put it simply, there just aren't enough houses for all the people that want to buy one. That means builders are working overtime to increase house inventory.
Good news for the near future, but the outlook for 2024 is less optimistic, with slowing spending expected across the board except for educational construction. The AIA's Consensus Construction Forecast panel, comprising leading economic forecasters, is projecting commercial construction to slow to under 1% in 2024.
The construction industry in United States is expected to grow steadily over the next four quarters. The growth momentum is expected to continue over the forecast period, recording a CAGR of 5.2% during 2023-2027. The construction output in the country is expected to reach USD 1,735,526.5 million by 2027.
India's construction industry is expected to grow at an annual average of 6.6% between 2019 and 2028. The share of the urban population is expected to be 50% of the total population by 2050. Present levels of urban infrastructure are inadequate to meet the demands of the existing urban population.
The number of consumers "wanting" to do a kitchen or bathroom remodeling has tanked since peaking in 2021, while projects like replacing siding or a roof are seeing steadier search interest. High inflation has also taken a toll on DIY spending.
According to HomeAdvisor.com, you should follow the 5 to 15 percent rule, which means your kitchen remodel should cost no less than 5 percent of your home's value and no more than 15 percent.
Overall home renovation spend
According to a 2022 Houzz study, the median national spend on home renovation projects in 2021 was $18,000, with the 90th percentile spend being $100,000.
If you need to be occupying your home by a certain date to save on rent, it's a much better deal to close at the end of the previous month (for example, January 30) instead of the beginning of the current month (February 1).
Average home price in the United States: $436,800
The median home sales price is $436,800 as of the first quarter of 2023. That's a 32% increase from 2020, when the median was $329,000.
What to expect next from the housing market?
Mortgage Bankers Association: The trade group's latest forecast has U.S. home prices, as measured by the FHFA US House Price Index, falling 0.6% in 2023 and another 1.4% dip in 2024. It then expects national home prices to rise 2.1% in 2025. (Forecast updated on April 17, 2023).
Economists have long expected the Fed would likely stop raising interest rates at some point in 2023, but “where” rates peak — a level known as the “terminal” rate — is actually more important than “when.”
Both estimates are largely in line with fresh projections from officials in March. The Fed penciled in a 5-5.25 percent peak interest rate for 2023, after which officials see rates falling to 4.25-4.5 percent by the end of 2024.
ING predicts rates to range from 5% in the second quarter of 2023, rising to 5.5% in the third quarter, and then falling back to 5% in the final quarter of the year. They also predict interest rates ranging between 3% and 4.25% in 2024, staying at 3% by the end of 2025.
“We expect that 30-year mortgage rates will end 2023 at 5.2%,” the organization noted in its forecast commentary. It since has walked back its forecast slightly but still sees rates dipping below 6%, to 5.6%, by the end of the year.
"Returning to mortgage rates of 3% or 4% is not going to happen, in my view," says Yun, who points out that historically rates have been higher. The low rates of 2020 and 2021 were "unique" and those that got them were "lucky," he says.
The ideal time to lock your mortgage rate is when interest rates are at their lowest, but this is hard to predict — even for the experts. It's worth noting that interest rates could decrease during your lock period. Should this happen, you'll most likely have to pay the rate you initially locked in.
During a recession, demand drops, and prices can too. Home renovations will typically be more affordable during a recession.
The cheapest time to build a house is often in the fall and winter months. Due to lower demand for products and services, construction costs and building materials are quite low at this time of year. Beginning construction in the fall or winter, when lumber prices are lower, can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Fall is the prime building season for homes. There are a few aspects of fall weather that create perfect construction conditions: Soft soil: Fall weather — and soil during this season — is cool and dry. These soil conditions are excellent for homebuilding because the ground is much easier to excavate.
What months are best to build a house?
If you're into feng shui, lucky months to build a house in 2023 reportedly include August, September, and October.
References
- https://brittontime.com/2022/09/02/8-inheritance-tax-loopholes-for-2022-23/
- https://www.ntu.org/foundation/tax-page/who-pays-income-taxes
- https://www.taxesforexpats.com/expat-tax-advice/Residents-Non-Resident-Citizens-and-Non-Citizens.html
- https://help.wealthsimple.com/hc/en-ca/articles/4418893583515-Using-USD-accounts
- https://www.rockethomes.com/blog/housing-market/lumber-prices
- https://www.wealthsimple.com/en-ca/learn/how-to-invest/100
- https://www.moneysense.ca/save/investing/wealthsimple-trade-review/
- https://www.kanakkupillai.com/learn/top-10-highest-taxpayers-in-india-2023/
- https://smartasset.com/estate-planning/how-to-avoid-estate-taxes-with-trusts
- https://www.integritytimberframe.com/building-2023/
- https://www.urban.org/policy-centers/cross-center-initiatives/state-and-local-finance-initiative/state-and-local-backgrounders/estate-and-inheritance-taxes
- https://www.gobankingrates.com/loans/mortgage/mortgage-interest-rate-forecast/
- https://fiscaldata.treasury.gov/americas-finance-guide/
- https://www.bankrate.com/banking/federal-reserve/when-will-the-fed-stop-raising-rates/
- https://fiscaldata.treasury.gov/americas-finance-guide/federal-spending/
- https://heritageinvestment.com/gifting-vs-inheritance/
- https://usafacts.org/articles/which-states-rely-the-most-on-federal-aid/
- https://hbr.org/2022/11/how-to-manage-your-money-during-a-recession
- https://newsilver.com/the-lender/best-cities-to-flip-houses/
- https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/oregon-estate-tax.html
- https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/010815/how-are-trust-fund-earnings-taxed.asp
- https://nomadcapitalist.com/finance/how-to-avoid-estate-taxes/
- https://www.taxpolicycenter.org/briefing-book/how-do-us-taxes-compare-internationally
- https://www.wealthsimple.com/en-ca/legal/fees/trade
- https://www.specialneedsalliance.org/the-voice/a-short-primer-on-trusts-and-trust-taxation/
- https://www.investopedia.com/wealthsimple-trade-review-6503907
- https://www.kiplinger.com/taxes/states-with-no-inheritance-estate-tax
- https://fortune.com/2023/05/10/housing-market-home-price-predictions/
- https://www.lawinfo.com/resources/trusts/how-do-the-rich-avoid-taxes-with-trusts.html
- https://www.marondahomes.com/blog/when-will-the-price-of-lumber-return-to-normal/
- https://noelmoffatt.com/wealthsimple-trade-fees
- https://www.builderpeople.com/blog/the-best-season-to-begin-your-homes-construction
- https://singhlawfirm.com/holding-real-estate-in-california-benefits-of-a-llc-and-a-trust/
- https://finance.yahoo.com/news/states-no-estate-inheritance-taxes-190023422.html
- https://www.fiduciarytrust.com/article-pages/trust-estate--tax-planning/dont-set-it-and-forget-it-how-to-minimize-taxes-with-your-trusts
- https://smartasset.com/taxes/do-irrevocable-trusts-pay-capital-gains-tax
- https://www.baystreetcapitalholdings.com/what-to-do-with-a-large-inheritance-working-with-a-financial-advisor/
- https://www.wealthsimple.com/
- https://www.dhclaw.com/library/when-are-beneficiaries-in-florida-liable-for-inheritance-tax.cfm
- https://ascent.usbank.com/private-capital-management/ascent-resources-and-insights/personal-legacy-planning/best-states-for-situs-of-trust.html
- https://www.sunnybranchwealth.com/blog/inheriting-money-from-trust
- https://www.debt.org/tax/inheriting-tax-debt/
- https://smartasset.com/taxes/401k-inheritance-tax
- https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/fun-facts/states-with-the-highest-and-lowest-taxes/L6HPAVqSF
- https://apollocover.com/magazine/best-time-to-build-a-house/
- https://canadiancouchpotato.com/2010/10/19/reducing-the-cost-of-currency-exchange/
- https://www.feinmann.com/insider-tips/will-construction-costs-go-down/
- https://finance.yahoo.com/news/20-countries-lowest-income-tax-121239460.html
- https://www.suretybondprofessionals.com/will-construction-costs-go-down-in-2023/
- https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/buying-home-during-recession/
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/banking/savings/savings-rates-forecast/
- https://www.fool.ca/investing/alternatives-to-robinhood-in-canada/
- https://www.noradarealestate.com/blog/projected-interest-rates-in-5-years/
- https://www.rocketmortgage.com/learn/building-a-house-vs-buying
- https://www.chase.com/personal/mortgage/education/financing-a-home/when-to-lock-mortgage-rates
- https://www.fool.com/the-ascent/research/average-house-price-state/
- https://www.wealthprofessional.ca/investments/alternative-investments/wealthsimple-and-shakepay-hit-with-multi-million-dollar-lawsuit/370426
- https://smartasset.com/estate-planning/what-are-the-disadvantages-of-a-trust
- https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/home-improvement/renovations/kitchen-remodel-cost
- https://todayshomeowner.com/home-finances/guides/high-property-taxes-ranking-each-state-2022/
- https://finance.yahoo.com/news/home-remodeling-is-slowing-down-but-historic-boom-is-coming-131628073.html
- https://www.wealthsimple.com/en-ca/managed-investing
- https://www.businessinsider.com/estate-tax-homes-real-estate-wealthy-trusts-2023-5
- https://hoa.org.uk/advice/guides-for-homeowners/for-owners/keep-top-inheritance-tax/
- https://www.thebalancemoney.com/states-with-highest-estate-inheritance-taxes-4150633
- https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/estates/4-ways-to-protect-your-inheritance-from-taxes/L653s0Kyn
- https://cleartax.in/s/highest-tax-payer-in-india
- https://www.wsaw.com/2023/01/07/lumber-prices-drop-pre-pandemic-level-local-businesses-uncertain-about-new-year-outlook/
- https://www.wealthsimple.com/en-ca/pricing
- https://help.wealthsimple.com/hc/en-ca/articles/360058451453-Withdraw-funds-from-your-account
- https://desktrack.timentask.com/blog/average-salary-in-japan/
- https://www.itt-show.jp/tokyo/en-gb/press/latest-news/travel-taxes-in-japan.html
- https://www.ml.com/articles/what-to-do-after-receiving-inheritance.html
- https://www.poplarhomes.com/real-estate-investment/real-estate-investment-a-wise-choice-for-2023/
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/mortgages/mortgage-interest-rates-forecast/
- https://www.sambrotman.com/blog/taxes-on-a-trust-fund
- https://californialivingtrusts.com/resources/articles/net-worth-living-trust/
- https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/general/where-tax-dollars-are-spent/L0CBBjj5M
- https://www.calculator.net/estate-tax-calculator.html
- https://www.crfb.org/blogs/us-highest-taxed-nation-world
- https://smartasset.com/taxes/5-ways-the-rich-can-avoid-the-estate-tax
- https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/frequently-asked-questions-about-international-individual-tax-matters
- https://www.propertysolvers.co.uk/articles/how-much-money-can-be-legally-given-to-a-family-member-as-a-gift/
- https://socalhomebuyers.com/selling-inherited-house-in-california/
- https://help.wealthsimple.com/hc/en-ca/articles/4414660979355-Upgrade-to-USD-accounts
- https://www.noradarealestate.com/blog/california-housing-market/
- https://www.worldconstructiontoday.com/news/construction-industry-to-experience-slow-growth-in-2023/
- https://www.noradarealestate.com/blog/housing-market-forecast-for-next-5-years/
- https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/expert-insights/whole-ball-of-tax-historical-income-tax-rates
- https://smartasset.com/taxes/trust-tax-rates
- https://www.rocketmortgage.com/learn/best-time-of-month-to-close-on-a-house
- https://nomadcapitalist.com/finance/countries-with-the-highest-tax-rates/
- https://www.wealthspire.com/blog/how-are-trusts-taxed/
- https://www.emiratessetup.ae/business-setup-dubai/taxes-dubai-abu-dhabi
- https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/monopolies-and-trusts
- https://gurianco.com/do-beneficiaries-of-a-trust-pay-taxes/
- https://uphomes.com/blog/housing-prices-during-a-recession/
- https://www.3rsconstruction.com/home-remodeling/remodel-during-recession/
- https://help.wealthsimple.com/hc/en-ca/articles/4415548242971-Convert-funds-to-USD-or-CAD-within-a-trading-account
- https://rejournals.com/steady-construction-predicted-for-2023-but-2024-might-be-a-different-story/
- https://www.investopedia.com/tax-form-1041-estates-and-trusts-5211109
- https://money.ca/investing/reviews/wealthsimple-black-review
- https://www.stk-homes.com/is-it-a-good-time-to-build-a-house-in-2023/
- https://keystone-law.com/trust-fund-distributions-when-trustee-not-paying-beneficiaries/
- https://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0411/5-groups-that-dont-pay-taxes.aspx
- https://manhattanconstructiongroup.com/manhattan-construction-company/anticipated-construction-cost-and-supply-chain-trends-in-2023/
- https://trustandwill.com/learn/capital-gains-tax
- https://www.jacksonhewitt.com/tax-help/tax-tips-topics/filing-your-taxes/what-is-a-gift-tax-gift-tax-limit-2023/
- https://constructionexec.com/article/what-a-recession-would-look-like-for-construction-contractors
- https://trustandwill.com/learn/how-to-transfer-bank-accounts-into-a-trust
- https://www.dhtrustlaw.com/is-inheritance-taxable-in-california/
- https://smartasset.com/taxes/lowest-property-tax-states
- https://www.farmcrediteast.com/en/resources/todays-harvest-Blog/230228ForestProductsOutlook2023
- https://homebuyer.com/learn/is-now-a-good-time-to-buy-a-house
- https://www.bdcnetwork.com/jlls-2023-construction-outlook-foresees-growth-tempered-cost-increases
- https://www.aia.org/press-releases/6585318-nonresidential-construction-spending-expec
- https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/home/drop-in-home-renovation-spending/
- https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/invest/setting_up/section3/page7.html
- https://www.wealthsimple.com/en-ca/self-directed-investing
- https://www.stockbrokers.com/review/wealthsimple
- https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/cost-to-renovate-a-house
- https://www.investopedia.com/articles/retirement/07/reduce-estate-tax.asp
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/united-states-construction-industry-databook-report-2023-market-is-expected-to-grow-by-6-1-to-reach-1-419-192-million-in-2023---forecast-to-2027--301748275.html
- https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/092515/i-just-inherited-money-now-what.asp
- https://www.oecd.org/ctp/tax-policy/taxing-wages-japan.pdf
- https://www.fastmarkets.com/insights/softwood-lumber-housing-market-outlook-2023
- https://www.wealthsimple.com/en-ca/spend
- https://www.empower.com/the-currency/life/taxes-on-inheritance-how-to-avoid
- https://www.precisiontax.com/understanding-irs-seizures-which-assets-can-be-seized
- https://www.constructionspecifier.com/construction-spending-expected-to-significantly-slow-down-in-2024-aia-report/
- https://www.tracecost.com/post/future-of-construction-in-india
- https://www.justia.com/probate/probate-administration/beneficiary-taxes/
- https://www.wealthsimple.com/en-ca/legal/cardholder-agreement-mc
- https://www.fool.com/research/estate-inheritance-taxes/
- https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/japan/individual/taxes-on-personal-income
- https://noelmoffatt.com/is-wealthsimple-safe
- https://themortgagereports.com/87974/buy-or-build-a-house-which-is-cheaper
- https://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/inheritancetax.asp
- https://thebolinggroup.com/top-10-issues-affecting-the-real-estate-market-in-2022-2023/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taxation_in_the_United_Arab_Emirates
- https://community.hmrc.gov.uk/customerforums/sa/d3952223-e490-ed11-97b0-00155d9c7b3d
- https://taxfoundation.org/data/all/federal/summary-latest-federal-income-tax-data-2023-update/
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/taxes/states-with-no-income-tax
- https://www.bankrate.com/banking/federal-reserve/economic-indicator-survey-interest-rates-april-2023/
- https://www.wealthsimple.com/en-ca/learn/wealthsimple-vs-tangerine
- https://www.legacyprotectionlawyers.com/three-reasons-many-trusts-fail/
- https://www.cnbc.com/2023/03/07/why-homebuyers-shouldnt-wait-until-2024-for-cheaper-home-costs.html
- https://www.barrylawgroup.com/blog/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-a-trust-in-california/
- https://www.moneymax.ph/asset-management/articles/best-month-build-house
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/taxes/inheritance-tax
- https://fortune.com/2023/02/08/lumber-prices-housing-market-fastmarkets-5-wood-predictions-2023/
- https://www.usbank.com/wealth-management/financial-perspectives/trust-and-estate-planning/estate-taxes.html
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/estate-planning/putting-house-in-trust
- https://taxfoundation.org/research/all/federal/estate-and-inheritance-taxes-around-world/
- https://help.wealthsimple.com/hc/en-ca/articles/4404721755287-Who-can-open-a-Wealthsimple-account
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-buying-land-good-investment-2023-vijay-rana
- https://ameriestate.com/estate-planning/what-expenses-can-be-paid-from-an-irrevocable-trust/
- https://www.hrblock.com/tax-center/income/other-income/is-your-inheritance-considered-taxable-income/
- https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/estates/what-are-inheritance-taxes/L93IUc3sC