Migration Trends Are Ramping Up Again—Here’s Where Movers Are Going

BiggerPockets Blog
Published: December 10, 2025
Pricing & Profitability

Summary

Increased migration trends are creating new opportunities for real estate investors, particularly in the Sunbelt and Midwest. Hosts should consider adjusting their investment strategies by focusing on long-term stability and negotiating seller concessions, as the market shifts from rapid price growth to more buyer-friendly conditions.

Key Insights

  • The U.S. real estate market is seeing a surge in moves, especially in the Sunbelt. Metros with high turnover are in Texas and other Southern cities, indicating shifting dynamics in housing demand.
  • Existing-home sales increased 1.2% in October, with month-over-month sales up specifically in the Midwest and South. The South saw a 2.8% year-over-year sales increase, with median price up 0.3% from the same time last year.
  • The market is shifting toward more buyer power, with an estimated 500,000 more home sellers than buyers in mid-November, potentially leading to discounts for buyers.

Action Items

  • Focus on long-term stability rather than short-term price swings.
    Effort: low
    Impact: medium
  • Underwrite based on flat or modest price growth instead of optimistic appreciation.
    Effort: low
    Impact: medium
  • Negotiate seller credits or other concessions to improve cash flow or financing.
    Effort: medium
    Impact: medium

Common Mistakes

  • Avoid thin-margin flips or BRRRRs, which are high-risk strategies in the current market.
  • Many would-be homebuyers and sellers are paralyzed by high prices and economic uncertainty.

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