The numbers tell a story many Buyers, Sellers, and Investors miss. And it’s costing them all money.
Every December, I watch the same pattern repeat itself. The Real Estate market slows down. Most buyers disappear. Sellers get anxious. And investors who misunderstand what’s really happening to seize the opportunities available. December typically marks a seasonal slowdown in real estate not a collapse, but a temporary lull where seasonal patterns create strategic advantage. Whether you’re a buyer, seller, or investor, the “quiet season” is actually a window of opportunity in both residential and commercial markets for the smart buyer, seller, and investor.
Let me share what the data actually shows about December real estate deals, and why this might be the most important article you read this year.
- December 2024 was one of the slowest months in years, with homes spending about 70 days on market — the longest since 2019. That reflects a classic holiday slowdown plus high mortgage rates in the high-6% range. Realtor
- Active inventory grew more than 20% year-over-year, indicating plenty of choice for buyers even as sellers pulled back. Media | Move, Inc.
- Median asking prices were slightly down from last December, but prices per square foot continued to rise, signaling underlying value shifts toward smaller and more affordable homes. Media | Move, Inc.
- Early data from 2025–2026 suggests reduced new listings and slower pending sales compared with a year ago, as many would-be sellers hold off during the holidays.
The December Paradox: Less Activity, More Opportunity
Here’s the reality that surprises most people: December consistently shows 40-50% fewer active buyers compared to spring months. Your first thought? “That sounds terrible for buying.” But here’s what serious investors know: fewer buyers means serious sellers and vice versa. In fact, one silver lining is here in the Central Florida region (Orlando-Kissimme-Sandford) the December 2024 Median listing price for single family homes was up 32% over the pre-covid period of 2019. Representing significant rising equity for those who brought pre-covid in the same time period.
Think about it, who lists their home or Business in December? Not the casual seller testing the waters. Not the person who “might sell if the price is right.” December sellers are motivated. For residential they’re relocating for a January job start. They’re managing estate timelines. For Businesses, the opportunity is selling before year end. They need to close, and they know their buyer pool is smaller. Commercial real estate doesn’t follow exactly the same seasonal rhythm as residential — transactions and leasing cycles vary by asset type but December still reflects a broader market tone.
What We’re Seeing in Late-2025
- Across U.S. commercial markets, investor confidence and transaction volumes were growing through 2025, especially in sectors like industrial and retail. JPMorgan
- Office markets remain uneven, with cities like Seattle experiencing rising vacancy and downward pressure on rents — conditions that can create bargains for long-term repositioning or redevelopment plays. Axios
- Holiday retail performance is still meaningful for triple-net (NNN) investors: retail tenants with strong holiday sales can mean higher occupancy and stable returns, even as broader CRE activity dips slightly. Brisky Net Lease
- Overall, commercial fundamentals showed signs of stabilization in 2025, with some asset classes outperforming others. msci.com
Translation? Negotiating power shifts dramatically in your favor.
The Data That Changes Everything
Let me give you some numbers that might surprise you. Analysis of year-end transactions over the past five years reveals:
Opportunities for Buyers and Sellers in Seasonal Slowdown
Price Negotiations: Residential December buyers typically negotiate 5-8% below asking price, compared to just 2-3% during peak spring months. For Buyers on a $500,000 property, that’s an extra $25,000- $40,000 in your pocket.
Days on Market: Properties listed in December spend an average of 15-20 days longer on the market before selling. Longer days on market equal more nervous sellers and better deals for prepared buyers. Sellers should price accordingly with the market.
Closing Incentives: Nearly 60% of December transactions include seller concessions—covering closing costs, including appliances, or offering repair credits. These aren’t common courtesies; they’re competitive necessities when buyers are scarce.
Less Competition: You’re competing against 2-3 other offers instead of 10-15. Your offer gets real attention. Your contingencies get accepted. Your timeline gets respected.
Opportunities for Commercial Investors in Seasonal Slowdown
Selective buying: December listings often include properties that didn’t transact earlier giving investors negotiation leverage, especially where lenders are motivated to move assets.
Lease-up timing: Many businesses finalize 4Q lease decisions in December, meaning January starts can coincide with fresh tenant activity or rollback incentives.
Sector differentiation: Industrial and logistic assets remain resilient as e-commerce demand persists, while struggling office properties may be ripe for conversion, repositioning, or value-add strategies.
The Tax Advantage Nobody’s Talking About
Here’s where it gets really interesting for investors. Close before December 31st, and you can claim deductions for the entire tax year. Property taxes, mortgage interest, and certain closing costs become immediate write-offs. Please ensure you consult with your CPA, or other tax Professional for advice.
But there’s more. For investment properties, you can begin depreciation immediately, giving you a full year of tax benefits even if you only owned the property for one month of that year. That’s not just smart, that’s strategic wealth building.
I’ve been in real estate long enough to recognize patterns. The smart investors building serious wealth aren’t following the crowd. They’re not waiting for spring when everyone wakes up with their New Year’s resolutions. In fact I tell my customers/clients you do not need a New Year’s resolution but a new revelation in doing business. They’re moving now, when the opportunities are real and the competition is sleeping.
Why Smart Money Moves in December
December deals often come with motivated sellers who will:
- Pay closing costs
- Leave furniture and appliances
- Accept creative financing terms
- Close on YOUR timeline
- Actually negotiate in good faith
- NNN leasing incentives
- Delaying lease payments during build-out
- Negotiate favorable terms and conditions
These aren’t theoretical benefits. These are real advantages that show up in your bank account and equity position.
The Window Is Closing (Literally)
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: you have about 15 days to act. Not to close just to act. Get pre-approved. Start looking. Make offers. The deals exist right now, but lenders slow down around December 20th, and sellers start pulling listings after Christmas. January will bring a flood of buyers with fresh enthusiasm and New Year determination. They’ll compete for the same properties, drive up prices, and eliminate your negotiating leverage. The data shows this happens every single year without exception. The key is move now and save $$$$.
Your Move
So here’s my question for you: Are you going to be the investor who acts on what the data shows, or the one who looks back in February wishing they had moved in December? The buyer who waited and lost a fantastic deal. The Seller who could have sold their property without all the competition. The reality is the market doesn’t care about your comfort zone. It rewards action and punishes hesitation. The data is clear. The opportunity is real. The window is now. Contact us at www.DeloatchEnterprises.com or darrellandredeloatchenterprises.com so we can make your Holiday Season a great and profitable season to acquire that new Home or Business.
What’s your December real estate strategy? Drop a comment below I’d love to hear what opportunities you’re seeing in your market right now.
P.S. – If you found this analysis valuable, repost it to help other investors who might be missing this opportunity. Sometimes the best deals happen when everyone else is distracted.
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