Why December 2025 is the Best Time to Buy a New Home in Vancouver & Portland

While the Portland and Vancouver resale markets remain competitive, the "New Construction" sector is currently offering a rare advantage. Local builders are aggressive with   year-end goals, providing a unique window for PNW buyers to secure lower monthly payments than the current market averages.

Is now a good time to buy a new home in Vancouver, WA or Portland, OR?

Yes. Currently, nearly 27% of available homes in the Portland-Vancouver metro are new construction. However, we are seeing a shift: while there is plenty of move-in-ready inventory in Clark County and the surrounding Portland suburbs right now, local builders have slowed "housing starts" to align with 2026 projections.

The PNW Inventory Outlook

• Move-In Ready Selection: High availability in growing hubs like Camas, Ridgefield, and Hillsboro.

• The "Pullback": Zonda data indicates builders are breaking ground on fewer homes, meaning the surplus of options we see today in the PNW may tighten by Spring 2026.

• Timing the Market: Buying before the rainy season ends often results in less competition and more "motivation" from builders to close their books for the year.

 What builder incentives are available in the Portland-Vancouver area?

Builders across Clark and Multnomah Counties are currently offering aggressive incentives to move their remaining 2025 inventory. Nationally, 41% of builders have cut prices, but locally, we are seeing a heavy focus on Mortgage Rate Buydowns.

Current perks being seen in our local market:

• Rate Buydowns: Securing fixed rates as low as 4.75% to 5.25%—often significantly lower than what you’ll find for a "used" home.

• Closing Cost Assistance: Credits of $10,000+ to help cover your upfront costs.

• Premium Upgrades: High-end PNW staples like quartz counters, AC installation, and fenced yards included at no extra cost.

• Flex Cash: Large sums of builder credit that you can choose to apply toward the price, the rate, or the upgrades.

Why you need a Top 20% Local Expert for New Construction  

The sales representative at a new community works exclusively for the builder. In a complex market like Vancouver and Portland, you need an advocate who ranks in the top tier of the industry to ensure you aren't leaving money on the table.

As a Top 20% specialist in the PNW, I understand which local builders are most likely to negotiate and which communities offer the best long-term resale value. I help you navigate:

1. Site Selection: Choosing the lot that won't be impacted by future local development.

2. Inspection Advocacy: Ensuring your new build meets the highest standards before you move in.

3. Incentive Negotiation: Pushing for the maximum "Flex Cash" available.

Bottom Line: Your PDX/Vancouver Opportunity

With high inventory and record-high builder incentives, December 2025 is a strategic moment for buyers in Washington and Oregon. If you want a brand-new home with a monthly payment that actually fits your budget, the time to act is now.

Want to see a list of the top-rated new communities in Vancouver or Portland with active incentives?

Contact My Team:

360.609.0226

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