Should You Pause Homebuying or Selling Because of the War?

By Chris Doherty

Christian Doherty lists and sells more homes than any other agent in the Greater Lowell, Massachusetts market with over 300 homes sold in the past 12 months. Chris is ranked in the top 1% of all agents in the United States.

What does war in the Middle East mean for your real estate plans in Massachusetts and New Hampshire? I had a recent talk with a buyer who said they felt nervous about how the conflict in Iran would impact the global economy and housing market.

It’s a real concern. When global conflict makes headlines, it naturally creates fear and hesitation for people who are thinking about buying or selling. To understand what this could mean for you, there are two important things we need to look at first.

1. Oil prices. When there’s conflict in the Middle East, oil prices often climb. That tends to show up quickly in everyday life, especially at the gas station. Higher oil prices also make it more expensive to transport goods across the country. As the cost of moving products increases, businesses typically pass those added expenses on to consumers.
2. Inflation. As those higher transportation and production costs get passed along, prices across the economy begin to rise. That’s where inflation becomes part of the conversation. When everyday goods and services become more expensive, it can start to influence household budgets and overall financial decision-making.

Impact on interest rates. When inflation starts to move higher, interest rates often get impacted. Central banks don’t want inflation running out of control, so upward pressure on rates can follow. There have been situations where rates trended lower and then shifted back up quickly as global concerns resurfaced. For buyers and sellers, this can directly influence affordability and timing.

Uncertainty and the safe-haven effect. Conflict creates uncertainty. When investors feel the world is unstable, they often move money into safer options like Treasury bonds. That can push interest rates down, showing that global events don’t always produce a single outcome in the housing market.

Advice for buyers and sellers. The key is how you respond. Uncertainty often causes hesitation, but it can also create opportunity. When others are fearful or indecisive, you can use that hesitation to your advantage. In Massachusetts and New Hampshire, inventory is still very low, multi-bid situations are common, and it remains challenging for buyers to secure the right property. Paying attention to indicators like oil prices and the ten-year Treasury can give you useful guidance on market trends and help you make smarter decisions.

Real estate is still local. Staying informed can help, and it’s important not to let global noise sideline real estate goals. If you want to understand how these shifts may impact your specific situation or the Massachusetts and New Hampshire market, let’s continue the conversation.

Don’t hesitate to call 978-746-0124 or email chris@dohertyproperties.com. I’m happy to answer your questions.