4 Home Types That Make Selling A Challenge, According To Experts
Think back to the last time money felt tight - maybe you noticed stocks dipping on the news, friends worrying about job security, or just felt uneasy every time you looked at your budget. That sense of unease is back.
Across the globe, markets are sliding again, and talk of a recession isn’t just whisper-level chatter - it’s becoming the headline. If history is any guide, that spells trouble for homebuyers and sellers alike. When the last downturn hit, housing took a real beating, and this time, specific properties could be stuck on the market even longer.
“The start of 2025 saw a slowdown in residential home sales, driven largely by high interest rates, a volatile market, soaring home prices and a new political regime,” says Zachary Gotlib, a licensed real estate attorney at Gotlib Law Offices. “We’ve seen a pick-up in deals recently, and spring should help that trend continue. But let’s be honest - it’s still a seller’s market.”
Gotlib and other housing experts identified the four types of properties likely to be the hardest to sell in 2025. Whether you’re planning to list your home or hunting for a deal, knowing which segments might stall can guide your next move.
McMansions
If you live in a sprawling, boxy house with cookie-cutter charm, prepare for a long wait. “Oversized homes with dated finishes and choppy layouts have been sitting for months,” reports Donovan Reynolds, a Redfin agent in Georgia.
“Back in the early 2000s, builders pushed out these gigantic floor plans, but now buyers are more interested in energy efficiency, walkable neighborhoods and modern touches.”In today’s market, people don't want a 6,000-square-foot home with avocado-green carpet and popcorn ceilings.
UnsplashNew-Build Suburban Tracts
Remember the frenzy of 2020 and 2021, when rates were rock-bottom and everyone wanted more space? Homebuilders raced to keep up - now, they’re stuck with inventory.
“When interest rates jumped, demand for new homes plummeted,” Gotlib explains. “Builders rolled out plans to meet the initial surge, but now those houses aren’t moving. To shift them, developers are slashing prices and dangling sweeteners like free upgrades or closing-cost help.”If you’ve been eyeing one of those shiny new subdivisions, you might have more room to bargain than you realized.
Fee-Heavy Condos
Condos can be appealing because they offer low maintenance, community pools, and sometimes even gyms. However, steep HOA dues and surprise assessments are turning buyers cold.
“People don’t want a monthly bill for their HOA that’s almost as much as their mortgage,” Reynolds says. “Between rising insurance premiums and upkeep fees, buyers are nervous. If a condo comes with a hefty assessment or sky-high dues, it’s probably going to sit.”
UnsplashLuxury Homes Without ‘Wow’
High-end buyers still have money to spend, but their standards have changed. “Luxury buyers want something special - spectacular views, unique design, or a lifestyle perk.”
Reynolds notes. “If your multimillion-dollar listing could be mistaken for the house next door, it’s not enough anymore. Unless these homes are priced well below replacement cost or have a killer marketing hook, they’re going to linger.”So if you’re selling that generic mansion on the corner, now might be the time to highlight what sets it apart - sauna, secret wine cellar, or the fact that a celebrity once stayed there.
The market still favors sellers, there aren’t enough homes, and buyers are waiting. But it’s no longer guaranteed that you’ll get top dollar on every property.
Stay up on local trends, highlight what makes your home stand out, and be ready to compromise in negotiations. Even in a shaky economy, the right home will always find its buyer.
