A recent report from Zillow highlights a shift we’re starting to see here in Champaign-Urbana as well: not every seller is turning around and buying another home right away.

The Big Picture

• 57% of sellers in 2025 bought another home after selling
• 43% did not purchase a new home right away

That’s a meaningful change from what used to be the norm.

What Sellers Are Doing Instead

Among sellers who didn’t buy again:

• 45% moved into a home they already owned
• 20% chose to rent long-term
• 10% moved into an inherited home
• 8% moved in with a partner

More flexibility, less urgency.

What’s Driving the Shift

• 78% of sellers say a life event is the main reason they moved
  (job changes, retirement, growing families, etc.)

This lines up with what we’re seeing locally—moves are often tied to life transitions, not just interest rates or timing the market.

How This Compares to Recent Years

• 2022: 71% of sellers also bought
• 2024: 54%
• 2025: 57%

Still well below where things were just a few years ago.

What This Means in Champaign-Urbana

While our local market, whether it’s Champaign, Urbana, Mahomet, or surrounding areas, varies quite a bit from national trends we are seeing some of these same effects.

• More sellers aren’t in a rush to buy again
  Some are moving into existing homes, relocating for work (especially tied to the University of Illinois and local healthcare employers), or renting short-term.
• Less pressure on “buy and sell at the same time”
  We’re seeing more clients choose to sell first, remove their mortgage commitment, then take their time finding the right next step. 
• Inventory doesn’t always recycle immediately
  When sellers don’t become buyers, it can slightly reduce immediate demand on the buy side.

Bottom line:
Selling a home today doesn’t automatically mean buying another one right away—and that opens up more flexible, strategic options depending on your situation.

Seller FAQs: Champaign-Urbana Real Estate

Should I sell my home before buying in Champaign-Urbana?
In today’s market, many sellers are choosing to sell first. This can reduce financial pressure and give you more flexibility, especially if you’re unsure about your next move or want time to evaluate options.

Where do sellers go if they don’t buy right away?
Locally, we’re seeing sellers move into second homes, rent short-term, or relocate for work.  Most homeowners in CU don’t have a 2nd home locally.

Are fewer sellers becoming buyers right now?
Yes. Recent data shows a noticeable portion of sellers are not immediately re-entering the market, which is a shift from previous years.

Does this affect home prices in Champaign-Urbana?
It can but we have not seen that impact local prices. When fewer sellers become buyers, it may slightly reduce demand, but local pricing is still heavily influenced by inventory levels, interest rates, and neighborhood-specific trends.