A newly identified signal in housing markets shows that in-between moves — relocations to temporary or interim housing — increase significantly before a neighborhood experiences decline. This phenomenon is observed in areas with rising foreclosure rates, rental vacancies, and other signs of housing instability. The signal has a lead time of 2-3 quarters, providing an early warning for investors, researchers, and policymakers.
In-between moves are a harbinger of neighborhood decline, with a notable increase in temporary relocations occurring before the onset of housing instability. This signal is characterized by a surge in short-term rental agreements, extended-stay hotel bookings, and other forms of interim housing arrangements.
The data suggests that in-between moves are not just a consequence of neighborhood decline, but rather a preceding indicator, allowing for proactive measures to be taken to mitigate the effects of instability. By monitoring in-between moves, stakeholders can gain valuable insights into the trajectory of a neighborhood's housing market.
Interpreting in-between moves as a signal of neighborhood decline requires careful consideration of regional variations and demographic factors, as these can influence migration patterns and housing market trends.
In-between moves are often a response to financial stress, job loss, or other disruptions that force individuals to re-evaluate their housing situation. As a result, these moves can serve as an early indicator of broader housing market instability.
Traditional indicators of housing instability, such as foreclosure filings and eviction judgments, often lag behind the in-between moves signal. By monitoring in-between moves, stakeholders can gain a more proactive understanding of housing market trends and make more informed decisions.
In-between moves can be influenced by regional variations in demographics, economic conditions, and housing market trends. For example, areas with high rates of job growth may experience an increase in in-between moves due to an influx of new residents. Conversely, areas with declining industries may see an increase in in-between moves due to workforce reductions.
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See COMPASS Professional Access See all COMPASS Insights →An in-between move refers to a temporary or interim relocation, often in response to financial stress, job loss, or other disruptions that force individuals to re-evaluate their housing situation. These moves can be characterized by short-term rental agreements, extended-stay hotel bookings, or other forms of interim housing arrangements.
In-between moves are a preceding indicator of neighborhood decline, with a notable increase in temporary relocations occurring before the onset of housing instability. This signal has a lead time of 2-3 quarters, providing an early warning for stakeholders to take proactive measures.
In-between moves can serve as an early warning sign for investors and policymakers, allowing them to make more informed decisions about resource allocation and intervention strategies. By monitoring in-between moves, stakeholders can gain valuable insights into the trajectory of a neighborhood's housing market and take proactive measures to mitigate the effects of instability.
Subscribe to COMPASS's professional intelligence platform to access in-depth analysis and real-time data on in-between moves and other housing market signals. Our platform provides practical findings and expert analysis to support informed decision-making in the housing market.