Do random timers on houses only open up for a short period of time?

[JBee]

Once it's open for purchase, that's it.

Yup - once it's available, it's available until purchased. The only way it would revert to unavailable again is if someone moved in and then out, thus resetting the timer.

With the housing shortage on a lot of servers, I've seen a few specific plots have come available a few times. One in the southern area of Mist's subdivision, far away from the bell and board, is one of the main culprits. People have bought the less attractive ones to then slide into a more attractive one as those open up, because relocation allows you to bypass the timer.

So if you are one of the ones trying for a house right now, if you have the gil to spare - any house will do, since you can slide into a better location without having to placard camp again.