Austin, TX, February 6, 2026
Austin’s housing market has seen a marked slowdown in recent months, with homes taking significantly longer to sell. In December 2025, typical home sales took 106 days on the market, the slowest December since 2012. Contributing factors include unsustainable price growth, affordability challenges, and shifts in work models. While the current market shows signs of stabilization with a slight increase in home sales, experts predict a potential recovery in the multifamily sector by 2026, offering a cautious optimism for buyers and sellers alike.
Austin, TX—Once Among the Nation’s Hottest Housing Markets—Is Now the Slowest
Austin’s housing market has experienced a significant slowdown, with homes now taking longer to sell compared to previous years. In December 2025, the typical home under contract in Austin spent 106 days on the market, up from 91 days in December 2024. This marks the slowest December in records dating back to 2012. Nationwide, the typical home that went under contract in December did so in 60 days, up from 54 days a year earlier. Austin was the slowest market among the 50 most populous metropolitan areas, tied with San Antonio and Fort Lauderdale, FL, where the typical home that went under contract in December spent 99 days on the market.
Factors Contributing to the Slowdown
The slowdown in Austin’s housing market can be attributed to several factors:
- Unsustainable Price Growth and Homebuilding Boom: Rapid price increases and a surge in homebuilding have led to more sellers than buyers, allowing buyers to take their time and negotiate better deals.
- Affordability Challenges: High home prices and increased competition have made it more difficult for buyers to afford homes, leading to longer decision-making processes.
- Shift in Work Models: The rise of hybrid work models has reduced the demand for traditional office spaces, affecting the overall real estate market dynamics.
Market Performance and Outlook
Despite the slowdown, there are signs of stabilization in the market. In December 2025, the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos metro area saw a 1.9% increase in home sales compared to the previous year, indicating a modest uptick. Additionally, the median price for residential homes in the metro area was $435,000 in 2025, a 2.4% decrease from 2024, suggesting a cooling in price growth.
Looking ahead, experts anticipate a recovery in the multifamily sector by 2026, with demand expected to outpace new supply, leading to improved market conditions.
Conclusion
Austin’s housing market has transitioned from being one of the nation’s hottest to the slowest, influenced by factors such as unsustainable price growth, affordability challenges, and shifts in work models. While the market has cooled, signs of stabilization and potential recovery in the multifamily sector offer a cautiously optimistic outlook for the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the current state of Austin’s housing market?
Austin’s housing market has experienced a significant slowdown, with homes now taking longer to sell compared to previous years. In December 2025, the typical home under contract in Austin spent 106 days on the market, up from 91 days in December 2024. This marks the slowest December in records dating back to 2012. Nationwide, the typical home that went under contract in December did so in 60 days, up from 54 days a year earlier. Austin was the slowest market among the 50 most populous metropolitan areas, tied with San Antonio and Fort Lauderdale, FL, where the typical home that went under contract in December spent 99 days on the market.
What factors are contributing to the slowdown in Austin’s housing market?
The slowdown in Austin’s housing market can be attributed to several factors:
- Unsustainable Price Growth and Homebuilding Boom: Rapid price increases and a surge in homebuilding have led to more sellers than buyers, allowing buyers to take their time and negotiate better deals.
- Affordability Challenges: High home prices and increased competition have made it more difficult for buyers to afford homes, leading to longer decision-making processes.
- Shift in Work Models: The rise of hybrid work models has reduced the demand for traditional office spaces, affecting the overall real estate market dynamics.
Is there any sign of recovery in Austin’s housing market?
Despite the slowdown, there are signs of stabilization in the market. In December 2025, the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos metro area saw a 1.9% increase in home sales compared to the previous year, indicating a modest uptick. Additionally, the median price for residential homes in the metro area was $435,000 in 2025, a 2.4% decrease from 2024, suggesting a cooling in price growth.
What is the outlook for Austin’s housing market in the coming years?
Looking ahead, experts anticipate a recovery in the multifamily sector by 2026, with demand expected to outpace new supply, leading to improved market conditions.
How does Austin’s housing market compare to other major metropolitan areas?
Austin’s housing market has become the slowest among the 50 most populous metropolitan areas, with homes taking longer to sell compared to other major cities.
What are the implications of the housing market slowdown for buyers and sellers in Austin?
The slowdown provides buyers with more time to make decisions and negotiate better deals, while sellers may need to adjust their expectations and pricing strategies to attract buyers in a more competitive market.
Key Features of Austin’s Housing Market Slowdown
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Median Days on Market | 106 days in December 2025, up from 91 days in December 2024 |
| Comparison to National Average | Nationwide median was 60 days in December 2025 |
| Market Ranking | Slowest among the 50 most populous metropolitan areas |
| Contributing Factors | Unsustainable price growth, homebuilding boom, affordability challenges, shift in work models |
| Signs of Stabilization | 1.9% increase in home sales in December 2025 compared to the previous year |
| Median Home Price | $435,000 in 2025, a 2.4% decrease from 2024 |
| Future Outlook | Anticipated recovery in the multifamily sector by 2026 |
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Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
