Real Estate

After several years of rapid change, the Central Texas housing market closed out 2025 with encouraging signs of long-term stability and predictability, according to the latest year-end report released by Unlock MLS. For buyers, sellers, and homeowners throughout the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos metro area and surrounding counties, the data suggests a housing market that has adjusted and is beginning to function in a more sustainable way.

Buyers More Deliberate, Sellers More Realistic

“2025 wasn’t a year defined by urgency. It was defined by adjustment,” said Vaike O’Grady, research advisor at Unlock MLS. “Sellers recalibrated, buyers reengaged, and the pace of the market continued to normalize.”

That shift became especially visible in the final months of the year. Homebuyers—more mindful of mortgage rates and affordability—made moves with greater intention. Closed sales across the metro region declined slightly (down 3.2% year-over-year), but the market still saw over 29,000 homes sold. December alone saw more than 2,500 homes sold, an increase from the previous year.

Median prices across the MSA softened to $435,000, about 2.4% less than 2024, signaling improved affordability, particularly in counties like Bastrop, Hays, and Caldwell where price drops were more pronounced.

Mobile Sidebar Ad

More Inventory, Fewer Bidding Wars

The real estate landscape is also becoming less competitive and more navigable for everyday homebuyers. Inventory levels increased throughout 2025, peaking mid-year and leveling off by December with just over four months of supply—a far cry from the frenzied shortages of previous years. Home listings rose 5.5%, providing more choice and less pressure for buyers to rush into bidding wars.

In the City of Austin specifically, active listings rose by nearly 14% compared to 2024. The median home price dipped modestly to $570,000, allowing the urban core to stay more competitive as buyers weighed options in surrounding counties.

Regional Outlooks: What’s Happening Around Central Texas

• Travis County ended the year with a 0.5% increase in median price ($508,000) and strong activity in December.

• Williamson County saw a 4.5% drop in annual sales and a 2.8% dip in median price, pointing to more affordability north of Austin.

• Hays County experienced the biggest December slowdown, with 10.9% fewer homes sold year-over-year.

• Bastrop and Caldwell counties, typically lower-cost markets, saw significant year-end shifts in price and sales volume, indicating adjustments on the more affordable end of the market spectrum.

Looking Ahead to 2026

According to Unlock MLS projections, 2026 is shaping up to be another year of steady conditions. Mortgage rates are expected to hover around 6%, while prices and sales volumes are anticipated to hold relatively flat. While that may not make headlines, for Central Texas homeowners and prospective buyers alike, this consistency is welcome news.

John Crowe, 2026 Unlock MLS and ABoR President, emphasized the importance of preparation and professional guidance in today’s environment:

“2025 reminded us that success in this housing market isn’t just about timing. It’s about preparation, strategy, and trusted guidance,” said Crowe. “Whether it’s pricing a home to reflect current conditions or helping a buyer weigh long-term affordability, REALTORSⓇ are stepping in with the local knowledge and real-time data their clients need.”

Crowe also highlighted Unlock MLS’s upcoming 2026 Central Texas Growth Forum as a critical moment for understanding broader housing influences like infrastructure, policy, and job growth.

Mobile Sidebar Ad

A Market Rooted in Resilience

With the broader Austin region continuing to benefit from strong job growth and a desirable quality of life, Central Texas is well-positioned to weather national economic uncertainties. While the numbers tell part of the story, the deeper takeaway is clear: stability has returned to a market that had previously been defined by volatility.

Whether you’re planning to buy your first home, downsize, or simply watch the market with interest, the 2025 trends point to a real estate climate grounded in balance, flexibility, and long-term opportunity.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.