Thinking about buying a home in Houston? The market has shifted in buyers' favor this fall. Here's what the latest numbers show, and how to use them to your advantage.
Houston's housing market snapshot
According to the Houston Association of Realtors (HAR), here's where the Greater Houston single-family market stood in September 2026:
- Median price: $325,000, essentially flat from a year ago
- Homes for sale: 40,192 active listings, up 6.3%
- Inventory: 5.5 months of supply, up from 5.1 a year ago
- Days on market: 58 days on average
- Mortgage rates: the 30-year fixed averaged 6.86%, up from 6.35% a year ago
What that means for you: prices are holding steady, you have more homes to choose from, and homes are taking a little longer to sell. That gives buyers more room to negotiate on price, repairs and closing costs than we've seen in years. The trade-off is higher rates, so your monthly payment is the number to watch.
Tips for Houston home buyers
- Get pre-approved first. Talk to a lender before you start touring. It shows sellers you're serious and gives you a clear budget.
- Ask about seller concessions and rate buydowns. With homes sitting longer, many sellers and builders are willing to help with closing costs or pay to buy down your interest rate. A lower rate can save you more each month than a lower price.
- Compare new construction and resale. Builders in areas like Katy, Fulshear and Richmond are offering incentives. If you visit a model home, register me as your agent on your first visit so I can represent you, at no cost to you in most cases.
- Look at the total monthly cost, not just the price. Property taxes, MUD taxes, HOA dues and flood insurance vary a lot from one Houston neighborhood to the next.
- Think about your commute. Houston is big. Test-drive your route to work and school at rush hour before you fall in love with a home.
- Don't skip the inspection. Houston's heat, rain and clay soil can be tough on homes, so always check the foundation, roof, and the home's flood zone and history.
Where to start looking
Every part of Houston has its own feel and price range. Explore my neighborhood guides for Houston, Cypress, Katy, Sugar Land, Fulshear, Richmond and Rosenberg and Missouri City, or check the latest numbers on my Houston market snapshot.
Looking ahead
With more homes on the market and prices holding steady, this fall and winter can be a great window for buyers who are ready. If rates ease, more buyers will jump back in and competition will pick up, so getting prepared now puts you ahead of the crowd.
Ready to start your search? Send me a message or call or text me at (346) 241-2463, and I'll help you find the right home, negotiate the best deal and guide you all the way to closing. Already own a home? Find out what your home is worth.
Source: Houston Association of Realtors (HAR), September 2026 housing market report.