In the ever-evolving Austin housing market, staying up-to-date with the latest trends and market conditions is crucial for both buyers and sellers. By partnering with experienced agents and understanding the data, you can make informed decisions that align with your goals.

The Austin housing market gained momentum towards balance and stability in May 2023, as home prices continued to show signs of recovery and inventory increased. In this blog, we will delve into the latest data and market trends, providing a comprehensive overview of the Austin housing market.

Let’s review the key highlights of the Austin housing market in May 2023:

• The number of homes for sale increased by 118% compared to the previous year, providing homebuyers with more options.

• The average days on market decreased by 6 days from last month to 65 days, but is up by 49 days compared to a year ago.

• The number of new listings entering the market decreased by 12% compared to a year ago, however, new listings have increased by 52% since the beginning of the year.

• The number of homes under contract fell by less than 1% compared to a year ago, and remained steady in May, indicating consistent buyer interest over the past three months.

• The number of homes sold declined by 4% compared to a year ago, however, home sales experienced a notable 30% increase compared to last month.

• Monthly inventory levels reached 3.4 months compared to 1.2 months in May 2022, demonstrating progress toward a more balanced market.

• Median home sale prices decreased by 15% year over year to $467K, however, prices continued their upward monthly trajectory with four months of consecutive growth.

• Homes sold closer to their list price in May at 94%, compared to 90% in January. This indicates a stronger negotiation position for sellers.

• Over 8,000 homes are for sale and over 5,000 homes have reduced their price in the past 30 days. 

Favorable Trends Signal Ideal Selling Conditions

The local housing market exhibited promising trends in May for sellers, with a notable decrease of 6 days in the average days on market, compared to April. Additionally, the number of homes under contract has remained steady for three consecutive months, indicating consistent buyer interest. May saw a 30% increase in the number of homes sold, compared to the previous month, accompanied by four months of consecutive growth in median home sale prices. Furthermore, sellers experienced greater success as homes sold closer to their list price, now at 94% of original asking price in May compared to 90% in January. 

“These positive indicators signify an active and more balanced housing market, making it an opportune time to capitalize on these favorable conditions,” said Jennifer Korba, Central Agent Success Manager at Realty Austin.

Mortgage Rate Relief Unlikely Until End of 2023 or Beyond

After a slight decline, mortgage rates are expected to stay at their current levels for a while in reaction to the Federal Reserve‘s decision to pause its tightening monetary policy in June. In turn, mortgage origination volumes will remain under pressure for the remainder of the year. The Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey, which focuses on conventional and conforming loans with a 20% down payment, shows the 30-year fixed rate averaged 6.67% as of June 22, down from last week’s 6.69%. The 30-year was at 5.81% a year ago at this time.

Lifestyle and Changing Needs Should Matter More

A recent survey from the National Association of Home Builders found that 18% of adults in the U.S. plan to buy a house in the next 12 months — the highest share ever for the survey, which began in 2018. While mortgage rates play a crucial part in the decision to buy or sell a home, they're far from the only consideration. As Bankrate points out, lifestyle and changing needs can and should matter even more.

"Assessing the opportune moment to buy or sell a home is a deeply individual choice, encompassing a multitude of crucial factors. Before taking the leap, it is essential to ponder significant financial and lifestyle aspects that come into play. Your future aspirations and objectives should play a pivotal role in the decision-making process. Working with a trusted guide can help you weigh the various factors to consider in our local market," said Amanda Dudley, North Agent Success Manager at Realty Austin.

Housing Construction Sees a Boost Despite Challenges

New residential construction is on the rise, with increased housing starts for both single-family and multi-unit projects and a positive builder sentiment. Despite a slight decrease from last year, the number of homes under construction is near its highest level since 1970. Builders are focusing on entry-level homes and affordable housing, downsizing home footprints to cater to first-time homebuyers. Builders have downsized the median new-home footprint about 3% year over year, according to the National Association of Home Builders. This presents an opportunity for first-time homebuyers to stabilize their housing costs and invest in homeownership.

Homeownership: A Pathway to Long-Term Wealth

Purchasing a home is a proven strategy for building wealth, with homeowners' net worth approximately 40 times higher than that of renters, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. As homes appreciate in value and mortgage payments contribute to home equity, homeowners experience long-term financial growth. Starting the homeownership journey early can maximize these benefits, as renting delays the opportunity to build equity through monthly payments.

“If you’re thinking about purchasing a home, now is the time to speak with a local professional to explore how homeownership can stabilize your monthly housing costs for the long-term even while other life expenses like rent, gas and groceries continue to rise as we’ve seen with recent inflation,” said Tom Thornton, Southwest Agent Success Manager at Realty Austin.

Expanded Opportunities for Homebuyers with New Freddie Mac Income Limits

Freddie Mac has released its 2023 Area Median Income Limits, which impact rates, products, and down payment assistance available to homebuyers. These limits provide more options for home buyers. Home buyers can look up a property’s area median income using the Freddie Mac Income Lookup Tool.  Another program to help buyers achieve their dream of owning a home is the Home Possible® from Freddie Mac. This affordable lending program is perfect for low-income borrowers as it allows down payments starting at 3% and more credit flexibility. Find more affordable housing resources in our guide here.

A Hotspot for Population Growth and Opportunity

According to CoStar Analytics, the latest census results confirm Texas leads the country in population with four major markets ranking among the top eight spots for overall growth. Austin, with a population growth rate of 2.7% between 2021 and 2022, emerged as the fastest-growing metropolitan area in the United States among regions housing over 1 million residents. The city's remarkable expansion outpaced other Sun Belt markets like Orlando and Raleigh. This surge in population can be attributed to a flourishing job market that experienced growth across various sectors, attracting a significant inflow due to relocation. The influx was further fueled by the presence of renowned technology and manufacturing companies, drawing in a highly educated and skilled workforce.

“To meet the escalating demand, developers have responded by substantially increasing the supply pipeline in the metropolitan area, growing both our suburban markets and areas outside the city limits, said John Coake, Head of Sales at Realty Austin.

Whether you’re a buyer or seller, understanding the latest trends and market conditions empowers your real estate journey and achieve your goals at 512-788-2629 or email: [email protected].