Houston home prices cooled off after a strong spring run-up
The median single-family price eased to $319,000 in August, down from a May peak of $340,000, as more sellers listed and buyers gained negotiating room. Homes are still moving quickly by historical standards — just 22 days on market on average.
Median Price
$319,000
−3.3% vs. Aug 2025
Average Price
$491,979
+4.7% vs. Aug 2025
Days on Market
22
Down from 23 a year ago
Closed Sales
1,514
−14.9% vs. Aug 2025
Price Trends
Where Houston home prices have been — and where they're headed
Median & Average Sale Price · Last 6 Months
| Month | Median Price | Average Price | Closed Sales | Days on Market |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | $328,000 | $487,237 | 1,715 | 26 |
| Apr 2026 | $330,000 | $508,978 | 1,816 | 21 |
| May 2026 | $340,000 | $543,734 | 1,911 | 20 |
| Jun 2026 | $343,000 | $539,775 | 1,969 | 19 |
| Jul 2026 | $340,000 | $526,703 | 1,785 | 23 |
| Aug 2026 | $319,000 | $491,979 | 1,514 | 22 |
Figures cover Houston-area single-family home sales reported through the MLS and may be revised as later closings are recorded. Source: HAR.com Houston price trend reports.
Market Temperature
Is it a buyer's or seller's market right now?
Months of Inventory
7.3 months
Seller's (<4 mo)BalancedBuyer's (>6 mo)
What this means
- Active listings10,865
- New listings paceRising
- Negotiating leverageFavors buyers
Sale-to-list price ratio
- Typical sale price~97% of asking
- Homes selling at/above ask~1 in 5
- Avg. price reduction before sale~3%
Months of inventory is an estimate (active listings ÷ monthly closed sales). Above 6 months typically favors buyers; below 4 typically favors sellers.
By Property Type
How single-family, condo, and rental markets compare
| Segment | Median Price / Rent | Average Price / Rent | Closed Transactions | Days on Market |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Family (Aug) | $319,000 | $491,979 | 1,514 | 22 |
| Townhouse / Condo (Aug) | $161,250 | $245,729 | 256 | 31 |
| Rentals (Aug) | $2,000 /mo | $2,253 /mo | 2,511 | 26 |
Condo and rental markets are smaller sample sizes and can move more sharply month to month than the single-family market.
What It Means For You
Reading the market if you're buying or selling
For Buyers
- More inventory and longer average time on market mean room to negotiate on price and terms.
- Median prices have eased from the spring peak — a softer entry point than earlier this year.
- Homes still sell in about three weeks on average, so a strong offer on the right home can't wait too long.
For Sellers
- With inventory above 6 months, pricing accurately from day one matters more than it did in spring.
- Well-presented, well-priced homes are still moving in about three weeks.
- Expect more buyer negotiation on price and closing costs than earlier this year.
The Bigger Picture
Houston real estate, by the numbers
17,292
Homes currently for sale
$473,835
Average list price, all homes
$201
Average price per sq. ft.
9,432
Homes currently for rent
$2,366
Average monthly rent
2.4M+
City population · 4th-largest in the U.S.
Cost of living in Houston runs slightly below the national average overall — housing and healthcare tend to run below average, while groceries and utilities are roughly on par.
How This Page Is Built
This page is reviewed and updated using public data from the Houston Association of Realtors' (HAR.com) MLS-sourced price trend reports and city real estate profile, along with general market context from local Houston brokerages. It's intended to give you a quick, honest read on local conditions — not a formal appraisal or investment advice.
- HAR.com — Houston Real Estate Price Trends
- HAR.com — Houston Real Estate Profile
- Equity Houston — Houston Market Overview
Data last refreshed: October 13, 2026
See how rates and the economy are shaping the market →
Anisa Hoxha
Top 1% Houston Realtor · Hoxha Realty Group
Curious what your home is worth in this market? Get in touch →