October 2026 Central Texas Housing Market: Lower Prices, Slower Sales and a More Selective Buyer

Central Texas buyers continued to focus on affordability in October. Across the Austin–Round Rock–San Marcos metro, fewer homes sold than a year earlier, and the median sale price moved lower. Sellers also brought fewer properties to market, creating a picture that is more nuanced than simply “more listings and lower prices.”

For anyone planning a move, the practical message is to look closely at the homes competing in your price range and neighborhood. Regional numbers provide context, but the right strategy depends on local conditions.

October 2026 Market Numbers at a Glance

The following figures cover residential home sales in the Austin–Round Rock–San Marcos metropolitan area. Changes compare October 2026 with October 2025.

Source: Unlock MLS, October 2026 Central Texas Housing Report, released November 11, 2026.

What the Lower Median Price Really Tells Us

October’s median sale price of $404,802 reflects the midpoint of the homes that sold during the month. It does not mean that every home in Central Texas lost 6.9% of its value.

Unlock MLS reported that lower-priced properties represented a larger portion of transactions, with the strongest demand in the $200,000–$299,000 range. That shift in the mix of homes sold helps explain the decline in the regional median.

For sellers, a useful price estimate should come from comparable properties nearby. For buyers, the regional median is a starting point for understanding the market, rather than a target discount on any particular home.

Fewer New Listings, but a Slower Sales Pace

New listings fell 14.3%, while active listings declined a more modest 2.2%. Even with slightly fewer homes available than last October, the region recorded 6.2 months of inventory, up from 5.8 months a year earlier.

Months of inventory relates the available supply to the pace of sales. It can rise when sales slow, even if the number of active listings falls. It is not a prediction of how long an individual home will take to sell.

Buyers may have opportunities to discuss price, closing costs or other terms, depending on a property’s competition and the seller’s circumstances. Sellers should pay attention to both recent closings and the listings buyers can choose from today.

Resale Homes Are Worth Another Look

New construction remains part of the affordability conversation, particularly when builders offer incentives. However, October’s report also highlighted a stronger signal for existing homes: pending resale contracts rose 6% year over year, even as overall pending sales declined 4.0%.

These figures measure different groups, so they can move in opposite directions. The increase in resale contracts suggests buyers are finding options in the existing-home market.

When comparing a new build with a resale, consider the full package: purchase price, financing terms, taxes, HOA fees, property condition and any available concessions. A headline incentive is only one part of the decision.

Explore new construction options through Taylor Realty Group’s New Home Search.

Market Conditions Vary Across Central Texas

October’s median prices show why a regional headline cannot describe every community.

City and county figures describe separate, overlapping geographies and should not be added together.

Activity also differed locally. Hays County posted a 10.6% increase in pending sales, while Caldwell County recorded 47 closed sales, up 95.8%. Caldwell’s percentage increase came from a comparatively small number of transactions, which is useful context when interpreting the change.

Planning Your Next Move

For buyers, begin with a comfortable monthly budget and compare the actual costs of the homes on your shortlist. For sellers, combine realistic pricing with strong presentation and a plan for responding to competing listings.

October was slower than the same month last year, but Unlock MLS reported that year-to-date home sales remained 2.5% ahead of the comparable 2025 period. One month is one part of the market’s broader story.

Taylor Realty Group can help you understand how these trends apply to your neighborhood, price range and timeline. Visit www.TaylorRealtyGroup.com or call (512) 531-2922 to discuss your next move.

Data source: Unlock MLS — October 2026 Central Texas Housing Report, published November 11, 2026. Unless otherwise stated, comparisons are year over year. Commentary and practical takeaways by Taylor Realty Group.