Central Texas housing market adjusts as buyers navigate changing economic conditions

Heightened interest rates and economic headwinds shape buyer activity

AUSTIN, Texas — According to the August 2026 Central Texas Housing Report released by Unlock MLS, homebuyers across the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos MSA navigated changing conditions as interest rates and broader economic factors shaped housing activity across Central Texas. Residential home sales declined 7.3% year over year to 2,501 sales. At the same time, pending sales increased 1.5% year over year to 2,623 transactions, reflecting how broader national economic pressures are shaping buyer activity in Central Texas.

“Austin is not immune to what is happening across the rest of the country, and August’s housing data reflects some of the same affordability and interest rate pressures we’re seeing nationwide,” Vaike O’Grady, market research advisor at Unlock MLS, said. “Still, Austin is resilient. Central Texas continues to see economic development and job growth across the region. Higher interest rates mean fewer potential buyers, but positive pending sales and continued building activity show the market is still moving. Continued job creation and business growth across the region remain important signals of the underlying strength supporting Central Texas housing.”

John Crowe, 2026 Unlock MLS and ABoR president, said shifts in market activity are normal, but changing conditions make local expertise especially important for buyers and sellers.

“The ebbs and flows we’re seeing are normal in a changing housing market, but knowing what those shifts mean for you is where a trusted real estate professional makes a difference. Is this the right time to list your home? Should I buy, or should I rent? An agent who subscribes to Unlock MLS can take complete market data, pair it with your needs and cost requirements, and help you make the decision that puts you in the best possible position. That kind of straightforward guidance is critical to knowing you made the right decision.”

Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos MSA

August 2026 – For Sale

• 2,501 – Residential homes sold, 7.3% less than August 2025.
• $412,000 – Median price for residential homes, 6.4% less than August 2025.
• 3,579 – New home listings on the market, 7.0% less than August 2025.
• 13,676 – Active home listings on the market, 6.5% less than August 2025.
• 2,623 – Pending sales, 1.5% more than August 2025.
• 5.1 – Months of inventory, 0.4 less than August 2025.
• $1,400,025,097 – Total dollar volume of homes sold, 11.1% less than August 2025.
• 93.2% – Average close to list price, compared to 92.2% in August 2025.

City of Austin

August 2026 – For Sale

• 844 – Residential homes sold, 10.3% less than August 2025.
• $560,000 – Median price for residential homes, 4.3% less than August 2025.
• 1,249 – New home listings on the market, 5.7% less than August 2025.
• 4,554 – Active home listings on the market, 14.5% less than August 2025.
• 814 – Pending sales, 9.2% less than August 2025.
• 4.6 – Months of inventory, 1.1 less than August 2025.
• $648,959,724 – Total dollar volume of homes sold, 10.9% less than August 2025.
• 93.3% – Average close to list price, compared to 91.6% in August 2025.

Travis County

August 2026 – For Sale

• 1,111 – Residential homes sold, 9.5% less than August 2025.
• $489,000 – Median price for residential homes, 6.4% less than August 2025.
• 1,703 – New home listings on the market, 7.6% less than August 2025.
• 6,427 – Active home listings on the market, 10.2% less than August 2025.
• 1,136 – Pending sales, 1.1% less than August 2025.
• 5.1 – Months of inventory, 0.8 months less than August 2025.
• $780,140,633 – Total dollar volume of homes sold, 11.6% less than August 2025.
• 93.2% – Average close to list price, compared to 91.6% in August 2025.

Williamson County

August 2026 – For Sale

• 855 – Residential homes sold, 4.1% less than August 2025.
• $399,900 – Median price for residential homes, 5.9% less than August 2025.
• 1,151 – New home listings on the market, 9.2% less than August 2025.
• 4,374 – Active home listings on the market, 5.4% less than August 2025.
• 960 – Pending sales, 9.3% more than August 2025.
• 4.6 – Months of inventory, 0.6 months less than August 2025.
• $394,667,779 – Total dollar volume of homes sold, 8.7% less than August 2025.
• 93.6% – Average close to list price, compared to 93.1% in August 2025.

Hays County

August 2026 – For Sale

• 396 – Residential homes sold, 8.1% less than August 2025.
• $355,000 – Median price for residential homes, 1.4% less than August 2025.
• 493 – New home listings on the market, flat compared to August 2025.
• 1,860 – Active home listings on the market, 1.7% less than August 2025.
• 346 – Pending sales, 13.5% less than August 2025.
• 5.5 – Months of inventory, 1.0 months more than August 2025.
• $173,376,257 – Total dollar volume of homes sold, 15.8% less than August 2025.
• 93.0% – Average close to list price, compared to 92.1% to August 2025.

Bastrop County

August 2026 – For Sale

• 98 – Residential homes sold, 14.8% less than August 2025.
• $342,495 – Median price for residential homes, 5.1% less than August 2025.
• 170 – New home listings on the market, 13.3% less than August 2025.
• 759 – Active home listings on the market, 4.9% less than August 2025.
• 134 – Pending sales, 8.9% more than August 2025.
• 7.4 – Months of inventory, 0.3 months less than August 2025.
• $39,235,909 – Total dollar volume of homes sold, 11.4% less than August 2025.
• 91.8% – Average close to list price, compared to 91.5% in August 2025.

Caldwell County

August 2026 – For Sale

• 41 – Residential homes sold, 24.2% more than August 2025.
• $270,000 – Median price for residential homes, 17.4% more than August 2025.
• 62 – New home listings on the market, 31.9% more than August 2025.
• 256 – Active home listings on the market, 62.0% more than August 2025.
• 47 – Pending sales, 34.3% more than August 2025.
• 7.3 – Months of inventory, 2.0 months more than August 2025.
• $12,604,519– Total dollar volume of homes sold, 43.0% more than August 2025.
• 92.8% – Average close to list price, compared to 88.6% in August 2025.

For more information or to download the August 2026 Central Texas Housing Market Report, visit UnlockMLS.com/Stats.