Austin Tops U.S. as Strongest Buyer’s Market

Austin, Texas, October 23, 2025

News Summary

Austin, Texas has emerged as the strongest buyer’s market in the United States, with 130% more sellers than buyers reported by Redfin. Other Texas cities, including San Antonio, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Houston, are also experiencing significant surpluses of sellers. On a national level, there are 37% more sellers than buyers, leading to discounts in home prices and longer timeframes for closing sales. Despite favorable mortgage rates, buyers are facing challenges in affording homes due to rising costs of living, prompting some to opt for renting instead.

Austin, Texas, has been identified as the strongest buyer’s market in the United States for September 2025, according to data from real estate brokerage firm Redfin. The city had an estimated 130% more sellers than buyers last month, marking the widest gap in the nation between these two groups.

In addition to Austin, several other Texas metropolitan areas have also made the list of the top ten buyer’s markets. San Antonio ranked sixth with 109% more sellers than buyers, while Dallas-Fort Worth took seventh place with approximately 100% more sellers than buyers. Houston rounded out the list at tenth with 83.8% more sellers than buyers.

On a national scale, the data indicates that there were 37% more sellers than buyers. This surplus of sellers has created significant discounts from asking prices, with the typical home in the U.S. selling for less than its final list price. Notably, only about 25% of sales closed above the list price in September. The median time for homes to go under contract has also lengthened to seven weeks.

During September, mortgage rates averaged in the mid-6% range, contributing to a favorable environment for potential buyers. In Austin, buyers are experiencing greater choice and longer timelines, which has resulted in fewer bidding wars compared to previous years.

Sales in Austin’s housing market surged nearly 17% in September, exceeding a 6.7% gain across the broader metro area. The median sale price for homes in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos area decreased by 1.8% to $420,000, reflecting the changing dynamics of the market.

Available inventory has reached 5.7 months, approaching the six-month threshold that typically signifies a balanced market. Local real estate agents have acknowledged a shift toward increased buyer power due to the rising inventory and a slower sales pace, creating opportunities for negotiation. To entice buyers, some sellers are even agreeing to cover closing costs, an indication of the market’s softness.

Despite the favorable conditions for buyers, many buyers continue to hold high price expectations, facing challenges from rising costs associated with interest rates, insurance, and property taxes. Furthermore, lower rental prices in Austin have led a number of individuals to opt for renting rather than buying, highlighting continued affordability issues.

In Houston, there has been a significant year-over-year decline in prices, accompanied by a drop in pending sales that suggests a decline in demand. Meanwhile, Dallas-Fort Worth is experiencing the most pronounced pricing drop among Texas’ major metros on an annual basis.

Redfin attributes the increasing number of sellers to factors such as new construction and market stabilization following the pandemic’s impact. However, the report suggests that the buyer’s market may tighten in the future as supply from new construction decreases.

FAQ

What is the current buyer’s market situation in Austin?

Austin has been identified as the strongest buyer’s market in the U.S. for September 2025, with an estimated 130% more sellers than buyers.

How do other Texas metropolitan areas rank in the buyer’s market?

San Antonio ranks No. 6 (109% more sellers than buyers), Dallas-Fort Worth ranks No. 7 (approximately 100% more sellers than buyers), and Houston ranks No. 10 (83.8% more sellers than buyers).

What are the national trends in the real estate market?

Nationally, there was an estimated 37% more sellers than buyers in September 2025, leading to discounts from asking prices and a median time to go under contract of seven weeks.

What is causing the changes in the Austin housing market?

Factors contributing to the changes include increased inventory, a slower sales pace, new construction, and stabilization after pandemic-related fluctuations.

Metro Area	Percentage More Sellers than Buyers	Ranking
Austin	130%	1
San Antonio	109%	6
Dallas-Fort Worth	Approximately 100%	7
Houston	83.8%	10

Date	Event	Status/Source
September 2025	Austin identified as the strongest buyer’s market	Redfin Report
September 2025	Inventory in Austin reaches 5.7 months	Market Analysis
September 2025	Median price in Austin decreases by 1.8% to $420,000	Market Report

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HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

• KXAN: Austin Metro Strongest Buyer’s Market
• Wikipedia: Real Estate Market
• Statesman: Austin Housing Market
• Google Search: Texas Real Estate Trends
• Redfin News: Buyers vs Sellers September 2025
• Google Scholar: Housing Market Analysis
• CultureMap: Austin Real Estate News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing Market Trends
• Consumer Affairs: Austin Buyer’s Market
• Google News: Real Estate in 2025