Hays County approved a $653.8 million budget for FY 2027 with a tax rate of $0.4097 per $100 valuation. The budget funds infrastructure projects, new positions in public safety and services, new election equipment, and market-based salary adjustments. It aims to balance growing needs while maintaining a reasonable tax rate, resulting in an average homeowner saving about $8.41 annually on county taxes.
Inventory continues increasing across major metros, creating a healthier balance between buyers and sellers after several years of rapid appreciation.
• Population growth and business relocations continue supporting long-term housing demand despite slower home price appreciation.
• Buyers should benefit from improved affordability, increased listings, and more opportunities to negotiate during the remainder of 2026.
• Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio are expected to remain among the nation's strongest housing markets through year-end.
In Texas, newly built homes are attracting buyers with lower interest rates, some as low as 3.25% for the first year, compared to the current 6.625% average for 30-year fixed mortgages. Builders are also offering design credits and financial incentives to compete with the growing inventory of over 20,000 active listings. This makes it challenging for sellers of existing homes to compete, as new construction prices are often lower.
We’re seeing a notable shift in Austin’s new home construction landscape: permitting for new builds dropped by 25% over the past year—a sharper decline than any other major US market. As someone who closely tracks both new construction and resale trends in our local communities, I’ve noticed how this slowdown is most pronounced in neighborhoods where builders had expanded rapidly. Now, with more inventory available and elevated construction costs, many developers are rethinking the feasibility of new projects.
Affordability remains a challenge for buyers and builders alike, especially with 30-year mortgage rates still hovering near 7%. These higher borrowing costs continue to influence both builder decisions and what’s possible for buyers hoping to enter the market. If builder activity remains low, there’s a real possibility our inventory could tighten later on—especially if buyer demand picks up again.
In every transaction, I focus on the practical realities that affect your decisions, from financing options to the investment potential of a given home. Navigating these market shifts takes careful research, honest conversations, and a clear understanding of your goals.
Austin leaders approved a $6.63B fiscal 2026-27 budget, nearly ↑5% from the current $6.3B plan, and set the highest property tax rate allowed without voters.
Austin homeowners' annual property taxes were projected at ~$2.19K versus $2.07K, or ↑>8%; seniors and disabled residents may qualify for extra exemptions.
With utility bills and service charges also expected to be higher, Austin's combined city rates and fees were estimated to top $5.95K, ↑>$170 overall.
The local mayor opposed the budget, warning it could add pressure for residents already facing financial strain despite efforts to preserve social services.
Austin also set aside housing assistance, funded shelter operations, park equipment, and approved $35M in debt plus initial support for a joint emergency communications office.
If you’re starting to map out your real estate plans for 2026, it’s worth circling September 27–October 3 on your calendar. Research shows this particular week stands out for buyers: 31.9% more homes are typically available, prices average 3.5% lower, and competition drops by 30.1%. That can translate into potential savings of about $14,000 on a median-priced home.
As someone who helps clients navigate every phase of the Austin market—from weighing school districts to understanding investment value—I always keep these key windows in mind. A well-timed purchase can open up more choices and better terms, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned investor. I believe that being informed (and a little strategic) helps you make confident decisions, and I’m always here to break down the numbers so you know exactly what your options look like.
Texas homes averaged 2,158 sq-ft, placing the state 13th nationally for home size and firmly in the top half of states overall.
Among major Texas cities, Dallas led at 2,279 sq-ft and ranked eighth nationally; Fort Worth ranked 13th, with Houston 15th among major cities.
Statewide, buyers paid an avg. $210 per sq-ft, giving Texas a relatively affordable cost-to-space profile compared with pricier states across the country.
Beaumont offered Texas' lowest avg. price per sq-ft at $126.62, making it the 17th-most affordable city nationally on that measure for buyers.
Texas combined larger homes with relatively affordable per-sq-ft costs, linking statewide space and value across Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and Beaumont for buyers.
A recent study places Texas among the top 20 housing markets for buyers under 35, ranking our state 18th overall. It’s notable that 23% of mortgage applications here come from young adults—a strong signal that many are eager to put down roots, even as affordability remains a challenge. States with home values below $300,000 are especially attractive to younger buyers, but rising prices, interest rates, and limited inventory continue to shape the journey to homeownership.
As someone who guides clients through every step of buying, selling, or investing in Austin and its neighboring communities, I see firsthand how these factors influence decisions for young buyers. Whether you’re weighing neighborhoods, evaluating investment potential, or navigating the numbers, a thoughtful and research-driven approach can help you move forward with confidence.
International buyers continue to see Texas—especially our vibrant Austin area—as a prime destination. Over the past year, $4.8B was invested in Texas homes by international buyers, translating to around 7,800 properties sold. While national activity slowed, Texas saw transaction growth of about 4%, highlighting the resilience and appeal of our market. The median price paid by these international buyers was $375K, notably higher than the statewide median of $334K. In fact, foreign purchases accounted for approximately 2% of all existing-home sales here, outpacing the national average.
What stands out to me is the diversity of buyers: about 35% from Mexico, 14% from India, and 9% from China—reflecting truly global interest in our local real estate. Affordability and lifestyle continue to shape demand, with nearly 60% of international buyers choosing suburban neighborhoods, 80% preferring detached homes, and about 40% paying cash. Texas claimed about 12% of all U.S. international home purchases, even as new regulations added complexity.
For those considering Austin or nearby communities—whether for personal use or investment—these trends reinforce the importance of understanding both the numbers and the nuances. My hands-on, detail-focused approach means you’ll have clear guidance through every step, regardless of where you’re coming from or what your goals may be.
Timing can make a meaningful difference when searching for your next home. According to national trends, the period from September 27 to October 3 in 2026 is projected to offer buyers a rare combination: more inventory, less competition, and increased negotiating flexibility. During that week, active listings could be up by 31.9% compared to the start of the year and 13.3% above the average week—giving buyers a wider selection across the country. Listing prices are expected to fall 3.5% below their seasonal peak, which could mean about $14,000 in savings on a median-priced US home (roughly $416,000). Competition is set to be down 30.1% from its annual high, and homes are predicted to spend around 64 days on market, giving buyers more breathing room to make thoughtful choices. These trends echo what I see in the Austin area: as listings gradually increase and buyer activity shifts in the early fall, there’s often both a broader selection and more space to negotiate. For anyone weighing a move, understanding these seasonal patterns and how they play out locally is key to making confident, informed decisions.
