Thinking about buying or selling this fall? The latest numbers from the Houston Association of REALTORS® (HAR) show a market that has slowed down a bit, with more homes to choose from and prices holding steady.
Here is what the September 2026 data says and what it could mean for you.
Quick answer: In September 2026, Houston single-family home sales fell 5.7% from a year earlier to 7,030, the median price held essentially steady at $325,000, and inventory rose to a 5.5-month supply, according to HAR. Mortgage rates have climbed, with the 30-year fixed rate averaging 7.40% in mid-October according to Freddie Mac.
The Numbers at a Glance
Single-family homes, September 2026 | Number | Change from a year ago |
|---|---|---|
Homes sold | 7,030 | Down 5.7% |
Median price | $325,000 | Essentially flat (from $325,990) |
Average price | $421,311 | Up 0.7% |
Active listings | 40,192 | Up 6.3% |
Months of inventory | 5.5 months | Up from 5.1 months |
Source: HAR September 2026 Housing Market Update
More Homes on the Market
Active listings rose 6.3% from a year earlier, to 40,192 single-family homes. That works out to a 5.5-month supply, up from 5.1 months a year ago.
HAR describes months of inventory as an estimate of how long it would take to sell all the homes currently on the market, based on the previous 12 months of sales. Roughly six months is often used as the line between a balanced market and a buyer's market, so Houston is getting close.
Prices Are Holding Steady
Even with fewer sales, prices have not dropped across the board. The single-family median price was $325,000, essentially the same as a year ago. Looking only at existing homes (not new construction), sales held steady at 5,062, and the median price was also unchanged at $325,000.
Rates Are the Big Change
Mortgage rates have risen this fall. Freddie Mac's weekly survey showed the 30-year fixed rate averaging 7.40% as of October 15, 2026, up from 6.95% in mid-September. HAR's chair noted that buyers are taking more time and focusing on long-term affordability.
Townhomes and Condos Are Softer
The townhome and condo market saw a bigger slowdown. Closings fell 21% to 323, the median price dropped 9.1% to $209,000, and inventory rose to a 9.3-month supply, up from 8.0 months a year earlier.
What It Means for Buyers
- You have more choices. With more homes on the market, you may have more time to compare homes and less pressure to decide in a single weekend.
- Shop around for your loan. Freddie Mac's chief economist has noted that borrowers can potentially save thousands by shopping around for the best mortgage rate.
- Know your monthly budget. Higher rates change your monthly payment, so get preapproved based on verified information before you tour.
What It Means for Sellers
- Pricing matters. With more competition from other listings, pricing right from the start is important. (See How to Price Your Home to Sell Fast in Sienna TX.)
- Presentation matters. Buyers have options, so make your home stand out. (See Home Staging Tips for the Fort Bend County Market.)
- Your area may be different. These are metro-wide numbers, and every neighborhood and price range moves differently.
Market numbers change every month. These figures are from HAR's September 2026 report and Freddie Mac's October 15, 2026 survey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houston a buyer's market right now? Houston had a 5.5-month supply of single-family homes in September 2026, according to HAR. Roughly six months is often used as the line for a buyer's market, so the single-family market is close to it. The townhome and condo market, at 9.3 months, has even more supply.
What is the median home price in Houston? The median single-family price was $325,000 in September 2026, essentially flat from a year earlier, according to HAR.
Are mortgage rates going up? They rose this fall. Freddie Mac's survey showed the 30-year fixed rate averaging 7.40% as of October 15, 2026, up from 6.95% in mid-September. Rates change weekly.
Get the Numbers for Your Neighborhood
Metro-wide data is a starting point, but your street is what matters. Ryan Adams and The Adams Group TX can pull the latest numbers for your neighborhood and price range, whether you are buying or selling. Call us at (832) 308-7633 or visit us at 5822 Sienna Parkway, Suite 500, Missouri City, TX 77459.
