May 2026 Central Texas Housing Market Report

by TJ Lewis Real Estate

Central Texas Housing Market Carries Spring Momentum Into Summer

One of the biggest questions facing the Central Texas housing market this spring was whether buyer activity would continue once mortgage rates moved off their earlier lows.

The May data suggest the answer is yes.

According to the May 2026 Central Texas Housing Report released by Unlock MLS, buyers remained active throughout the peak spring selling season. Pending sales increased 14.3% year over year to 3,310 transactions, staying remarkably close to April's elevated level of 3,411 pending sales.

That's significant because it suggests the momentum we've seen building throughout 2026 isn't solely tied to a temporary drop in mortgage rates. Instead, buyers appear to be adjusting to today's market conditions and moving forward when the right opportunity presents itself.

For much of the past few years, many buyers have been waiting for the "perfect" time to purchase. Whether it was hopes for lower rates, lower prices, or more inventory, there was always a reason to delay. What we're seeing now is a shift away from that mindset.

Buyers are increasingly recognizing that life doesn't always wait for perfect market conditions. Job changes, growing families, downsizing, and relocation needs continue regardless of what interest rates are doing.

Vaike O'Grady, market research advisor at Unlock MLS, highlighted this change in consumer behavior:

“What’s particularly notable about May’s housing activity is that buyers continued to engage with the market even as many of the factors that typically create hesitation, such as affordability challenges and economic uncertainty, remained in place. That tells us consumers are making decisions based on long-term life goals and housing needs rather than trying to perfectly time the market. We’re also seeing encouraging signs of stability across key indicators, including home prices, days on market and close-to-list price ratios. Together, those trends point to a market that is functioning in a healthy and predictable way, giving both buyers and sellers greater confidence as they navigate their next move.”

That last point is worth emphasizing.

A healthy housing market isn't one where prices are skyrocketing or where buyers feel pressured to make rushed decisions. It's a market where buyers and sellers can make informed choices with confidence because conditions are relatively stable and predictable.

That's increasingly what we're seeing across Central Texas.

Home prices have largely stabilized. Inventory levels are healthier than they were a few years ago. Buyers have more choices, and sellers who price their homes appropriately are still finding success.

John Crowe, 2026 Unlock MLS and ABoR president, noted that the region's continued activity reflects the long-term strength of the area:

“Central Texas remains one of the most dynamic regions in the country, and the sustained buyer activity we’re seeing this spring reflects the quality of life and strong communities that make this area so attractive. For consumers, one of the biggest benefits of today's market is having the ability to be more intentional about their next move. Rather than racing against rapidly changing conditions, buyers and sellers have an opportunity to evaluate their options, ask questions and make informed decisions. A professional agent can help guide that process and provide the local perspective needed to navigate it successfully.”

As we move into the summer months, the market appears to be settling into a healthier rhythm. Demand remains strong, buyers are becoming more confident, and sellers are operating in an environment that's far more predictable than we've seen in recent years.

That's not a sign of a slowing market. It's a sign of a maturing one—and that's good news for everyone involved.

Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos MSA

May 2026 - For Sale

2,953 – Residential homes sold, 3.4% less than May 2025.
$440,000 – Median price for residential homes, 0.9% less than May 2025.
4,786 – New home listings on the market, 16.7% less than May 2025.
12,508 – Active home listings on the market, 16.6% less than May 2025.
3,310 – Pending sales, 14.3% more than May 2025.
4.7 – Months of inventory, 0.3 less than May 2025.
$1,744,835,169 – Total dollar volume of homes sold, 2.2% less than May 2025.
94.5% – Average close to list price, flat compared to May 2025.