Houston Housing Market Update – April 2026

The Houston real estate market showed renewed momentum in April as buyers responded to increased inventory, moderating home prices, and improving affordability. According to the latest report from the Houston Association of Realtors, the spring market is shaping up to be more balanced than we’ve seen in recent years — creating opportunities for both buyers and sellers.

Houston Home Sales Continue to Rise

Single-family home sales increased 4.4% year-over-year in April, with 8,196 homes sold compared to 7,852 during the same month last year. Pending sales also jumped 9.4%, signaling continued buyer demand heading into the summer market.

Unlike many national housing markets that are still lagging behind pre-pandemic activity, Houston continues to outperform. In fact, Houston home sales are now exceeding 2019 pre-pandemic levels, showing the long-term strength and resilience of the local market.

More Inventory Means More Opportunities for Buyers

One of the biggest shifts in the market continues to be inventory growth. Active single-family home listings rose 6.5% year-over-year, bringing total inventory to 36,572 homes available across the Greater Houston area.

This increase in inventory has helped move Houston toward a more balanced market. Buyers now have:

• More homes to choose from
• More time to make decisions
• Increased negotiating power
• Better opportunities for inspections and contingencies

Months of inventory increased slightly to 4.9 months, compared to 4.8 months last year.

For many buyers who felt rushed during the highly competitive pandemic years, this is welcome news.

Home Prices Continue to Moderate

Home prices softened slightly in April:

• Average home price: $428,709 (down 1.4%)
• Median home price: $332,000 (down 1.6%)
• Average price per square foot: $176 (down 2.0%)

While prices have eased modestly, Houston continues to remain relatively affordable compared to many major metropolitan areas nationwide.

Mortgage rates have also improved from 6.73% last year to approximately 6.33% in April, helping reduce monthly payment costs for buyers.

Homes Are Taking Longer to Sell

Another sign of a shifting market is the increase in Days on Market (DOM). Homes spent an average of 60 days on the market in April, compared to 55 days a year ago.

This doesn’t mean homes aren’t selling — it simply means buyers have become more selective and strategic. Proper pricing, strong presentation, and effective marketing continue to be critical for sellers looking to stand out.

Luxury and Mid-Range Markets Stay Active

Houston saw strong activity across several price points:

• $150,000–$249,999 homes: up 12.4%
• $250,000–$499,999 homes: up 2.8%
• $1M+ luxury homes: up 2.1%

The luxury market in particular continues to show resilience, especially in desirable areas throughout Houston and surrounding suburbs.

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers

For Buyers:

The current market offers more flexibility and opportunity than we’ve seen in years. Increased inventory and slightly lower rates are creating a healthier environment for homebuyers to explore options and negotiate favorable terms.

For Sellers:

Homes are still selling, but strategy matters more than ever. Accurate pricing, professional marketing, and preparation are becoming increasingly important as buyers gain more choices.

Final Thoughts

The Houston housing market continues to normalize in a positive way. Inventory growth, moderating prices, and improving affordability are helping create a more sustainable environment for both buyers and sellers.

As we move deeper into the spring and summer market, Houston remains one of the stronger-performing housing markets in the country — and activity levels suggest confidence remains high.

If you’re considering buying, selling, or investing in Houston real estate, now is a great time to evaluate your options and create a strategy that fits today’s changing market conditions.