Houston homebuying activity eased in September 2026 as mortgage rates rose, according to the Houston Association of REALTORS. Prices remained steady while buyers took more time to decide.
September 2026 Houston Housing Market Numbers
Single-family home sales reached 7,030 closings, down 5.7% year over year. Pending sales stood at 6,789, down 11.6%. Active single-family listings totaled 40,192, up 6.3%. Inventory rose to 5.5 months from 5.1. Homes spent an average of 58 days on the market, up from 56. The median price was essentially unchanged at $325,000. The average price rose 0.7% to $421,311. Across all property types, sales totaled 8,181 (down 6.4%) with $3.45 billion in volume (down 2.1%). Active listings of all types reached 62,002, up 5.0%. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.86% in September, with weekly rates ranging from 6.71% to 7.03%, and climbing further into early October.
Higher mortgage rates are making buyers look more closely at what they can comfortably afford. People are taking a little more time, weighing their options and focusing on long-term affordability. Stable prices and a broad selection of homes are helping keep opportunities within reach.
Houston Association of REALTORS
What This Means for Houston Home Buyers and Sellers
For buyers in Houston and Fort Bend County, the rise to 5.5 months of inventory and 58 days on market means more choice and more time. The steady median price of $325,000 helps offset higher rates near 6.86%.
Sellers continue to see relatively stable pricing. While sales volume is lower year over year, well-priced homes in desirable Houston neighborhoods still attract interest. Accurate pricing remains important in this more balanced market.
Source: Houston Association of REALTORS September 2026 Housing Market Update. Full report at har.com/content/department/mls.