According to the latest Central Texas Housing Report released by Unlock MLS, pending sales across the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos area rose 8.2% in August, the fourth consecutive month of year-over-year growth, signaling steady buyer interest as the market transitions into fall. The median home price remained stable at $444,490, up slightly from last August. Active listings increased 13% year-over-year to 14,220 listings, though levels have started to trend downward month over month, keeping inventory under six months and the region in a more balanced market.
In the figures specific to Hays County, pending sales rose 4.5% from last August. The median Hays County residential home price was $369,000, 3.4% less than Aug. 2024.
While the percentage rise of active home listings in the overall Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos area (13% rise since August 2024) was not reflected in the figures specific to Hays County (3% decline), the latest average close-to-list price was the same in both areas: (96.1%).
Vaike O’Grady, research advisor at Unlock MLS, said the market continues to perform as expected for this point in the cycle, following familiar seasonal patterns.
“Pending sales are rising, prices are holding steady and inventory is trending in the right direction,” O’Grady said. “The market is showing healthy movement as we head into fall, and August’s data reflects growing buyer confidence even as overall sales volumes ease.”
The cut in the Federal Reserve interest rate could also lead to renewed interest from buyers. “Even a small rate shift can improve affordability and prompt more buyers to re-enter the market, a trend we’ve seen in past cycles,” O’Grady said.
Brandy Wuensch, 2025 Unlock MLS president, said the current market trends leads to a robust housing market.
“We’re seeing signs of a steady and balanced market, and that opens the door for both buyers and sellers,” Wuensch said.
