How Austin's Housing Market Compares to the Rest of the Country Right Now

One question we hear a lot from both local buyers and people relocating to Austin from out of state: how does our market actually compare to the rest of the country right now? Using the most recent data available (Redfin, as of August 2026), here is a clear picture.

Austin's price tag is still well above the national median

Austin's median sale price sat at $549,636 in August 2026, compared to a national median of $398,596 -- Austin homes are running about 38% higher than the typical U.S. home. Even with the recent cooling described below, that gap keeps Austin firmly in the pricier tier of major U.S. metros.

But the two markets are moving in opposite directions

Nationally, prices were still climbing as of August 2026 -- up about 2.2% year over year, with homes selling in a median of 50 days and roughly 24% of homes fetching above their list price. That points to a market that, overall, still leans toward sellers.

Austin told a different story over the same period. The median sale price actually dipped about 1% year over year, homes sat on the market a bit longer at a median of 57 days, and the typical Austin home sold for about 3% under its list price. Redfin currently rates Austin as "somewhat competitive" rather than a hot seller's market.

What this means if you're buying or selling in Austin

• Buyers: you likely have more room to negotiate here than in many other parts of the country right now, along with a bit more time to make a decision without heavy multiple-offer pressure.
• Sellers: accurate pricing matters more than ever -- a home priced as if it were still 2022 or 2023 is more likely to sit on the market.
• Out-of-state buyers and investors: Austin remains more expensive than most of the country, but the rapid, guaranteed appreciation of the pandemic years has cooled off, at least for now.

Wondering what these trends mean for your own home's value? Request a free Home Value Report on our Looking to Sell page, or reach out any time -- we're happy to talk through what we're seeing in your specific neighborhood.

Data referenced above is from Redfin’s Austin and U.S. housing market reports, as of August 2026.