Reflecting on the Austin Real Estate Market: A 2023 Overview

A Year of Adjustment in Austin's Housing Market

The year 2023 marked a significant shift in the Austin real estate market. According to the comprehensive Annual Market Report by the Austin Board of REALTORS®, we witnessed notable changes in both pricing and sales volume that reflect a broader trend in the housing market. Interestingly, the majority of these stats fail to show the full picture.  In 2023, many sales involved seller concessions that effectively lowered the sales price, yet these metrics are not accounted for in median sales price figures. ​

Key Market Changes in the Austin-Round Rock MSA

A critical figure to highlight is the 10.2% decrease in the median home price, which settled at $450,000 in 2023. This adjustment in pricing is significant, considering the rapid price increases in previous years. Alongside this, the sales volume experienced a modest decline of 3%, culminating in a total of 30,353 sales across the MSA. These figures indicate a cooling market, aligning with broader economic trends and changes in buyer behavior.

Inside the City Limits: A Closer Look at Austin Proper

Focusing on Austin proper, the trends showed a more pronounced shift. The total sales for 2023 saw a near 15% decline, amounting to 8,554 total sales. This reduction in sales volume was more significant than in the wider MSA, suggesting a unique set of factors at play within the city limits. Moreover, the median sales price in Austin proper also witnessed an 8.2% decrease, bringing it to $540,000 for residential homes. This decrease is noteworthy, considering the city's previously consistent track record of rising property values.

Understanding the 2023 Market Dynamics

Several factors contributed to these market changes in 2023. Rising interest rates, economic uncertainties, and a shift in buyer priorities played a role in this cooling phase. Additionally, the market seems to be correcting itself after the unprecedented growth spurred by the pandemic years. These adjustments are essential for the long-term health and sustainability of the real estate market in Austin.

What Does This Mean for Buyers and Sellers?

For potential buyers, the current market presents the most favorable conditions we have seen in recent years. The softened prices and decreased competition offer a window of opportunity, especially for first-time buyers who were previously priced out of the market. However, it’s unclear how long this window will last. Anecdotally, it feels like the market is heating up and mortgage application rates have been increasing over the past few months- an indicator of buyer confidence returning.
Sellers, on the other hand, face a more challenging environment. If you bought your home in the past two years, it’s unlikely that you will be able to sell for a profit today.  If you purchased prior to 2019, conditions are much more favorable.  If you are considering selling, you may want to consider alternative options.  However, if you do determine you need to sell, the need for strategic pricing and effective marketing is more critical than ever to attract discerning buyers in a market that has shifted from its previous seller-friendly dynamics.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Austin's Real Estate Market

As we move forward, the Austin real estate market is expected to stabilize, reflecting more traditional market dynamics. Population growth has always driven Austin’s real estate market, and Austin remains an attractive place to live due to its vibrant culture, thriving economy, and quality of life. Within the city limits, Austin’s recent passing of the first phase of the Home Initiative should bring great opportunities for investors to capitalize on developing multi-unit properties and buyers to benefit from lower entry-cost housing.  As always, Austin continues to be a dynamic and desirable location, and its real estate market remains a key indicator of its overall economic health and resilience. We foresee 2023 to be a blip on the charts in the long term - with Austin home prices continuing to appreciate in order to keep up with buyer demand.