Is the Austin Housing Market Dead?
A recent headline circulating from Redfin — also picked up by the Austin American-Statesman and KVUE — claims that Austin is now the slowest housing market in the country.
That sounds alarming at first glance. But once you look at the data behind the headline, the story becomes much clearer — and far less dramatic.
Let’s break it down.
What the Data Actually Says
According to MLS data cited by Redfin, the typical Austin home took 106 days to go under contract in December, compared to about 60 days nationally.
On paper, that technically makes Austin the “slowest” major metro right now.
But there’s important context most headlines leave out:
This data was pulled from December — historically one of the slowest months of the year for real estate in every market across the country.
Austin didn’t suddenly stall. It simply slowed down more than most, largely because it had previously been one of the most overheated housing markets from 2020 through 2022.
What we’re seeing now is not collapse.
It’s correction.
Why Homes Are Taking Longer to Sell
The biggest shift in today’s market isn’t that buyers disappeared.
It’s inventory.
Austin currently has more than twice as many sellers as buyers. That creates a market where:
Buyers have time
Buyers have leverage
Buyers have options
Sellers have more competition
That’s a very different environment from the fast-paced, multiple-offer market of just a few years ago.
What This Means for Sellers Right Now
This is no longer a market where you can:
Overprice your home
Do minimal preparation
Expect immediate offers
Today’s sellers must be:
Strategic with pricing
Honest about the home’s condition
Realistic about timeline
Intentional with presentation and marketing
Because if a home is priced right and positioned well, buyers are still there.
If it’s not, buyers will simply move on — because right now, they can.
Is the Market Dead? Absolutely Not.
Homes are still selling every single day in Austin.
What’s changed is the seller advantage that existed in 2021. What exists now is a balanced market that rewards preparation, pricing strategy, and proper positioning.
As we move closer to spring and summer, many homeowners will start thinking about making a move. The key is to plan ahead rather than react to headlines.
The Bottom Line
Austin isn’t dead. It’s adjusting.
And in this type of market, the difference between sitting on the market and successfully selling often comes down to strategy.
Because while headlines grab attention, data drives decisions.
