Statewide Real Estate Report Reveals Slow Decline in New Home Sales Across Texas
A new statewide real estate report has shed light on a slow decline in new home sales across Texas, including in the Houston metro area. The latest New Home Sales Index by HomesUSA.com revealed that Houston saw the most new homes sold in January out of the four biggest metros in Texas, despite experiencing an overall sales slump compared to December 2024.
Houston Sees Most New Home Sales Despite Slump
The three-month moving average of new home sales in the Houston metro was 2,046 last month, versus 2,184 sales in December. Housing prices also declined in January, with the average new home in Houston dropping to $395,515. That’s about $6,200 less than the average price in December, which came out to $401,678.
Other Major Metros Experience Decline in New Home Sales
The report also found that new home sales dropped not only in Houston, but also in Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas-Fort Worth. Dallas-Fort Worth’s three-month moving average of new home sales was the second-highest out of all four metros with 1,847 sales made in January, but that figure technically decreased by 43 homes from December. San Antonio saw 67 fewer homes sold from December to January, totaling 1,008 sales last month. Austin saw the fewest new homes sold last month out of the four major Texas metros, with 809 homes sold.
Winter Season Affects New Home Sales
According to HomesUSA founder and CEO Ben Caballero, a sales slump is actually normal during the winter season. "January sales are often lower than December in Austin as builders push hard to close the year with as many sales as possible," Caballero said. "Austin builders were offering discounts, buyer incentives, and Realtor bonuses for December closings. A slower January is not unusual for that reason."
Active New Home Listings Flatten in Houston
Active new home listings in Houston flattened from December to January, with 13,127 active listings on the market last month.
Average Prices for New Homes in Texas
The report found that average prices for new homes fell in Austin, San Antonio, and Houston, but increased in Dallas-Fort Worth. In January, the average price for new homes in:
- Houston fell to $395,515, down from $401,678 in December
- Austin fell to $483,056, down from an unknown price in December
- San Antonio fell to $337,414, down from an unknown price in December
- Dallas-Fort Worth increased to $496,498, up from $493,900 in December
Conclusion
While the report reveals a slow decline in new home sales across Texas, it is essential to note that this is a normal trend during the winter season. Homebuyers and builders should be aware of this trend and adjust their strategies accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the New Home Sales Index?
A: The New Home Sales Index is a report published by HomesUSA.com that tracks new home sales across major metros in Texas.
Q: Why did new home sales decline in January?
A: The report suggests that a sales slump is normal during the winter season, as builders and homebuyers adjust their strategies.
Q: Which metro saw the most new home sales in January?
A: Houston saw the most new home sales in January, with 2,046 sales.
Q: What is the average price of a new home in Houston?
A: The average price of a new home in Houston is $395,515, down from $401,678 in December.
