New Home Sales in Texas Experience Slow Decline in January
A new statewide real estate report has revealed a slow decline in new home sales across Texas, including in the Houston metro area.
Houston Sees Most New Home Sales in January
According to the latest New Home Sales Index by HomesUSA.com, Houston saw the most new homes sold in January out of the four biggest metros in Texas, despite being in an overall sales slump compared to December 2024. The three-month moving average of new home sales in the metro was 2,046 last month, versus 2,184 sales in December.
Housing Prices Decline in January
Housing prices also declined in January, with the average new home in Houston dropping to $395,515. This is about $6,200 less than the average price in December, which came out to $401,678.
Winter Season Sales Slump Normal
While these declines may seem atypical, a sales slump is actually normal during the winter season, according to HomesUSA founder and CEO Ben Caballero. "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 in Houston Flatten
Active new home listings in Houston flattened from December to January, with 13,127 active listings on the market last month.
New Home Sales in January Throughout Texas
The report found 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: At 809 homes sold.
January Housing Prices Across Texas
January housing prices fell in San Antonio to an average $337,414, and Austin’s average new home price fell to $483,056. This wasn’t the case in Dallas-Fort Worth, however, as prices increased by nearly $2,600 to $496,498 last month.
Conclusion
The latest New Home Sales Index by HomesUSA.com suggests that the Texas real estate market is experiencing a slow decline in new home sales, with Houston seeing the most new homes sold in January. Housing prices also declined in January, with prices falling in Austin, San Antonio, and Houston, but increasing in Dallas-Fort Worth. This is consistent with the normal winter season sales slump, according to HomesUSA founder and CEO Ben Caballero.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current state of the Texas real estate market?
A: The Texas real estate market is experiencing a slow decline in new home sales, with declines seen in all four major metros, including Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas-Fort Worth.
Q: What is the reason behind the decline in new home sales?
A: The decline in new home sales is likely due to the normal winter season sales slump, as builders and realtors often push to close deals before the end of the year.
Q: Are housing prices also declining?
A: Yes, housing prices are also declining, with prices falling in Austin, San Antonio, and Houston, but increasing in Dallas-Fort Worth.
Q: What does the future hold for the Texas real estate market?
A: The future of the Texas real estate market remains uncertain, but it is likely that the market will continue to experience fluctuations in new home sales and housing prices.
