Monthly Housing Update and MLS Sales Activity
A comprehensive overview of monthly property sales activity for the Greater Houston area as recorded in the MLS.
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HOUSTON HOME SALES PICK UP IN APRIL AS BUYERS RESPOND TO MORE CHOICES
Inventory growth and moderating prices continue to shape the market
HOUSTON — (May 13, 2026) — The spring homebuying season brought renewed energy to Houston’s housing market in April as rising inventory and moderating prices encouraged more buyers to make moves.
According to the Houston Association of Realtors’ April 2026 Housing Market Update, the number of single-family homes sold increased 4.4% year over year, with 8,196 homes sold compared to 7,852 in April 2025.
At the same time, home prices continued to ease modestly. The average single-family home price declined 1.4% to $428,709, while the median price dipped 1.6% to $332,000.
Rising inventory continued to shape the market in April. Active single-family listings rose 6.5% year over year to 36,572 homes, giving buyers more options and creating a more balanced marketplace than Houston has experienced in recent years.
“More inventory is giving buyers room to breathe again,” said HAR Chair Theresa Hill with Compass RE Texas, LLC - Houston. “Homes are still moving, but consumers have more time to make decisions and more leverage during negotiations.”
Mortgage rates dropped from 6.73% a year ago to 6.33% in April, according to Freddie Mac. Houston homebuyers purchasing a median-priced home paid nearly $100 less per month in principal and interest than they did a year earlier, assuming a 20% down payment. On a year-over-year basis, Houston affordability has now improved in 18 of the past 21 months, encouraging news for prospective buyers.
“Houston housing markets are back to pre-pandemic norms and expanding,” said HAR Chief Economist Dr. Ted C. Jones. “Houston home sales are not only back to normal pre-pandemic levels but are growing.”
Unlike national housing sales, which remain significantly below pre-pandemic levels, Houston’s housing market has surpassed sales activity seen in 2019. Houston single-family home sales were up 6.8% in April compared to April 2019 and up 7.6% for the 12-month period ending in April compared to the same period in 2019. By comparison, U.S. existing-home sales were down 22.4% in April 2026 compared to April 2019 and down 22.7% for the 12-month period compared to the same timeframe in 2019.
Housing Market Overview
Sales of all property types across the Greater Houston area increased 3.1% year over year in April, with 9,568 properties sold. Total dollar volume climbed 2.6% to more than $3.9 billion, while active listings across all property types rose 6.0% to 57,436.
Single-Family Homes Update
Single-family home sales continued to strengthen in April, rising 4.4% year over year with 8,196 homes sold. Pending sales jumped 9.4%, another sign that buyer activity remains healthy despite ongoing affordability pressures.
The average single-family home price declined 1.4% to $428,709, while the median price fell 1.6% to $332,000. The average price per square foot decreased 2.0% year over year to $176.
Homes also spent more time on the market, with Days on Market rising from 55 days a year ago to 60 days in April.
Inventory levels continued to expand across the Houston area. Active listings increased 6.5% year over year to 36,572 homes, while months of inventory edged up to 4.9 months from 4.8 months last April. Nationally, inventory stands at 4.1 months, according to the National Association of Realtors.
Broken out by housing segments, single-family home sales performed as follows:
- $1 - $99,999: increased 11.0% (111 transactions)
- $100,000 - $149,999: increased 26.0% (213 transactions)
- $150,000 - $249,999: increased 12.4% (1,528 transactions)
- $250,000 - $499,999: increased 2.8% (4,551 transactions)
- $500,000 - $999,999: decreased 1.3% (1,398 transactions)
- $1M and above: increased 2.1% (394 transactions)
HAR also reports on existing single-family home sales, which increased 4.6% year over year in April, with 5,739 closings. The average price decreased 1.3% to $443,933, while the median price held steady at $335,000.
HAR will publish its April 2026 Rental Market Update on Wednesday, May 20.
For HAR’s Monthly Activity Snapshot (MAS) of the April 2026 trends, please CLICK HERE to access a downloadable PDF file.
Townhome/Condominium Update
The townhome and condominium market remained stable in April, with sales holding even year over year at 450 units sold. The median price rose 7.0% to $230,000, while the average price declined 2.0% to $263,100. Inventory expanded to a 8.3-month supply compared to 7.2 months a year earlier.
Houston Real Estate Highlights in April
- Single-family home sales increased 4.4% year over year.
- Pending sales climbed 9.4%.
- Days on Market (DOM) for single-family homes rose from 55 to 60 days.
- The single-family median price declined 1.6% to $332,000.
- The single-family average price decreased 1.4% to $428,709.
- Single-family home inventory expanded to a 4.9-month supply.
- Total property sales rose 3.1% to 9,568 units sold.
- Total dollar volume increased 2.6% to nearly $4.0 billion.
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