Houston Housing Market: Trends & Prices (2026)
Houston Real Estate Market Overview
(Last Updated – 8/2026)
Houston offers residents a unique blend of southern charm and a metropolitan feel. As the fourth most populous city in the U.S., Houston has nearly 2.4 million residents.
Houston was also named the fifth most diverse city in America by WalletHub, and there are more than 145 languages spoken in the city.
And of course, who can forget Houston’s history of supporting space travel? Home to the Johnson Space Center, Houston has been the home base for training American astronauts for more than three decades. Houston has even earned the nickname Space City.
Houston remains a major real estate hub driven by its diverse economy, thriving energy industry, and lower cost of living than average. However, recent data shows a cooling market, with active inventory up 9.8% year over year and median prices easing slightly by 1.6% as buyers navigate higher mortgage rates.
Redfin reports that the average house price in Houston increased by 1.4% from the previous year, as of July 2026. Homes typically spend 46 days on the market and generally receive two offers. As a buyer, that time on the market could give you a decent window to complete the mortgage preapproval process.
Overall Houston Market Trends
Redfin’s real estate experts consider Houston to be a somewhat competitive housing market, with the median sale price in Houston being $349,791.
Some homes in Houston receive multiple offers, and more in-demand homes sell in just around 13 days. About 15.3% of homes in Houston sold for above list price over the last year.
$349,791
Median Home Price
$179
Median Price Per Sq. Ft
46 days
Median Days on Market
Houston Housing Market Forecast
If you’re looking to make Houston your longtime home, you may be curious about what the Houston housing market forecast looks like.
According to Zillow, Houston home values have decreased after peaking in mid-2024. Houses are also taking slightly longer to sell, which can give you more leverage during the home-buying process. The playing field for buyers and sellers is leveling out in Space City.
Demographics of the Houston Market
There is a little bit of something for everyone in Houston. From opera performances to pro sporting events, everyone is sure to find some pleasant ways to pass their time in this vibrant city.
For nature lovers, Memorial Park’s 1,500 acres of greenery and outdoor recreational options such as pools and tennis courts should do the trick.
Before you get your heart set on a specific Houston neighborhood and start applying for a home loan, consider checking out a few fast facts about the demographics of Houston.
Median Household Income: $74,323
Median Age: 33.2
College Educated: 39.9%
Homeowners: 42.1%
Married: 40%
Popular Houston Neighborhoods
Many bustling neighborhoods make up the large city of Houston. This city is a melting pot of culture, art, food, and entertainment and is a great option for experienced and first-time homebuyers alike.
You may find it tricky to narrow down your top picks for neighborhoods in the expansive Houston, Texas, housing market, so read on for some must-know facts about five popular Houston neighborhoods.
Recommended: Best Affordable Places in TexasAfton Oaks – River Oaks
Enjoy a leisurely stroll amongst the rich canopy of old-growth hardwood trees that line the streets of Afton Oaks – River Oaks while you check out the single-family homes for sale in this historically rich combined “super neighborhood.”
River Oaks has been noted as one of the best neighborhoods for home appreciation in Houston, with homes appreciating 68% over the last decade. The area has historical, often deed-restricted homes, with the convenience of close proximity to thriving cultural, retail, and professional opportunities.
Quick Facts
Population:
24,519
Median Age:
37
Housing Units:
16,303
Bike Score:
60/100
Walk Score:
65/100
Transit Score:
35/100
Median Household Income:
$110,118
Afton Oaks – River Oaks Housing Market
Prospective Afton Oaks – River Oaks homebuyers have some leeway, but not much. The housing market in this charming Houston neighborhood picked up in recent years, becoming somewhat competitive, per Redfin’s data. Average homes sell in about 43-73 days, around 2%-4% below list price. The most desirable homes in this neighborhood can move much faster, in about 19-21 days.
Prices in the area are both rising and falling. As of July 2026, the average home price in River Oaks went up by 17.8% compared to last year, while Afton Oaks fell by 12.9%. To help you determine how much price fluctuations may affect your budget, consider using a mortgage loan calculator.
Median Sale Price
$247,302-$1,252,079
Median Sale Price Per Sq. Ft.
$198-$565
Greater Heights
If you’re looking for close proximity to Downtown Houston, major freeways, and hubs of entertainment and employment, then Greater Heights may be the place you’ve been dreaming of.
This diverse neighborhood has plenty of single-family homes, bungalows, and townhomes to choose from and is known for having well-kept yards.
Quick Facts
Population:
45,007
Median Age:
36
Housing Units:
23,857
Bike Score:
63/100
Walk Score:
73/100
Transit Score:
45/100
Median Household Income:
$143,229
Greater Heights Housing Market
The Greater Heights housing market is heating up. As of July 2026, home values in this neighborhood rose by 3.6% compared to last year.
Greater Heights homes have also shown a high appreciation rate: 61% over 10 years.
Some homes listed for sale in this somewhat competitive area receive multiple offers and sell in around 35 days. Working with a mortgage lender can help buyers prepare competitive offers, as the hottest homes in Greater Heights sell for around list price on average.
Median Sale Price
$699,265
Median Sale Price Per Sq. Ft.
$348
Neartown – Montrose
This eclectic and bohemian-feeling community enjoys a rich history of attracting free-spirited and creative residents, thanks to its affordable housing options that just so happen to be in close proximity to performance and entertainment venues. This evolving community offers vintage shops, trendy restaurants, and artistic pursuits galore, which could fit into the average monthly expenses for one person.
Quick Facts
Population:
29,955
Median Age:
37
Housing Units:
19,785
Bike Score:
73/100
Walk Score:
86/100
Transit Score:
54/100
Median Household Income:
$116,423
Neartown – Montrose Housing Market
Housing prices in the Neartown – Montrose neighborhood are down 8.6% as of July 2026 compared to last year, but buyers have time to shop around or apply for mortgage preapproval. Houses generally spend 41 days on the market in this area.
If you happen to stumble upon your dream home, though, you may want to act fast. In-demand homes in this artsy neighborhood can sell for about list price and go pending in only around 13 days.
Median Sale Price
$639,785
Median Sale Price Per Sq. Ft.
$268
Museum District
With 19 cultural institutions to explore in Houston’s Museum District, art-lover residents will never be bored. The fun doesn’t stop at just fine and contemporary art.
Movie buffs can stop by the 4D theater, and kids can enjoy the interactive Children’s Museum of Houston.
Quick Facts
Population:
6,353
Median Age:
35
Housing Units:
3,450
Bike Score:
75/100
Walk Score:
74/100
Transit Score:
63/100
Median Household Income:
$106,533
Museum District Housing Market
Despite all of the amazing attractions the Museum District has to offer, it’s not a very competitive housing market. Homes for sale rarely receive multiple offers, and they typically spend 65 days on the market. Good news for buyers: Homes sell for around 5% below list price on average, which might help you decide which type of mortgage loan you need.
Median Sale Price
$494,834
Median Sale Price Per Sq. Ft.
$205
University Place
Proximity to Rice University and the Texas Medical Center is all part of the appeal of living in the University Place neighborhood, as are the amazing retail options in the Village shopping district.
This neighborhood is known for quite expensive homes that are deed-restricted, so you might be looking at the higher end of the cost of living in the U.S.
Quick Facts
Population:
15,775
Median Age:
36
Housing Units:
7,662
Bike Score:
76/100
Walk Score:
72/100
Transit Score:
58/100
Median Household Income:
$116,650
University Place Housing Market
If you find your ideal home in the University Place housing market, then you may need to act quickly. Some homes for sale in this area get multiple offers. The homes can sell for around 3% below list price, so don’t be afraid to haggle a little. The average homes in this neighborhood take a while to sell, spending around 24 days before they go pending, but the hottest ones can move in an average of just one week. That said, you may need to consider getting a jumbo loan to help you afford your dream home in this city.
Median Sale Price
$1,374,538
Median Sale Price Per Sq. Ft.
$452
SoFi Home Loans
It’s easy to see why Houston has become such a popular market to buy a home in. There are some really amazing neighborhoods to choose from, whether you’re young and single or have a family to look after.
If you think Houston could be your home sweet home, then you may need to consider your mortgage financing options.
Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% - 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It's online, with access to one-on-one help.
FAQ
What is the Houston real estate market forecast for 2026?
Houston is considered a somewhat competitive market, and some homes still get multiple offers, though they are taking slightly longer to sell. The hottest homes can go to pending in an average of 13 days, and 15.3% of homes sell for above list price. The median sale price for homes is slightly higher than it was last year, at $349,791.
Is Houston a buyer’s market?
Many of the most popular neighborhoods in Houston have seen a reduction in the number of offers homes are receiving and an increase in the number of days homes take to go pending. This trend can be an indicator that the city is more of a buyer’s market. However, home sale prices are still above list price for 15.3% of homes.
What is the appreciation rate for houses in Houston?
According to Redfin, Houston showed a one-year appreciation rate of 1.4%, compared with the national average of 2%. However, one of the better neighborhoods in Houston for home appreciation rates is River Oaks, with a 68% appreciation rate over the last decade. Another neighborhood to consider is Greater Heights, which has seen 61% appreciation over the last 10 years.
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