Houston Housing Market Update: September 2026 – More Homes, Slower Sales & What It Means for Buyers and Sellers

October 2026 | By Anja Drewes Neidhardt, Broker/Owner, Anja Drewes Properties

The Greater Houston real estate market is changing, and both buyers and sellers are feeling the difference.

According to the latest September 2026 Housing Market Report from the Houston Association of Realtors (HAR), home sales declined compared to last year, inventory increased, and properties are taking longer to sell.

But here's something important: Home prices are holding relatively steady.

After more than 18 years in real estate and over 800 successful transactions throughout Greater Houston, I've experienced many different market conditions. One thing I've learned is that understanding your local market matters much more than simply following national headlines.

Let's take a closer look at what the latest numbers mean for homeowners and buyers in Sugar Land, Richmond, Katy, and surrounding communities.

Houston Real Estate Market: September 2026 by the Numbers

According to HAR's report released October 14, 2026:

Market Indicator	September 2026	Change from 2025
Single-Family Homes Sold	7,030	↓ 5.7%
Average Sales Price	$421,311	↑ 0.7%
Median Sales Price	$325,000	Essentially unchanged
Active Single-Family Listings	40,192	↑ 6.3%
Days on Market	58 days	Up from 56
Months of Inventory	5.5 months	Up from 5.1
Pending Sales	6,789	↓ 11.6%

Source: Houston Association of Realtors, September 2026 Housing Market Update.

These numbers tell us that buyers have more options, homes are taking longer to sell, and affordability continues to influence purchasing decisions.

More Homes for Sale Means More Competition for Sellers

With 40,192 single-family homes available across Greater Houston, buyers have more choices than they did a year ago.

For sellers, that means your home is competing against more properties.

A few years ago, buyers often had to make quick decisions because there were so few homes available. Today, they can compare properties, evaluate condition and updates, and take more time before submitting an offer.

My perspective:

I'm seeing how important presentation and pricing have become in today's market.

Buyers notice the details. They compare updated kitchens, flooring, roof age, floor plans, outdoor spaces, and overall condition. They also pay attention to how long a property has been listed.

A home that is priced appropriately, professionally presented, and marketed effectively can still attract serious buyers.

However, simply putting a home on the MLS and waiting for offers is no longer enough.

This is especially important in competitive markets such as Richmond, Sugar Land, and Katy, where buyers may have several similar homes to choose from.

Homes Are Taking Longer to Sell

HAR reports that the average time to sell a single-family home increased from 56 days in September 2025 to 58 days in September 2026.

That may not sound like a significant difference, but the Greater Houston average doesn't tell the whole story.

In some neighborhoods and price ranges, homes are taking 60 to 90 days or even longer to sell.

What does this mean if you're planning to sell?

First, realistic expectations are important.

Second, your initial listing strategy matters.

The first few weeks on the market are a valuable opportunity to capture buyer attention. Starting too high can mean missing that early interest, especially when buyers have plenty of alternatives.

My approach is to study recent comparable sales, current competition, pending transactions, and neighborhood-specific trends before recommending a listing strategy.

The goal isn't simply to list your home. It's to position it to attract qualified buyers and negotiate the strongest possible terms.

Houston Home Prices Remain Relatively Stable

Despite slower sales, Houston home prices have not experienced a significant overall decline.

The average single-family home price increased slightly to $421,311, while the median price remained essentially unchanged at $325,000.

That's encouraging news for homeowners.

However, it's important to remember that Greater Houston is not one single real estate market.

A home in Sugar Land may experience different market conditions than a new construction property in Richmond or a luxury estate in Katy.

Even within the same neighborhood, pricing can vary depending on location, updates, condition, lot size, and buyer demand.

My advice to homeowners:

Don't assume your property has gained or lost value based solely on Houston's overall statistics.

A personalized comparative market analysis is much more useful than a general online home value estimate.

Mortgage Rates Continue to Influence Buyers

Mortgage rates remain one of the biggest challenges for today's homebuyers.

According to HAR, the average 30-year mortgage rate was 6.86% in September 2026, compared with 6.35% a year earlier.

Rates increased further into October, with Freddie Mac reporting a weekly average of 7.40% during the second week.

Higher mortgage rates affect purchasing power, monthly payments, and the price range buyers feel comfortable considering.

For example, HAR reported that the monthly principal and interest payment on a median-priced Houston home increased by approximately $83 compared with a year earlier, assuming a 20% down payment.

That's nearly $1,000 more per year.

Could Seller Concessions Help?

One strategy worth exploring is a seller contribution toward a buyer's closing costs or mortgage rate buydown.

Instead of immediately reducing the asking price, some sellers may consider helping a qualified buyer lower their initial financing costs.

Whether that makes sense depends on the property's pricing, the offer, financing guidelines, and the seller's financial goals.

It's not the right solution for every transaction, but it can be a useful negotiating tool.

Is It a Good Time to Buy a Home in Houston?

For buyers who are financially prepared, today's market offers opportunities that were harder to find when inventory was extremely limited.

With more homes available, buyers may have additional time to compare properties, review inspections, and negotiate terms.

Depending on the property and seller's circumstances, there may also be opportunities to request closing cost assistance, repairs, or other concessions.

However, I always encourage buyers to focus on the complete financial picture rather than trying to predict exactly when mortgage rates will drop.

The right home should fit both your lifestyle and your budget.

And while refinancing may become an option if rates decrease in the future, that possibility should never be treated as a guarantee.

Thinking About Selling in Sugar Land, Richmond, or Katy?

Homes are still selling throughout Greater Houston, but sellers need to adjust their expectations and strategies to today's conditions.

In my experience, successful listings begin well before the property goes live.

That means understanding the competition, preparing the home properly, investing in professional photography and video, and developing a marketing plan designed to reach the right buyers.

At Anja Drewes Properties, I believe every property deserves an individual approach.

Whether you're selling a luxury home in Sugar Land, a family home in Richmond, or a property in Katy, the strategy should reflect your home, your neighborhood, and your goals.

The market has changed, but a well-prepared home with the right strategy can still sell successfully.

My Final Thoughts on the Houston Housing Market

The September 2026 numbers show a market that is becoming more balanced, with greater inventory, longer selling times, and more cautious buyers.

That doesn't mean the housing market has stopped moving.

It means buyers are being more selective, and sellers need to be more strategic.

For homeowners considering selling, understanding your property's position in the local market is essential.

For buyers, increased inventory may create opportunities to find the right home and negotiate favorable terms.

And for both sides, local market knowledge makes a difference.

Curious what your home could sell for in today's market?

I'd be happy to provide a personalized market analysis based on recent sales, competing listings, and current buyer activity in your neighborhood.

Let's talk about your real estate goals and develop a strategy that works for you.

Anja Drewes Neidhardt
Broker/Owner | Anja Drewes Properties
German Precision, Texas Heart
Serving Sugar Land, Richmond, Katy & Greater Houston

www.anjadrewes.com

Source & Market Data

Houston Association of Realtors (HAR), Houston Homebuying Activity Eases in September as Mortgage Rates Rise, published October 14, 2026.

Read the original HAR September 2026 Housing Market Report

Market statistics reflect Greater Houston regional data. Individual neighborhoods, property types, and price ranges may experience different conditions.