Dallas–Fort Worth & Austin Housing Market Guide: Fall 2026

By RealMortgage Team

Key Takeaways

  • Texas's statewide median sale price was $333,611 in August 2026, down 1.3% year over year (Redfin).
  • In Dallas–Fort Worth, the median list price was $425,000 (-1.2% YoY), and 27.5% of listings had a price cut (Realtor.com).
  • In Austin (Travis County), the median sale price was $497,336 (-5.3% YoY), with 6.5 months of supply, which is a buyer's market (Redfin).
  • With the 30-year average at 7.03% (Freddie Mac, Sep 24, 2026), builder buydowns and seller credits are important tools.

Dallas–Fort Worth by the Numbers

Measure (Aug 2026) Figure Change YoY

Median list price (Realtor.com) $425,000 -1.2%

Active listings 29,549 -4.4%

Listings with price cuts 27.5% vs. 20.4% nationally

Median days on market 58 flat

City of Dallas median sale price (Redfin) $448,703 ~flat

The Texas Real Estate Research Center says DFW is moving toward stable prices. Fort Worth–Arlington has posted several months of small year-over-year price gains.

Austin by the Numbers

Measure (Aug 2026) Figure Change YoY

Travis County median sale price (Redfin) $497,336 -5.3%

Months of supply 6.5 buyer's market

Median days on market 72 -10 days

Austin MSA closed sales (Unlock MLS) 2,501 -7.3%

Austin MSA pending sales 2,623 +1.5%

Austin prices are still adjusting after the earlier run-up. More than half of homes that sold in Travis County had a price cut, which gives buyers real negotiating power.

Financing a Texas Home in 2026

  • New-construction incentives: Builders often offer rate buydowns or closing-cost credits. Get an independent quote to compare the whole offer, not just the rate.
  • Taxes and insurance: Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes and homeowners insurance often add a lot to the monthly payment. Budget for the full cost.
  • Down payment help: TSAHC and TDHCA offer assistance for eligible first-time and repeat buyers.
  • Investors: DSCR loans qualify based on a property's rental income. That can work well in Austin's higher-inventory market.

Tips for Buyers

  • In Austin, ask for price reductions and seller-paid rate buydowns.
  • In DFW, act quickly on fresh listings, since new supply fell 2.5%. Negotiate hard on homes that have been listed a while.
  • Compare property tax rates across suburbs. They vary widely.

Tips for Sellers

  • Price to the current market. More than 1 in 4 DFW listings has cut its price.
  • Offering a buydown credit can be more effective than a price cut.

Get a personalized quote — no SSN required. See also our Fall 2026 four-state update and first-time buyer guide for Texas.

Sources

Data as of September 24, 2026. Rates are national averages, not an offer of credit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are home prices dropping in Austin?

Yes, modestly. Redfin reported Travis County's August 2026 median at $497,336, down 5.3% from a year earlier, with 6.5 months of supply.

Is Dallas–Fort Worth a good market for buyers right now?

Buyers have leverage. 27.5% of DFW listings had price cuts in August, and prices are about flat, though new listings are limited.

What first-time buyer programs are available in Texas?

TSAHC and TDHCA offer down payment and closing-cost assistance to eligible buyers statewide.