Are we truly heading into a buyer’s market in 2026, or is the idea of a “buyer’s market” in the Houston region more myth than reality right now?
If you’re considering selling a home in Houston, it’s critical to understand whether the notion of a “buyer’s market” is accurate, especially as you plan your listing strategy with the team at The Jamie McMartin Group, led by Jamie McMartin. In this blog post, we’ll explore whether a buyer’s market in Houston in 2026 is real, what the latest data really shows in the Houston real estate market, and how you as a homeowner should interpret these signals when you’re planning to sell.
What does “Buyer’s Market” really mean?
In real estate terms, a buyer’s market typically implies that supply exceeds demand, giving purchasers more negotiating power and reducing the average sale price growth. For a seller, understanding whether you’re in a buyer’s market or not is essential because it affects pricing strategy, timing, staging, and expectations. As your trusted Houston real estate agent, Jamie McMartin and our team believe many homeowners assume a buyer’s market is coming, but the Houston real estate market isn’t uniformly moving that way.
What the latest Houston data reveals
Increased inventory and more options for buyers
One of the hallmark signs of a buyer’s market is elevated inventory. The most recent data for the Greater Houston area shows:
- In July 2025, active listings hit approximately 40,000, a 38.2% increase from the same time the previous year, according to a report from Houston Association of Realtors (HAR).
- In May 2025, single‐family homes listings reached roughly 37,455, up 35% year over year.
These inventory levels reflect a shift, more supply than we’ve seen in the ultra-tight years of the pandemic. That signals buyers have more options than they had recently, which is one component of a buyer’s market.
Price growth is moderate, not collapse
Another expected trait of a buyer’s market is a drop (or stagnation) in prices. In Houston:
- The median home price for single-family homes in Houston reached around $325,000 in January 2025, a modest increase year over year,
- In June 2025, single-family home sales rose 12.5% year-over-year. The median price remained relatively flat at around $346,651, while the average price increased 4.4% to $450,235.
What this tells us: The Houston real estate market is not collapsing into a deep buyer’s market in terms of prices. Prices are not dropping significantly; they’re moderating.
Days on market & pricing power
Other data:
- In April 2025, about 65% of homes in Houston sold below asking price, suggesting negotiation power is shifting somewhat to buyers.
- Months of inventory in Houston expanded to 5.2 months in September 2025, up from 4.3 a year earlier. A 4- to 6-month supply is often considered balanced.
So yes, buyers are gaining some leverage, but the market is better described as “balanced” than outright buyer-dominated.
Why calling 2026 a buyer’s market in Houston may be a myth
Given the data above, here’s why we, at The Jamie McMartin Group, believe the term “buyer’s market” for Houston in 2026 is misleading (especially in many of the high-demand neighborhoods and suburbs).
Demand remains strong in key areas
Houston continues to benefit from strong fundamentals: a diversified economy, population growth, and a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many U.S. metros. That means demand remains elevated in many segments, even as inventory rises. For sellers in desirable areas, this demand can help maintain pricing strength.
Value still driven by location and condition
While supply is increasing, not all homes are built the same. Homes that are well-priced, well-presented, and in desirable locations continue to sell quickly, even in areas where inventory has gone up. That means the sellers who do their homework (pricing, condition, agent representation) are still in strong positions. The Jamie McMartin Group helps sellers navigate those specifics.
What sellers should do if they hear “Buyer’s Market Is Coming”
If you’re preparing to sell a home in Houston, hearing that a buyer’s market is coming in 2026 can trigger uncertainty. Here’s how we recommend navigating that narrative:
1. Don’t wait on the market, position your home
If you delay listing based on the idea that “prices will fall,” you might miss your window. The Jamie McMartin Group advises: focus on features you control, condition, presentation, pricing, and lean into that strategy rather than purely timing the market.
2. Use local market data, not broad headlines
Houston is large and diverse, submarkets perform differently. Inventory might be rising in some ZIPs, but demand could still be strong in others. As a Houston Realtor, we bring data-driven insight at the neighborhood level so you’re not relying on broad “buyer’s market” assumptions.
3. Highlight value and preparedness
In a market that’s trending toward balance, the homes that stand out are those that are ready to go: staged, photographed professionally, marketed aggressively. Sellers who are proactive generally beat homes that simply wait.
4. Choose the right agent with local expertise
Because negotiation power is becoming more balanced, your agent’s expertise in pricing strategy, marketing, and buyer behavior makes a bigger difference. The Jamie McMartin Group brings that local edge to Houston home sellers.
A seller’s checklist for 2026 in Houston
Here are tangible steps for homeowners considering a sale in the Houston area:
- Schedule a local comparative market analysis (CMA): Understand how your specific neighborhood is performing.
- Update your home’s condition and presentation: The better the condition, the more likely you’ll appeal to active buyers.
- Market early and aggressively: In a balanced market, taking the lead helps.
- Set pricing with room for negotiation: With buyers gaining a bit more leverage, pricing smart from the start prevents list stagnation.
- Partner with experienced Houston real estate agents: Agents who know the Houston market deeply add strategic value.
Why The Jamie McMartin Group is your go-to partner for selling in Houston
When the market is shifting, neither strong seller’s market nor deep buyer’s market, working with a trusted, experienced team is key. At The Jamie McMartin Group:
- We are deeply rooted in Houston and the surrounding suburbs, we monitor local trends, not just national headlines.
- Jamie McMartin and our team combine marketing savvy, staging insight, and strong negotiation skills to help sellers succeed in any market.
- We adhere strictly to all ethical and regulatory frameworks (Fair Housing Act, RESPA, Texas Real Estate Commission rules, NAR Code of Ethics), so you can trust our process is transparent and compliant.
In summary: balanced market = smart strategy wins
The idea that Houston in 2026 will automatically tip into a full-blown buyer’s market is a myth. The data shows a market shifting toward balance, more inventory, modest price moderation, slightly more negotiation power for buyers, but not a dramatic collapse.
For you as a homeowner looking to sell a home in Houston, the takeaway is clear: your success will depend less on waiting for the market and more on your strategy, preparation, and agent choice. With The Jamie McMartin Group by your side, you’re equipped to act confidently, even in a market evolving toward equilibrium.
If you’re ready to explore your home’s value and build a tailor-made selling plan for the Houston market in 2026, contact The Jamie McMartin Group today. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.