June 14, 2024 : Austin-Area MLS Active Listings Cross 15,000 for the First Time

The Austin-Area real estate market is witnessing a significant change as the number of active residential listings has crossed the 15,000 mark for the first time. This milestone, reached in mid-June 2024, reflects a substantial increase in available properties compared to previous years.

In 2022, the active listings began modestly at 2,031 in early April and saw a steady rise, peaking at 10,874 by early September. This year-over-year growth continued in 2023, where listings started at 9,134 in early January and climbed to 12,188 by late August. However, 2024 has seen even more dramatic growth. Listings began at 9,707 in early January and soared to 15,035 by mid-June, marking a significant 30% increase compared to the same period in 2023.

The monthly growth trends over these years illustrate the dynamic nature of the Austin-Area real estate market. In 2022, active listings grew rapidly from 2,031 in early April to 6,551 by mid-June. In 2023, the market saw a steadier increase, with listings rising from approximately 9,700 in early April to around 11,500 by mid-June. This year, the growth has been even more pronounced, with listings increasing from 11,880 in early April to over 15,000 by mid-June.

Daily changes in active listings for 2024 further highlight the market's dynamism. For example, on May 10, there was a notable increase of 423 listings. Similar spikes were observed on May 24, with an increase of 159 listings, and on June 14, with a jump of 256 listings, which helped the market reach the 15,000 milestone.

This rise in listings is complemented by changes in other key metrics. The months of inventory, which indicates how long it would take to sell the current inventory at the existing sales pace if no new listings were added, has increased to 5.26 months by mid-June 2024. This is a significant rise from previous years, suggesting a shift towards a more balanced or buyer-friendly market.

Pending listings, which represent properties under contract but not yet sold, have shown a decrease compared to the previous year. By June 14, 2024, pending listings were down by 9.3% year-over-year. This decline indicates a slower pace of transactions, likely due to the increased inventory and more choices available to buyers.

Comparing data from previous years provides additional insights. In 2022, the market experienced rapid growth from April to June, with active listings nearly tripling from 2,031 to 6,551. The trend continued in 2023, albeit at a steadier pace, with listings growing from 9,134 in January to 11,760 by mid-June. In 2024, the growth has been much sharper, with listings starting at 9,707 in January and reaching 15,035 by mid-June.

The current market dynamics indicate that the Austin-Area real estate market is evolving. Buyers now have more options, which could lead to longer selling times and potentially more competitive pricing strategies from sellers. Real estate agents need to stay informed about these trends to provide accurate advice and adjust their marketing strategies accordingly.

In conclusion, the crossing of the 15,000 active listings mark in the Austin-Area MLS is a significant milestone. This growth reflects broader market trends and suggests a shift towards a more balanced market. Understanding these changes is crucial for all stakeholders in the real estate industry, from buyers and sellers to agents and brokers. 

This article is based on data published on June 14, 2024. Real estate statistics are constantly evolving. For the most current data and analysis, please refer to the following resources, updated weekly: Latest Active Residential Listings in the Austin-Area