Austin Real Estate Market October 2024: Rise in Pending Sales and Inventory

The real estate market in Austin has seen significant changes as of October 2024, reflecting a combination of increased buyer activity and ample housing inventory. In the latest market update, the Austin area recorded a total of 4,130 pending listings, which marks a 6.0% increase compared to the same time last year. This rise in pending listings points to strong demand, suggesting that many buyers are finding value in the current market despite broader economic challenges.

Alongside this uptick in pending listings, the number of active residential properties in Austin reached 14,306, showing a notable year-over-year increase of 14.5%. This surge in available properties creates a well-supplied market for buyers, offering a wide selection of homes at competitive price points. Although inventory levels peaked in July 2024 at 15,503 active listings, the current figure still represents an ample supply, balancing demand effectively.

This increase in active listings is coupled with other key market indicators that highlight the current market’s state. For instance, the Activity Index—measuring the ratio of pending to active listings—stands at 22.4%, an essential gauge for both buyers and sellers. This index level indicates a balanced market where demand is still strong but well-matched by supply, helping to maintain stability across property prices.

Another valuable indicator is the Months of Inventory (MOI), which currently stands at 5.11 months. MOI measures how long it would take for the existing inventory to be sold at the current sales pace if no new listings entered the market. A MOI of over 5 typically suggests that the market leans towards a buyer's advantage, with more options for prospective homeowners to consider. However, this level is balanced enough that sellers can still anticipate steady interest in their listings.

Breaking down the types of active listings reveals even more about current market trends. Of the 14,306 active listings, a significant portion represents resale properties, which make up 62.3% of the total. Resale homes average prices around $761,692, down by 7.1% from previous levels. New construction homes also form a substantial part of the inventory at 16.2%, with an average price of $742,062, reflecting an 8.1% decrease from past months. These price adjustments suggest that sellers and builders alike are aligning their pricing strategies with the market’s demand, creating opportunities for buyers.

Looking at pending sales, resale properties constitute a large share, accounting for 50.4% of all pending listings, with average listing prices around $571,568. New construction follows closely, making up 17.9% of all pending listings with an average price of $599,742. The variance in pending prices indicates that while there is interest in new builds, resale properties continue to attract buyers who may be drawn to established neighborhoods or homes with existing character.

For anyone tracking real estate trends in Austin, this data provides a clear view of the market's strength and balance. Higher pending listings, alongside abundant inventory and stable pricing, show a healthy market that caters to a wide range of buyers. As Austin's real estate landscape evolves, these key metrics provide valuable insights for buyers, sellers, and investors alike​