Austin Real Estate Market Sees Record Highs in Active Listings and Inventory

June 21, 2024 : The Austin real estate market has experienced significant changes, reaching record highs in active residential listings and months of inventory. As of June 21, 2024, active residential listings have reached an unprecedented 15,137, representing a 5.96% increase month-over-month and a substantial 28.7% rise year-over-year. This is the highest number of active listings ever recorded, surpassing the previous high of 15,035 on June 14, 2024, by 102 listings.

A detailed comparison of the current year to the previous year reveals notable differences in the market dynamics. In 2023, the number of active listings was 11,760, which means the 2024 figure shows a remarkable increase of 28.7%. On the other hand, pending listings have seen a decline. In 2023, there were 5,245 pending listings, whereas in 2024, the number has decreased to 4,883, a drop of 6.9%. This shift indicates a cooling in the market’s absorption rate.

The activity index, which measures the percentage of properties under contract out of the total available, provides further insight into market trends. The activity index has fallen from 31.6% in 2023 to 24.4% in 2024, showing a significant decrease of 22.7%. This metric is a leading indicator of market absorption, highlighting the percentage of properties going under contract out of the total available. A lower activity index suggests a slower pace of property sales relative to the number of active listings.

Another critical metric, months of inventory, has also reached a new high. In 2024, the months of inventory stand at 5.31, compared to 4.04 in 2023, marking a 31.6% increase. This indicates a slower turnover of homes, suggesting that properties are remaining on the market for longer periods before being sold.

The current market conditions also reveal significant price adjustments and occupancy trends. Out of all active listings, 52.1% have experienced price drops, and 44.2% of pending listings have had price reductions before going under contract. Additionally, 57.2% of all active listings are currently vacant, reflecting changes in property occupancy dynamics.

When breaking down the types of listings, resale homes constitute the majority with 9,714 properties, accounting for 64.2% of the total active listings. New construction follows with 2,359 homes, making up 15.6% of the market. Other categories include updated or remodeled homes, which represent 5.9% of the market, and properties under construction, which account for 10.7%.

Geographical distribution shows variations in market activity across different cities within the Austin area. For instance, Austin itself has 4,796 active listings, with 54.6% experiencing price drops. In contrast, Lakeway has 164 active listings, with a notable 68.9% having undergone price reductions. Other areas like Leander and Georgetown also show significant levels of price adjustments, with 58.6% and 56.1% of listings experiencing price drops, respectively.

The overall increase in active listings and months of inventory, coupled with the decrease in pending listings and activity index, suggests a shifting market landscape. These changes highlight the importance of monitoring market trends and adapting strategies to navigate the evolving real estate environment in Austin.​

This article is based on data published on June 21, 2024. Austin 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