Are Austin Sellers Getting Their Asking Price? A 24-Year Analysis

The Austin Real Estate Market: A Detailed Look at the Sold Price to List Price Ratio (2000–2024)

The Austin real estate market has undergone significant changes over the years, with the sold price to list price ratio serving as a critical metric to evaluate market conditions. This ratio reflects how closely the final selling price of a property aligns with its listed price. Analyzing this data from 2000 through 2024 reveals fascinating trends, offering insights into how the market has evolved.

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In the early 2000s, the sold price to list price ratio in Austin hovered in the upper 90% range. In 2000, the annual average was 99.2%, with monthly variations ranging from 98.5% to 99.6%. This stability suggested a market leaning towards balanced conditions. Moving into 2001, a slight decline was observed, with an average of 98.6% and a minimum monthly value of 97.4%. The years 2002 and 2003 showed further dips, with averages of 97.7% and 97.2%, respectively, marking a subtle cooling in the market.

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From 2004 to 2006, the market began to stabilize, with ratios climbing back to averages of 97.3% to 98.1%. The upward trend indicated a modest recovery, likely fueled by growing demand and favorable economic conditions. However, the financial crisis of 2008 caused notable shifts. That year, the sold price to list price ratio dropped to a low of 95.5%, with an annual average of just 96.7%. The subsequent years, 2009 and 2010, saw minimal improvements, with averages of 96.7% and 96.5%, respectively, underscoring the market’s slow recovery.

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A significant turning point emerged in the mid-2010s as Austin’s real estate market began gaining momentum. By 2013, the average ratio climbed to 98.2%, with highs reaching 98.8% during peak months. This growth continued through 2015, when the annual average hit 98.4%, supported by strong local demand and economic growth in the region. The most dramatic changes occurred between 2020 and 2022. In 2020, the sold price to list price ratio surpassed 100% for the first time, with a maximum monthly ratio of 100.4%. This trend accelerated in 2021, when the ratio soared to an unprecedented high of 109.5% in April, reflecting intense competition among buyers. This surge was driven by historically low mortgage rates, limited inventory, and a surge in buyer demand.

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By 2022, the market began to cool as interest rates increased and affordability became a concern for many buyers. The annual average ratio dropped to 100.9%, with monthly lows reaching 96.1% by December. This cooling trend has persisted into 2023 and 2024. In 2023, the average ratio settled at 97.3%, with monthly variations ranging from 96.3% to 97.8%. The data for 2024, up to October, indicates continued stability, with an average of 97.3% and a peak of 98.0% in the spring months.

Overall, the sold price to list price ratio provides a detailed lens through which the Austin market’s dynamics can be understood. Periods of economic stability, growth, and contraction are all reflected in this data. For buyers and sellers navigating the current market, understanding these trends can help set realistic expectations and guide strategic decisions. While recent years have shown a return to more balanced conditions, the data underscores the importance of staying informed in a market as dynamic as Austin’s.