Unlock MLS 2025 Market Report

After several years of volatility, the Austin–Round Rock–San Marcos housing market showed meaningful signs of stabilization in 2025. According to year-end insights from Unlock MLS, the market is no longer driven by urgency or scarcity, but instead by balance, realism, and informed decision-making.

At The FAB Property Group, we closely track local data to help buyers and sellers understand not just what is happening in the market, but why it matters. Below, we break down the most important takeaways from the Unlock MLS 2025 Market Report, incorporating expert analysis highlighted by Community Impact and broader market context shaping Austin real estate.

What Makes the Unlock MLS Market Report So Valuable?

Unlike national housing reports that rely on delayed or aggregated data, Unlock MLS pulls directly from Central Texas MLS activity, offering a real-time snapshot of buyer and seller behavior across Austin and surrounding counties.

As outlined in Community Impact’s overview of the 2025 report, Unlock MLS tracks everything from sales volume and pricing to inventory, days on market, and rental trends — making it one of the most reliable resources for understanding how the Austin housing market is actually functioning on the ground. This depth of data allows both consumers and professionals to identify patterns well before they appear in national headlines.

Home Sales Slowed — But Not Because Demand Disappeared

One of the most talked-about shifts in 2025 was a decline in overall home sales. Unlock MLS data shows that roughly 26,455 single-family homes sold across the metro, representing a modest year-over-year decrease.

Rather than signaling a weak market, this slowdown reflects buyer recalibration. According to Unlock MLS researchers cited by Community Impact, affordability constraints and lingering economic uncertainty encouraged buyers to slow down, take more time, and be selective — a stark contrast to the urgency seen during the pandemic boom.

For sellers, this change means success is no longer automatic. Homes that sell quickly in today’s market are typically priced correctly and positioned well from day one.

Median Home Prices Found Their Footing in 2025

Despite fewer transactions, home values in Austin remained remarkably stable throughout 2025. Unlock MLS data indicates that the median home price landed around $438,500, reflecting only a slight year-over-year adjustment.

Monthly reports from Unlock MLS reinforce this trend. For example, pricing held steady into the fall, with October figures showing minimal movement even as seasonal activity slowed. This stability suggests that while buyers are more cautious, they are still willing to pay for homes that meet their needs and are priced in line with current conditions.

For homeowners, this is an important signal: Austin did not experience a price collapse. Instead, the market transitioned away from unsustainable growth toward long-term normalization.

Inventory Levels Finally Reached Healthier Territory

Perhaps the most meaningful structural shift in the 2025 housing market was inventory growth.

Unlock MLS reported that housing supply consistently hovered near five months of inventory, a level widely considered indicative of a balanced market. As highlighted in Community Impact’s coverage, Unlock MLS projects that inventory could remain at or above this level heading into 2026.

This increase in supply gave buyers more options and reduced the pressure to make rushed decisions. At the same time, it encouraged sellers to compete on price, condition, and presentation — restoring a sense of equilibrium that had been missing for years.

Homes Took Longer to Sell — By Design

With more choices available, buyers took their time in 2025. Unlock MLS data shows that homes spent an average of 73 days on the market, roughly nine days longer than the year prior.

Rather than indicating distress, this longer timeline reflects a market where buyers are conducting inspections, comparing neighborhoods, and negotiating thoughtfully. As Community Impact notes, this trend aligns with a broader behavioral shift toward more deliberate purchasing — one driven by information rather than emotion.

Rental and Multifamily Data Adds Important Context

The Unlock MLS report also sheds light on Austin’s rental landscape, which continues to influence buyer behavior.

According to figures cited by Community Impact, average rents hovered around $1,369 per month, with occupancy rates remaining strong. At the same time, tens of thousands of multifamily units are either under construction or proposed, signaling long-term confidence in Austin’s population and job growth.

For many residents, renting remains a practical alternative — especially while home prices and interest rates remain top-of-mind.

Economic Confidence Lagged Behind the Numbers

One of the more nuanced insights from Unlock MLS research advisor Vaike O’Grady is that consumer sentiment in 2025 didn’t always align with economic fundamentals.

Although Austin maintained lower unemployment than state and national averages, many buyers felt as though they were operating in a recession. This psychological disconnect — highlighted in Community Impact’s reporting — played a significant role in slower transaction volume, even as the underlying economy remained relatively stable.

Austin’s Long-Term Appeal Remains Strong

Despite short-term hesitation, Austin continues to attract national attention. Unlock MLS referenced Realtor.com search data showing that a significant share of interest in Austin homes comes from outside the metro — particularly from Dallas-Fort Worth, Chicago, and other major cities.

This sustained inbound interest reinforces Austin’s reputation as a long-term growth market, even during periods of adjustment.

What Unlock MLS Is Projecting for 2026

Looking ahead, Unlock MLS anticipates a continuation of balanced conditions in 2026. Projections include:

• Increased active listings

• Sales volume returning to the 30,000+ range

• Inventory remaining above five months

• Median prices settling into a more accessible range

As reported by Community Impact, these projections suggest a market that rewards preparation, patience, and data-driven strategy — not speculation.

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers Working with The FAB Property Group

Buyers: Opportunity Through Choice

For buyers, the 2025 market delivered something Austin hadn’t seen in years: options. More inventory, longer decision windows, and stable pricing allow buyers to focus on value rather than speed.

Sellers: Strategy Over Momentum

For sellers, success now depends on pricing accuracy, local expertise, and professional presentation. Homes that align with market realities still sell — often efficiently — but expectations must match the data.

Final Thoughts

The Unlock MLS 2025 Market Report confirms that Austin real estate is no longer defined by extremes. Instead, it’s entering a phase of measured growth, balance, and sustainability.

At The FAB Property Group, we use insights like these to guide our clients with clarity and confidence — helping them move forward based on facts, not fear or hype.