September always feels like a little reset here in Austin. The days are still warm, but there’s a subtle shift in the air as summer winds down, kids head back to school, and our calendars begin filling up with fall activities, football, and plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy the city. It’s a busy time of year, but there’s something refreshing about settling back into a routine and looking ahead to the months to come. The Austin real estate market is experiencing its own seasonal shift. As we move into fall, buyers and sellers are taking a thoughtful approach, with more opportunities for buyers to explore their options and sellers focusing on pricing and presentation to stand out. While the market continues to evolve, Austin remains a dynamic place to call home, and we’re always here to help you make sense of the numbers and navigate your next move with confidence. In this month’s newsletter, we’re sharing a few of our favorite things about September in Austin, along with local happenings, home inspiration, and a look at what’s happening in the real estate market. Whether you’re getting back into a school-year routine or simply looking forward to cooler days ahead, we hope you’ll find something to enjoy! Here’s to a wonderful September in Austin! |
Real Estate Market Update |
AUSTIN, Texas — Residential home sales increased 4.4% to 2,739 sales across the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos MSA, according to the July 2026 Central Texas Housing Report released by Unlock MLS. In July, the median price for the MSA inched up 1.0% to $435,000, while sales dollar volume exceeded $1.6 billion, a 6.9% increase compared to July 2025. The data shows stronger buyer confidence across Central Texas, even as home prices remain relatively stable. “We continued to see positive momentum in July’s year-over-year numbers,” Vaike O’Grady, market research advisor at Unlock MLS, said. “Deals are happening, prices are holding and buyers and sellers are finding opportunities equally. Mortgage rates remain elevated, but what sets Austin apart are the major economic investments recently announced across the region. New investment brings jobs and creates opportunities that attract people to Central Texas. Austin continues to be a place where people want to live, work and build their futures, and that demand is an important part of the long-term outlook for the housing market.” John Crowe, 2026 Unlock MLS and ABoR president, noted that while demand is strong, addressing affordability for first-time homebuyers and homeowners must continue to be a top priority for the region. Real estate market stats provided by ABOR. Click here to read the full article. |
365 THINGS AUSTIN - It's September and even though it is still hot out, the heat has broken just enough to get outside and enjoy a few things with family and friends. September means that calendars are filling up and there is more to do in our wonderful city as fall sets in. Here are some things coming up: Click here to see the complete list of September events in Austin. |
Neighborhoods to Call Home: Rosewood |
South Austin: Historic Roots and East Austin Character Tucked into East Austin, Rosewood is a neighborhood with a rich history, strong sense of community, and a character all its own. While East Austin has experienced tremendous growth and revitalization, Rosewood has retained much of the history and neighborhood identity that have made it an important part of Austin for generations. The area is known for its tree-lined streets, charming older homes, and a mix of historic architecture and newer renovations. Many of the homes have a distinctive Austin character, from modest historic cottages to beautifully updated residences that blend original details with modern conveniences. For buyers who appreciate homes with personality and a story behind them, Rosewood offers something that newer developments simply can't recreate. One of the neighborhood's defining features is its connection to Rosewood Neighborhood Park, a beloved community gathering place with open green space, recreational facilities, and a long history in the East Austin community. The park contributes to the neighborhood's relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere and gives residents a place to connect with their neighbors and enjoy the outdoors. Rosewood also benefits from its location. Just east of downtown, residents are close to Austin's restaurants, coffee shops, music venues, and cultural attractions while still enjoying a quieter residential setting. The surrounding East Austin area continues to evolve, bringing new businesses and amenities while adding to the neighborhood's appeal. What makes Rosewood particularly special is that its identity wasn't created overnight. It is rooted in Austin's history and in generations of residents who helped shape the community. Today, that heritage exists alongside the energy and creativity that have made East Austin one of the city's most exciting areas. Why buyers are drawn to Rosewood: - Historic character and established neighborhood streets
- Charming homes with unique architectural details
- Strong sense of community and neighborhood identity
- Easy access to downtown and the broader East Austin scene
- Nearby parks and outdoor recreation
- A blend of Austin history and modern city living
For buyers looking for a neighborhood with character, history, and a genuine sense of place, Rosewood is an East Austin gem. It offers the opportunity to be part of a neighborhood with deep roots while enjoying the energy and convenience of one of Austin's most dynamic areas. |
Interested in what properties are available in today's market? We have a variety of featured listings that may be right for you! |
Austin Ranked 8th Hottest Real Estate Market Among U.S. Cities |
CULTUREMAP AUSTIN - It doesn't get much hotter than the Austin housing market. A new report has ranked the Capital City the 8th best real estate market among America's big cities right now. WalletHub's annual study, "Best Real Estate Markets (2026)," compares the real estate markets in 300 U.S. cities based on 17 relevant metrics, such as "housing market attractiveness," home value forecasts, housing affordability, population growth, and many others. Cities were also ranked in groups by size: large cities with more than 300,000 residents; midsize cities with 150,000-300,000 residents; and small cities with fewer than 150,000 residents. In the overall ranking of the best housing markets in America, regardless of city size, Austin ranks as No. 32 out of all 300 cities. WalletHub groups its data into two "key dimensions." Based solely on real estate data, Austin ranks as No. 42 nationally, and its surrounding affordability and economic concerns — things like maintenance costs, job growth, and population growth — rank 59th. This is how WalletHub ranks the "health" of Austin's housing market (where No. 1 is the best and No. 150 is average): No. 16 – Job Growth Rate No. 49 – Percentage of Delinquent Mortgage Holders No. 51 – Foreclosure Rate No. 71 – Median Home-Price Appreciation No. 73 – Maintenance Costs as a Percentage of Income In addition to being declared one of the hottest housing markets, Austin has also soared among the best places for millennials and first-time homebuyers, and the city has one of highest rates of new home construction — a top 10 ranking nationally, according to ConsumerAffairs. Plenty of Austin residents are also turning to popular ZIP codes in nearby suburbs like Leander and Pflugerville, which rank among the hottest places to move to in the U.S. Other high-performing housing markets in Texas
Two popular North Texas suburbs — Frisco and McKinney — topped WalletHub's overall list of the best real estate markets in the U.S. for 2026 at Nos. 1 and 2, respectively, and they locked in the top two spots in the midsize city ranking, too. Frisco tops the nationwide "affordability and economic environment" category, and ranks No. 2 nationally for its real estate market. Continue reading on Culturemap Austin by clicking here. |
Looking for new ways to stay in touch with what's happening around Austin? Check out our blog! |
September: A Softer, Warmer Season at Home |
September is a natural turning point in the home. The days are still warm, but there is a subtle shift in the air—and our homes often begin to change with the season. As we move from the light, breezy feeling of summer toward fall, interior design is embracing spaces that feel warmer, more layered, and much more personal. And in 2026, that shift is bigger than simply adding a few pumpkins to the front porch. Warmth Is Replacing Cool Minimalism One of the biggest changes in interior design this year is the move away from cool whites, gray tones, and overly minimalist spaces. Homeowners are gravitating toward warmer, earthier colors that make rooms feel comfortable and inviting. Think chocolate brown, caramel, rust, terracotta, mushroom, taupe, sage, olive, and deep plum. Houzz has reported significant increases in interest in several of these warmer shades, including chocolate brown, rust, mushroom, sage, and taupe. You don't have to repaint an entire room to embrace the trend. A rust-colored accent chair, a deep brown throw, an olive pillow, or a piece of artwork with warmer tones can completely change the feeling of a space. Texture Is Having a Moment September is also the perfect time to start layering texture. Designers are turning to materials that invite you to touch them—wool, velvet, linen, boucle, leather, natural stone, wood, and woven materials. The goal isn't necessarily to make a room look “fall-themed.” Instead, it's about creating visual depth and a sense of comfort. A linen sofa paired with a wool rug, a wood coffee table, and a velvet accent chair can feel sophisticated without feeling overly decorated. Darker Woods Are Back After years of light oak and pale wood dominating interiors, richer wood tones are making a comeback. Walnut, espresso, darker oak, reclaimed wood, and vintage wood pieces are bringing depth and character back into rooms. This is one trend that can be especially effective in a home because it doesn't feel fleeting. A beautiful wood dining table, antique chest, or vintage sideboard can add warmth while still working with contemporary furnishings. Curves Over Hard Edges Another continuing trend is the move toward softer shapes. Curved sofas, rounded coffee tables, arched doorways, sculptural lighting, and organic-shaped mirrors are replacing some of the hard, boxy lines that have dominated modern interiors. Houzz has reported rising interest in everything from curved kitchen islands to arched range hoods and pantry doors. The appeal is easy to understand: curves make a room feel softer and more relaxed. They also create a more conversational arrangement, particularly in living rooms. Vintage Pieces Are Bringing Personality Back Perhaps the most refreshing design change is the growing appreciation for character over perfection. Rather than buying every piece from the same collection, homeowners are mixing old and new. A contemporary sofa might sit beside an antique side table. A modern kitchen might include a vintage rug or an old wooden cabinet. Family heirlooms, collected artwork, and one-of-a-kind finds are becoming more important. The result is a home that feels like it has evolved over time rather than been ordered from a showroom. That lived-in, collected look is one of the strongest design directions of 2026. |
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Austin Board of REALTORS® Copyright ©2026 All rights reserved.
Information provided courtesy of LERA MLS. IDX information is provided exclusively for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Information is believed to be accurate but not guaranteed. Provided courtesy of LERA MLS. Copyright 2026 LERA MLS, All Rights Reserved. Data last updated September 23, 2026 5:31 PM UTC
Central Texas MLS | Four Rivers Association of REALTORS® All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties
