Housing affordability improved across the greater Houston area during the first quarter as 42% of households could afford a median-priced home, according to a report from the Houston Association of REALTORS®. That proportion was up from 37% during the first quarter of 2025.

While the 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.18%, the median home price decreased 1.7% year over year to $331,500. That made the typical monthly mortgage payment $2,400, including principal, taxes and insurance. A year ago, the typical payment was $2,580.

Given that cost, the average Houston household would need to make $96,000 to afford monthly housing bills, down 7% from the first quarter of 2025.

“This improvement in affordability is encouraging for prospective buyers who have faced several years of rising costs and higher mortgage rates,” HAR Chair Theresa Hill said in a news release. “At the same time, ongoing geopolitical tensions and broader economic uncertainty could continue to influence mortgage rates and overall housing costs in the months ahead.”

Affordability also improved statewide, with 42% of Texans able to afford a median-priced home, up from 37% a year ago.