Bold, geometric designs like chevrons, sunbursts, zigzags and stepped shapes are making a huge comeback as of late — and Houzz said that will continue into 2026.

The typical asking rent for an average rental unit reached $1,646. Though that’s a 0.2% increase from last year, the median household income outpaced this acceleration, growing 3.9% during the same time frame.

“Unlike the U.S. housing market, which lags pre-pandemic home-sales volumes, Houston has returned to a normal market that is growing,” said HAR Chief Economist Ted Jones.

Agents from Compass RE Texas had a hand in nine transaction sides for October’s ranking of the 10 most expensive homes sold in greater Houston. That includes Laura Sweeney, who worked as the buyer’s agent on the priciest sale of the month.

The chief economist for the National Association of REALTORS® also predicts home prices will climb 4% compared to 2025. 

At the same time, the average age of the first-time buyer hit an all-time high of 40, according to the 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers. 

At the top of the list? WaterSense fixtures — the plumbing solution, which claims to reduce water use by more than 20%, increased in popularity by 289.6%.

Houston households need a minimum of $2,510 to afford their monthly housing costs, including principal, taxes and insurance. That’s down from $2,550 during the third quarter of 2024.

Nationwide, the median price for a single-family home increased 1.7% year over year to $426,800. Prices increased by the same annual rate during the second quarter.

Pending listings fell 0.4% year over year, with 1,879 listings going under contract, while closings dropped 11.5% year over year with 1,903 home sales.

Home sales increased annually in three of Texas’ four major markets during the third quarter, according to the latest data from Texas REALTORS®.

The city boasts the lowest travel costs in the country with relatively low hassle involved — plus ranked No. 6 for local attractions and No. 7 for warm-weather activities.

Homebuyers purchased 1,591 homes during the week, up 0.2% year over year. Meanwhile, 1,893 listings went under contract, up 1.9% year over year.

Waller’s average home price of $335,255 was down 13% annually and was well below the area average of $421,655, HAR said.

How will the government shutdown hit the real estate market? Will big company mergers change the industry landscape? Economist Matthew Gardner is back answering those questions and more in his Q3 2025 Update with Agent Publishing Co-Founder Anne Hartnett.

Houston was the fastest-selling of the major Texas markets in September, with homes spending an average of 88.65 days on market, down from 89 days a month prior.