Houston home sales increased 1.3% year over year during the week ended Dec. 1, according to the Weekly Activity Snapshot from the Houston Association of REALTORS®.

Geographically, trends varied widely, with formerly hot areas like Florida and the Southeast posting the deepest declines and formerly cool areas, like the Midwest, showing healthy gains.

Dallas-area homes top the November ranking of the 10 most expensive new listings in Texas, claiming the three most expensive spots.

Amid the surge in available rental options, the typical SFR stayed on the market for 39 days — up 3 days from October 2024.

Spa-style amenities, customizable lighting options, integrated technology, storage solutions — and ample space for these features — all surfaced as top trends.

By region, sales rose in the Midwest, Northeast and South but fell in the West. 

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.