The 'frenzy' is over: Houston housing market hits 6-year milestone as buyers regain power

Slow in Houston home sales shows power shift

After years of homebuying feeling like a combat sport, new Houston realtor data says the "frenzy" is coming to an end. FOX 26's Mekenna Earnhart explains the power shift moving from sellers to buyers.

HOUSTON - For the past several years, buying a home in Houston felt more like a combat sport than a real estate transaction. But new data released by the Houston Association of Realtors (HAR) suggests the "frenzy" has officially come to an end.

‘It’s finally over'

Big picture view:

According to the January 2026 market report, single-family homes in the Greater Houston area spent an average of 66 days on the market before selling. That marks the highest "days on market" average in nearly six years, signaling a major shift in the power dynamic between buyers and sellers.

"I believe we can officially say it’s over," said Theresa Hill, the 2026 HAR chair. "We started out the year 2026 in a period of continued adjustment to a more balanced market, which is good for both buyers and sellers."

Power shift from sellers to buyers

By the numbers:

The shift is driven largely by a surge in inventory. Active listings jumped nearly 17% over the last year, with more than 34,500 homes now available. This 4.7-month supply of homes is the closest the Houston market has been to "balanced" territory in years.

For buyers who were previously outbid or priced out, the current climate offers a rare opportunity: the luxury of time.

"Buyers just have more negotiating power right now," Hill said. "Whether that be after inspections to ask for maybe repairs or concessions, and maybe even a little bit off of the asking price."

Affordability is also showing signs of improvement. Despite interest rate fluctuations, approximately 39% of Houston households can currently afford a median-priced home, which remains slightly better than the national average.

RELATED: Home sales plunge, while housing affordability hits best level since March 2022, data finds

Reality check for sellers

The other side:

However, the "new normal" is proving to be a reality check for some sellers. Homes that would have attracted a dozen offers in 2022 are now sitting for two months or more if they aren't "turn-key" ready.

Hill warns sellers not to rely on the headlines from a few years ago.

"If you're not getting showings, look at your pricing," Hill said. "It has to do with pricing, and it could be just the location, too. We’re super hyper-local here in Houston."

As the market heads into the traditionally busy spring season, experts expect the climate to remain steady. While the double-digit price hikes of the post-pandemic era have stalled, the steady demand suggests a healthy year ahead for those willing to adjust their strategies.

"I think 2026 is going to be a very nice year for real estate here in Houston," Hill said.