2024 Austin Pending Property Report: A Decade-Low in August Transactions

August 22, 2024 : The Austin real estate market has been a focal point of attention for many years, and recent data on pending properties provides a revealing look at current market conditions. As of August 2024, the number of pending properties in the Austin MLS stands at 4,119, marking the lowest August figure since 2014. This trend highlights significant shifts in the real estate landscape that are worth exploring in detail. Historically, the Austin real estate market has seen a consistent rise in the number of pending properties, particularly from 2014 through 2020.

In August 2014, there were 4,059 pending properties, which grew to 6,694 by August 2020. This sharp increase was likely fueled by the low interest rates and the significant demand surge due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw many individuals seeking to purchase homes. However, this peak was not sustainable, and since 2020, the market has seen a steady decline in pending listings. By August 2021, the number of pending properties had decreased to 5,993, signaling the beginning of a market correction. This downward trend continued in the subsequent years, with 4,593 pending properties recorded in August 2022 and 4,201 in August 2023. The most recent data for August 2024 reveals a further decline to 4,119 pending properties. This number not only reflects a 2% decrease from the previous year but also a 38.5% drop from the high seen in August 2020.

The data from 2014 to 2024 provides a clear picture of how the Austin real estate market has evolved. The consistent growth from 2014 through 2020, followed by a gradual decline, suggests that the market is undergoing a period of adjustment. This adjustment could be attributed to several factors, including rising interest rates, economic uncertainties, and the aftereffects of the pandemic-driven boom. As the market begins to stabilize, fewer buyers are entering the market, which is reflected in the decreasing number of pending transactions. Moreover, the year-over-year comparisons highlight the magnitude of the market's downturn. While the 2% decline from August 2023 to August 2024 may seem small in isolation, it is part of a larger trend of diminishing buyer activity that has persisted over the last four years. The data also indicates that the market has not only cooled but is possibly entering a phase of normalization after an unprecedented period of growth.

In terms of market cycles, the Austin real estate market appears to be transitioning from a seller’s market to a more balanced or even buyer’s market. This shift is significant for both buyers and sellers. Buyers may find themselves with more leverage as the number of pending listings decreases, while sellers might need to adjust their expectations in terms of pricing and the time it takes to close a sale. In conclusion, the Austin real estate market has seen a notable decrease in the number of pending properties as of August 2024. This decline, the lowest since 2014, reflects broader market trends and economic conditions that have impacted buyer activity. As the market continues to adjust, stakeholders will need to remain vigilant and adapt to the changing landscape to navigate the evolving real estate market effectively.​