Buying a home involves more than determining whether you can afford the monthly mortgage payment. Property taxes, homeowners insurance, utilities, transportation, maintenance, and homeowners association fees can all influence the true cost of living in Austin.

These expenses vary considerably by property and location. A house in Austin may have different taxes, utility providers, insurance needs, and commuting costs than a similarly priced property in Round Rock or Georgetown. Developing a complete budget before making an offer can help you compare homes more accurately and avoid financial surprises after closing.

Quick Answer

Housing is typically the biggest factor affecting the Austin cost of living. In addition to principal and interest,…

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The Austin real estate market in August 2026 remained slow and buyer-friendly, but it is beginning to look more stable than it did during the steepest part of the post-pandemic correction. Buyers still have plenty of choices, sellers are continuing to make price adjustments, and mortgage rates in the mid-to-upper 6% range are keeping affordability front and center.

At the same time, the Austin market is not moving as one unit. The traditional sales market remains sluggish, leasing activity has been comparatively strong, and luxury real estate continues to outperform much of the middle of the market.

Quick Answer: What Is the Austin Real Estate Market Like in August 2026?

The Austin housing market is best described as slow, selective,…

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Updated August 2026

The Austin housing market has changed considerably since the intense bidding wars and rapid price growth of the early 2020s. Buyers now have more time to compare properties, listings generally take longer to sell, and sellers face greater pressure to price their homes according to current conditions.

This guide is intended for people buying, selling, investing in or relocating to the Austin area. It covers current home prices, inventory, days on market, mortgage rates, migration trends and neighborhood differences across the City of Austin, Travis County and the broader Austin–Round Rock–San Marcos metro.

Readers should not expect one statistic to describe every Austin property. A downtown condo, West Austin estate, East…

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Realtor Showing a House

Quick Answer: Best Apartment Move-In Specials In Austin

Austin apartment communities are currently offering some of the biggest move-in incentives seen in years, with several properties offering 8 to 12 weeks of free rent, waived application fees, and gift cards worth up to $1,500 on select units. The best deals are concentrated in downtown high-rises, East Riverside, Buda, and the Burnet Road corridor, and the incentives typically scale with lease length: the longer the lease term you sign, the more free rent or credit you receive. Pauly Presley Realty can match you with current availability and, on select properties, even provide a rebate for renters who work with us.

Key Takeaways

  • Move-in specials across Austin currently range from 4…

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Quick Answer: What Is It Like to Live in West Austin?

West Austin is known for its established neighborhoods, scenic Hill Country surroundings, access to Lake Austin and convenient proximity to downtown. Buyers can choose from historic cottages, renovated mid-century homes, luxury estates, waterfront properties, condominiums and newer communities farther west. Home prices are generally higher than the Austin average, but the area offers several distinct neighborhoods, highly regarded school options, popular shopping and dining destinations, and abundant outdoor recreation.

Key Takeaways

  • West Austin includes central neighborhoods such as Clarksville, Tarrytown and Pemberton Heights, as well as West Lake Hills, Rollingwood, Barton Creek and…

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Overall, 2025 was a tough year for both Austin home sellers and home buyers. Mortgage rates were over 6% for the whole year, and home insurance costs rose as well, becoming more critical on home repairs. 

Prices have come down somewhat, but still not to the liking of most buyers who can lease for around 30% less than a mortgage would be. Now that 2025 is over, here is the good and bad for the upcoming year!  ​

Let's start with the bad.  Properties are staying on the market longer, recently the average days on the market for Austin is at 104 days. A drastic change from the zero days on market from 2022!  Buyers are still scarce. 

The major factors are higher mortgage rates, fewer new employment opportunities, slower resident growth, and the…

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Austin’s housing market in 2025 is leaning more buyer-friendly, with elevated mortgage rates keeping some buyers on the sidelines and prices holding relatively steady. While job growth, particularly in the tech sector, remains uneven, there are still promising opportunities for Austin home buyers who are ready to act and for sellers who know how to position their homes. 

Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant energy of central Austin or considering nearby communities like Kyle, Buda, Leander, Cedar Park, or Bastrop for more space and value, understanding today’s market dynamics is the key to making confident real estate decisions.

Big Picture

The current landscape suggests patience and strategy are essential. Buyers who take the time to explore…

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It’s no secret that Austin, Texas, has captured national attention in recent years, but it’s not just hype.  A booming job market, rising population, and unbeatable lifestyle have made Austin one of the most sought-after real estate markets in the U.S. Whether you're an investor looking for strong returns or a renter searching for the perfect place to live, there’s never been a better time to explore the Austin housing landscape.

In this blog post, we’ll break down exactly why Austin is such a compelling real estate hotspot, and why the demand for Austin home rentals is higher than ever.

Population Growth and a Thriving Job Market

Austin has been one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. for over a decade. According to the U.S. Census…

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Austin's dynamic growth continues to reshape its urban and suburban landscapes. As the city evolves, several neighborhoods and surrounding areas are emerging as prime spots for homebuyers, investors, and Austin home renters alike. Whether you're seeking new construction opportunities within city limits or exploring the burgeoning suburbs, 2025 presents a wealth of options. Here's a comprehensive look at the neighborhoods poised for significant growth in the coming year.​

Southeast Austin: Easton Park and Surrounding Areas

Southeast Austin stands out as one of the last areas within city limits offering new construction opportunities. Easton Park, a 2,700-acre master-planned community just 12 miles from downtown, exemplifies this growth. Easton…

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Finding the perfect rental in Austin, Texas, can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. With a rapidly growing population and a competitive housing market, it’s crucial to ask the right questions before signing a lease. Whether you're looking for an apartment in Downtown Austin or a rental home in South Austin, understanding lease terms, costs, and neighborhood factors can help you make an informed decision.

At Pauly Presley Realty, we specialize in helping renters find the best apartments in Austin, TX, and houses that fit their needs and budget. Before you commit to a lease, here are the top questions to ask when renting a home in Austin.

What Is Included in the Rent?

The monthly rent is only part of the cost of living in a rental…

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