Austin Market Guide
A well-priced Austin luxury home typically goes under contract in two to five weeks. In the 12 months ending September 2026, homes from $1M to $2M took a median 34 days on market, $2M to $3M took 44, and $3M to $5M took 74. Homes that never needed a price cut sold in a median 14 days.
12 months ending September 2026
Of the 3,186 luxury sales, 41% had at least one price reduction. Those homes took a median 102 days and closed at 87.2% of their original asking price. The other 59%, priced right from the start, went under contract in a median 14 days and closed at 96.9% of the original price. On a $2 million list price, that gap is roughly $195,000. See whether to list high and reduce later.
Luxury homes that went under contract in March sold in a median 22.5 days; those that went under contract in December took 71. Read the best time to list.
Days on market stops at contract. Plan on another 30 to 45 days to close with a financed buyer. About 36% of $1M+ buyers who reported their financing paid cash, and cash deals can close in two to three weeks.
Source: MJ McFarland's analysis of Unlock MLS (ACTRIS) closed sales of single-family homes, condos and townhomes, October 2025 through September 2026. Leases excluded. Figures are medians unless noted.
In the 12 months ending September 2026, Austin homes that sold between $1M and $2M had a median 34 days on market, $2M–$3M homes 44.5 days, $3M–$5M homes 74 days and $5M+ homes 59 days, based on Unlock MLS closed sales. Those counts stop at contract; closing usually adds 30 to 45 days with a financed buyer.
Price is the usual reason. 41% of Austin homes that sold for $1 million or more in the last year needed at least one price reduction, and those took a median 102 days versus 14 days for homes priced right at launch. Condition, photography and showing access come next. If a home has had showings but no offers after three to four weeks, the market is giving feedback on price.
With a financed buyer, typically 30 to 45 days from contract, since jumbo loans need a full appraisal and underwriting. Cash closings can happen in two to three weeks once the title commitment and survey are in. Texas contracts also include an option period, commonly 5 to 10 days, during which the buyer can inspect and walk away for a small fee.
Yes. About 36% of Austin buyers of $1M+ homes who reported their financing paid cash in the 12 months ending September 2026. A cash offer skips the appraisal and loan approval, which removes the most common reason a luxury contract slips, and can close in two to three weeks.
The 57 Austin-area homes that sold above $5 million in the 12 months ending September 2026 had a median 59 days on market and closed at 93.1% of their final list price. The buyer pool at that level is small, so the right marketing reach and pricing matter more than at any other tier.
It depends on your equity and carrying costs. Selling first removes the risk of two mortgages and gives you a cash-equivalent offer on the next home, but may require a lease-back or short-term rental. Buying first works if you can carry both. A common middle path is a seller lease-back of 30 to 60 days written into the sale contract.
MJ McFarland, Principal | Broker Associate
Christie's International Real Estate · 1105 N Lamar Ste 100, Austin, TX 78703
TX License 07001832 (TX)