Why So Many San Antonio Homes Are Sitting on the Market (and How You Can Use It to Your Advantage)

Why this matters for you as a buyer or seller

Right now, homes in San Antonio are staying on the market considerably longer than in recent years. That slowdown — driven by shifting interest rates, higher inventory, and more cautious buyers — creates both opportunities and challenges.

What the data says about San Antonio’s slower market

• As of October 2025, the median sale price for homes in San Antonio was about $258,000, and homes were taking on average 76 days to sell — a noticeable increase compared with prior years. (Redfin)
• Local real estate analyses highlight rising inventory, lengthening days on market, and a trend toward “buyer‑leaning” conditions. (keithandsheila.com)
• Some sources estimate typical days on market in 2025 range between 52–87 days, depending on neighborhood and home condition. (Levi Rodgers Real Estate Group)
• The market is clearly shifting: underused listings and slower sales suggest the frenzy of past years has cooled. (Redfin)

In short: the San Antonio market appears to be normalizing. Demand still exists — but buyers are choosier, and sellers may need to show flexibility.

Why are so many homes stalling on the market?

As someone who’s worked this market for nearly two decades, the causes are familiar — but now more pronounced:

• Pricing set too high based on past peaks — Homes listed at 2021–2022 price points often no longer match affordability and demand levels.
• Elevated mortgage rates and affordability pressure — With borrowing costs higher, many buyers are cautious about what they’ll pay, reducing competition.
• Growing inventory and more choices for buyers — With more homes on the market, buyers aren’t rushed; they compare, wait, and negotiate.
• Condition, presentation, and marketing matter more than ever — In a “slower” market, outdated properties or weak marketing lose out.
• Seller hesitation to adjust when needed — Sellers who resist price adjustments or updates often find their listings lingering.

What this means for Buyers — and how to take advantage

If you’re looking to buy in San Antonio now:

• More time to shop and compare — With longer days on market, you don’t need to rush. You have room to inspect, compare, and weigh multiple listings.
• Stronger negotiating power — Sellers may be more willing to entertain reasonable offers or concessions, especially on longer‑listed homes.
• Less competition — fewer bidding wars — With demand softer and more supply available, many homes don’t spark multiple-offer wars.
• Potential to get below list‑price value — Because some homes are priced optimistically, patient and strategic buyers may find bargains.

What sellers should watch out for — and how to avoid “stale listing” status

If you plan to sell:

• Price it right from the start — Realistic pricing aligned with current market conditions is crucial. Overpricing often leads to long days on market.
• Invest in presentation & marketing — Good photos, staging, necessary repairs, and broad exposure help your listing stand out.
• Be ready to adjust — If a listing lingers, be open to price adjustments or incentives (like paying some closing costs) to attract serious buyers.
• Partner with an experienced local agent — A knowledgeable agent knows what buyers are looking for, how to market effectively, and when to adjust strategy.

2026 Forecast: What’s Ahead for San Antonio Real Estate

Based on the latest projections and market trends, here’s how 2026 could shape up for San Antonio — and what you should watch for:

 Continued uptick in home sales and buyer activity

• The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) forecasts a ~14% increase in existing‑home sales in 2026, compared with 2025. (National Association of Realtors)
• Some local forecasts expect rising sales volume in San Antonio, aided by improving affordability and ongoing demand. (Norada Real Estate)

 Modest, stable price growth — not a surge

• Prices are expected to appreciate, but conservatively. Many forecasts point to moderate growth, with average home price increases likely in the low single-digit percent range nationwide — and a similar trend locally. (CBS News)
• Forecasts for mortgage rates suggest a possible drop: some expect the 30-year fixed rate to drift to around 6.0% (or slightly below) by end of 2026, which could improve buyer affordability. (Fannie Mae)

 Inventory and competition — still in buyer’s favor, but watch for shifts

• As activity increases, inventory may start to tighten somewhat — especially if more buyers re‐enter the market. (Experian)
• Balanced market conditions (neither extreme seller’s nor buyer’s market) seem likely, meaning negotiation and pricing strategy will matter more than ever. (Independence Title)

 Hybrid picture — “watch rates, demand, and timing”

• Even with improving conditions, economic factors (job growth, mortgage rates, broader economic health) will heavily influence 2026 outcomes.
• Homes that are well‑priced, well‑presented, and carefully marketed should continue to sell. Listings that rely solely on “hope pricing” may lag again.

My Take as a Veteran San Antonio REALTOR®

After helping buyers and sellers in San Antonio for nearly two decades, I see 2026 shaping up as a “reset year” — not a boom, but a return to balance.

If you’re a buyer: this could be one of the most advantageous windows in years — manageable prices, improved affordability, less competition, and room for negotiation.

If you’re a seller: 2026 won’t necessarily reward unrealistic pricing or half‑hearted marketing — but if you price wisely, present well, and stay open to adjustment, you can still find success.

Either way, working with a seasoned local Realtor — someone familiar with San Antonio’s cycles and nuances — will significantly increase your odds of a smooth and successful transaction.

San Antonio’s 2026 real‑estate outlook offers a blend of stability, opportunity, and realism. Whether you’re buying or selling, the key will be aligning expectations with current conditions — and staying strategic.

Mark Stillings, MBA
Associate Broker
210‑772‑3123
mark@markstillings.com
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