Is Now a Smart Time to Buy in San Antonio Heading Into 2026?
As we move toward January 2026, many buyers in San Antonio are asking the same question: Should we buy now, or wait? Based on current market data, buying now is a reasonable—and often strategic—choice for buyers who want more options, negotiation power, and a calmer process than the frenzied market of recent years.
Where the San Antonio Market Stands
By late 2025, the San Antonio housing market has shifted toward balanced, and in some segments slightly buyer-leaning, conditions. Homes are staying on the market longer, inventory has increased, and prices have eased off their post-pandemic highs. According to local and regional housing reports, the median sale price in October 2025 was approximately $258,000, down about 2–3% year-over-year, a sign of normalization rather than distress .
Mid-2025 data also showed inventory levels approaching six months of supply—historically considered a balanced market—giving buyers more leverage than they’ve had in years .
Prices, Inventory, and Negotiation Power
Looking at broader trends, August 2025 reports placed the median home price closer to $310,000, with average prices around $382,000. Sales were down roughly 7% year-over-year, reflecting cooling demand and increased choice for buyers .
Local market write-ups throughout summer 2025 noted inventory increases of about 14%, with active listings exceeding 17,000 homes across the metro area. Longer days on market and more price adjustments are classic signs of a market finding equilibrium after the rapid appreciation of 2020–2022 .
The Mortgage Rate Reality
As of late December 2025, Texas 30-year fixed mortgage APRs are hovering around 5.9–6.0%, with some San Antonio-specific rate sheets showing conventional fixed rates in the mid- to high-5% range depending on credit and points .
While these rates are higher than pre-2020 lows, they are well below the peaks seen in 2023 and early 2024. Importantly, today’s rates are not low enough to spark widespread bidding wars, which helps keep competition and pricing more rational.
Buyer Advantages Right Now
Today’s buyers benefit from more listings, longer marketing times, and modest price pullbacks—especially among entry-level homes or properties that need updates. This environment allows room to negotiate price reductions, seller-paid closing costs, or rate buydowns.
New construction and suburban fringe areas around San Antonio are also offering builder incentives, which can make new homes surprisingly competitive compared to resale properties.
When Waiting Might Make Sense
Waiting for a major price “crash” is unlikely to pay off. Most forecasts point to modest price growth into 2026 rather than significant declines. Waiting may make sense if you need time to save cash, improve credit, or align with a personal milestone—but it does carry the risk that prices or rates move higher while you wait.
The Value of Local Expertise
Navigating this nuanced market requires hyper-local insight. Caroline Decherd and Susanne Marco of Park Properties Group help buyers understand where opportunities exist, how to negotiate effectively, and when timing truly matters in San Antonio. If you’re considering a move in 2026, a thoughtful conversation now can put you in a stronger position later.
