Houston housing in 2026: What Realtors need to know

Houston remains a leading housing market due to strong population growth and homebuilding activity, ranking as the largest single-family market by permit volume. However, affordability challenges persist with mortgage rates above 6%, higher home prices, and rising regulatory costs accounting for over a quarter of new home prices. Single-family permitting has declined, while remodeling activity grows. Despite challenges, opportunities exist for connecting buyers with new homes.