San Antonio’s Market Has Shifted and It’s Working in Buyers’ Favor

As we move through fall 2025, the San Antonio housing market is showing clear signs of stability. Prices are holding steady, inventory is up, and buyers finally have room to breathe.

According to the latest SABOR MLS data, 2,823 single-family homes closed in September – a 5% increase from a year ago — while the median price remained relatively flat at $308,995. The real story is in the details: homes are spending an average of 78 days on market, up 11% from last year, and active listings are up 25%, giving buyers more choice and negotiation power.

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A Tale of Two Markets: Existing Homes vs. New Construction

Existing homes are driving most of the current activity, with 1,777 resales closed in September – 15% higher than last year. Their median price of $310,000 has held firm, and inventory jumped 31%, meaning resale homes are competing more directly with builders again.

New construction, meanwhile, tells a different story.
Sales dipped 9% year-over-year, and the median price slid slightly to $306,990. Builders are sitting on less inventory – active listings are down 29% – but many are still offering rate buy-downs, design upgrades, or closing cost credits to attract qualified buyers before year-end.

A Note on New Construction Data:
While the MLS provides a reliable snapshot of market activity, it doesn’t capture every new construction sale in San Antonio. Many builder homes go under contract before they ever hit the MLS, which means actual new-home inventory and closed sales are likely higher than reported. Still, SABOR’s year-over-year reporting remains consistent, offering a trustworthy view of overall market direction.

If you’re open to both new and existing homes, this fall is a uniquely good time to shop both sides – builders are motivated, and resale sellers are becoming more flexible.

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What These Numbers Really Mean for Buyers

After several years of volatility, San Antonio’s market is leveling out. For buyers, that creates an ideal blend of:

• More inventory (up 25%) – giving you options instead of compromises.
• Stable pricing – median prices are flat year-over-year.
• Softer competition – with pending sales down 24%, you’re not fighting bidding wars.

With average days on market at 78, sellers are more receptive to offers that include concessions – like repairs, closing costs, or rate buy-downs.

If you’ve been waiting for “the right time,” this may be it: the window before new-year buyers flood back into the market is often the most negotiable season of the year.

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JBSA and Northwest San Antonio Remain Hot Spots

The areas around Joint Base San Antonio, Harlan High School, and Culebra/211 continue to see strong demand, especially from relocating military families and remote-working buyers seeking newer homes.

But even in these in-demand areas, listings are staying on the market longer – meaning well-prepared buyers can negotiate from a position of strength.

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Why Buying Before Year-End Still Makes Financial Sense

Even with higher rates, several fall advantages are at play:
✅ Builder incentives and seller concessions are abundant through December.
✅ Less competition – many buyers pause during the holidays.
✅ Tax advantages – closing before December 31 may unlock year-end deductions.
✅ Stabilized pricing means less fear of “overpaying.”

In short: San Antonio’s market isn’t “cold” – it’s balanced, and balance favors buyers who act intentionally.

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FAQs

Q: Are home prices dropping in San Antonio?
A: No – they’ve stabilized. The September 2025 median price was $308,995, the same as last year. Prices have plateaued, not plunged.

Q: How long are homes staying on the market?
A: On average, about 78 days – that’s 11% longer than last year, giving buyers more breathing room to make decisions.

Q: What if I’m deciding between new construction and resale?
A: Builders are offering incentives, while resale homes now have more negotiable pricing. It’s a great time to compare both.

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The Bottom Line

San Antonio’s fall 2025 housing market is balanced, steady, and – for the first time in a while – strategically favorable to buyers.

If you’ve been on the sidelines, data shows this is a season of opportunity. Let’s make a plan before the year wraps up – and before today’s incentives disappear in January.

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Ready to explore your buying options before year-end? Schedule a buyer consultation with me today. We’ll review your goals, your financing, and the real data shaping San Antonio’s fall market.

Jennifer Anderson, San Antonio Realtor
Military Relocation Professional