News
May 29, 2025

Texas Buyers Favor New Homes, Older Demographic, Multi-Gen Living

Caroline Raffetto

Texas homebuyers continued to stand out from national trends over the past year, showing a strong preference for new construction and a growing interest in multi-generational living, according to the 2025 Texas Homebuyers and Sellers Report released by Texas Realtors. The annual report, which analyzed residential real estate transactions across the state from July 2023 to June 2024, revealed key shifts in buyer behavior, demographics, and market motivations.

Texans More Likely to Buy New Homes

One of the most notable findings: 30% of Texas homebuyers opted for newly constructed homes, a rate double the national average. That suggests Texas buyers are increasingly drawn to the modern amenities, energy efficiency, and customization options that new builds offer.

This strong appetite for new construction may also reflect the state's robust homebuilding activity, particularly in fast-growing metro areas like Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio, where builders are working to keep up with ongoing in-migration and demand.

First-Time Buyers at Record Low

Despite Texas's reputation for relative affordability, first-time buyers made up only 20% of home purchases — a record low. Nationally, the figure was only slightly higher at 24%, also an all-time low. Affordability challenges, student debt, and high interest rates may be contributing to the decline in first-time ownership.

Median Age of Buyers Continues to Climb

In keeping with national trends, the median age of Texas homebuyers rose to a record 58, up sharply from 49 the previous year and 56 the year before that. The aging buyer base underscores how younger adults are being squeezed out of the market, while older buyers with more equity and cash reserves remain active.

Growing Popularity of Multi-Generational Homes

The data also shows that multi-generational living is becoming increasingly mainstream in Texas. About 24% of buyers said they intended to share their home with extended family — such as adult children, siblings, or aging parents. That figure significantly exceeds the 17% national rate, and marks a new high.

“A home purchase brings together so many important aspects of life,” said Christy Gessler, Chairman of Texas Realtors. “It can be challenging to balance all the considerations, and the transaction itself can be complex, but your Texas Realtor has the knowledge and resources to assist you through the whole process.”

Sellers More Patient, Yet Quick Closures Still Common

On the selling side, Texans showed less urgency, with nearly half (49%) of home sellers reporting they could wait for the right offer. Only 15% said they needed to sell immediately, while 37% said they were ready to sell in a reasonable timeframe. Despite this flexibility, 31% of sellers successfully closed within a week of listing, showing how competitive certain markets remain.

The most common reason for selling? A desire to move closer to friends and family, highlighting how personal relationships often drive major real estate decisions.

Strong Satisfaction with Realtor Services

Both buyers and sellers reported high levels of satisfaction with their agents. Among buyers, 74% said they would definitely use their agent again, with another 15% saying they probably would. Sellers reported nearly identical numbers, with 71% indicating they would definitely reuse their agent and 16% saying they probably would.

“Our members continue to excel at forming lasting relationships with clients based on unparalleled service,” Gessler said. “Whatever your real estate needs and no matter the type of assistance you're looking for, there's no one better prepared to help you than a Texas Realtor.”

Broader Takeaways

The report paints a picture of a housing market shaped by demographic shifts, rising costs, and evolving buyer priorities. Texans are clearly leaning toward new construction, whether for quality, efficiency, or availability. Meanwhile, an aging and increasingly multigenerational population is driving demand for homes that can meet a wider variety of living arrangements.

Originally reported by Texas realtors in PR Newswire.

News
May 29, 2025

Texas Buyers Favor New Homes, Older Demographic, Multi-Gen Living

Caroline Raffetto
Construction Industry
Texas

Texas homebuyers continued to stand out from national trends over the past year, showing a strong preference for new construction and a growing interest in multi-generational living, according to the 2025 Texas Homebuyers and Sellers Report released by Texas Realtors. The annual report, which analyzed residential real estate transactions across the state from July 2023 to June 2024, revealed key shifts in buyer behavior, demographics, and market motivations.

Texans More Likely to Buy New Homes

One of the most notable findings: 30% of Texas homebuyers opted for newly constructed homes, a rate double the national average. That suggests Texas buyers are increasingly drawn to the modern amenities, energy efficiency, and customization options that new builds offer.

This strong appetite for new construction may also reflect the state's robust homebuilding activity, particularly in fast-growing metro areas like Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio, where builders are working to keep up with ongoing in-migration and demand.

First-Time Buyers at Record Low

Despite Texas's reputation for relative affordability, first-time buyers made up only 20% of home purchases — a record low. Nationally, the figure was only slightly higher at 24%, also an all-time low. Affordability challenges, student debt, and high interest rates may be contributing to the decline in first-time ownership.

Median Age of Buyers Continues to Climb

In keeping with national trends, the median age of Texas homebuyers rose to a record 58, up sharply from 49 the previous year and 56 the year before that. The aging buyer base underscores how younger adults are being squeezed out of the market, while older buyers with more equity and cash reserves remain active.

Growing Popularity of Multi-Generational Homes

The data also shows that multi-generational living is becoming increasingly mainstream in Texas. About 24% of buyers said they intended to share their home with extended family — such as adult children, siblings, or aging parents. That figure significantly exceeds the 17% national rate, and marks a new high.

“A home purchase brings together so many important aspects of life,” said Christy Gessler, Chairman of Texas Realtors. “It can be challenging to balance all the considerations, and the transaction itself can be complex, but your Texas Realtor has the knowledge and resources to assist you through the whole process.”

Sellers More Patient, Yet Quick Closures Still Common

On the selling side, Texans showed less urgency, with nearly half (49%) of home sellers reporting they could wait for the right offer. Only 15% said they needed to sell immediately, while 37% said they were ready to sell in a reasonable timeframe. Despite this flexibility, 31% of sellers successfully closed within a week of listing, showing how competitive certain markets remain.

The most common reason for selling? A desire to move closer to friends and family, highlighting how personal relationships often drive major real estate decisions.

Strong Satisfaction with Realtor Services

Both buyers and sellers reported high levels of satisfaction with their agents. Among buyers, 74% said they would definitely use their agent again, with another 15% saying they probably would. Sellers reported nearly identical numbers, with 71% indicating they would definitely reuse their agent and 16% saying they probably would.

“Our members continue to excel at forming lasting relationships with clients based on unparalleled service,” Gessler said. “Whatever your real estate needs and no matter the type of assistance you're looking for, there's no one better prepared to help you than a Texas Realtor.”

Broader Takeaways

The report paints a picture of a housing market shaped by demographic shifts, rising costs, and evolving buyer priorities. Texans are clearly leaning toward new construction, whether for quality, efficiency, or availability. Meanwhile, an aging and increasingly multigenerational population is driving demand for homes that can meet a wider variety of living arrangements.

Originally reported by Texas realtors in PR Newswire.