Houston renters find more choice, stable prices as market evolves

Real estate agents added 7,122 new listings to the Multiple Listing Service in October versus 5,935 last year—a 20% year-over-year increase, per the report.

Despite the surge in available listings, average rents for single-family homes have held roughly flat. The average lease in October 2025 was $2,262, the fourth consecutive month with flat pricing, according to the report.

Townhomes and condominiums are showing slightly different dynamics. In October, leasing for that type of housing rose about 4.3% year over year, while the average lease price dipped 3.2 % to about $1,867.

“We’re seeing record-high inventory, steady pricing and strong demand, which are all signs of a healthy rental market in Houston,” Shae Cottar, HAR chair with LPT Realty, said in the release. “With many economists expecting mortgage rates to improve next year, we may see more renters transition into homeownership. People who have been waiting on the sidelines could find themselves in a better position to buy in the coming months.”