While a high number of homes in the Cedar Park and Leander area sell for less than $250,000—which is considered starter home price range—buyers in that price point might struggle to purchase a home due to a high amount of demand.

According to data from Independence Title, an Austin-based company that provides commercial and residential titles along with market analyses, 27.2 percent of single-family homes sold in the last 12 months were houses in the $200,000-$249,999 range. Homes that sold for between $250,000-$299,999 followed in close second, making up 23.7 percent of the area’s home sales.

Metrostudy is a company that provides data on the housing market and residential home construction. Vaike O’Grady, the Austin regional director of Metrostudy, said homes in the $201,000-$300,999 price range had the highest amount of housing inventory during the first quarter of 2018, and that range of homes also had the lowest months of inventory.

“So it’s hard to find those homes,” she said. “There’s obviously some really strong demand for that price point, and it’s kind of tight right now. Whereas you’ve got a little bit more room as you move up the price spectrum.”

Matt Menard, a broker and co-owner of Austin Real Estate Experts, said buyers looking to purchase a home for under $250,000 are typically going to find existing homes for sale rather than new construction in that price point.

“These are often established neighborhoods with good schools that are highly sought-after,” he said. “Many of the available homes that are under $250,000 are selling very, very quickly, and sometimes often with multiple offers.”

Meanwhile, Mark Sprague, the state director of information capital with Independence Title, said buyers are able to find starter homes, but they will have to drive further out of a city to find a location they can afford.

“Those that say affordability is not here anymore—no, it’s being pushed further out, just like it always has,” he said.

More local real estate trends:

High home construction, sales help meet housing market demand in Leander and Cedar Park

Increase in apartment options led to flat rental rates in Cedar Park and Leander

More existing homes available in Cedar Park; New home construction in Leander prevails

Homes on smaller lot sizes coming on the market in Leander and Cedar Park