Why Home Sales Are Slowing: The 30-Year Low in Turnover

Across the U.S., homeowner turnover — the rate at which existing homeowners sell their homes — has dropped to levels not seen in three decades. According to the recent Redfin report, the national turnover rate has fallen sharply.
This shift matters, especially for buyers and sellers in hot markets such as Austin and the surrounding Texas Hill Country.

What’s Driving the Drop in Turnover?

• High mortgage rates + locked-in homeowners: With current mortgage rates significantly higher than the lows of recent years, many homeowners are choosing to stay put rather than sell and take on a worse rate.

• Fewer available listings: As fewer homeowners list their properties, inventory remains constrained — giving sellers who do enter the market more leverage, while buyers face tougher competition.

• Economic uncertainty & shifting priorities: Some homeowners are rethinking their timing, perhaps delaying a move due to job shifts, remote-work flexibility, or a desire to stay in place longer.

• Regional dynamics at play — like in Austin: In strong local markets such as Austin and surrounding (including the Hill Country), these national trends are amplified: the pool of resale homes is smaller, and price stability becomes more of a factor in move decisions.

Local Implications for Buyers and Sellers

For Sellers – Fewer listings means less competition: if you’re considering listing your luxury home in the Austin area, now may be a favorable window with fewer nearby comparable properties hitting the market.
For Buyers – Limited resale inventory makes timing and strategy crucial: you’ll want to be well-prepared, pre-qualified, and working with an agent who knows the local inventory and can identify off-market or soon-to-be-listed options.
For Investors & Move-Up Buyers – The long-term shake-out in turnover signals that the “easy” flips or rapid upgrades may be fewer; strategic planning matters more than ever.

What This Means for Your Next Move

• If you’re planning to sell in the Austin/Luxury market: Use the scarcity of listings to your advantage. Highlight unique features, fine-tune your pricing strategy (since fewer comps may exist), and lean on expert staging and marketing.

• If you’re preparing to buy: Position yourself ahead of the competition. Pre-approval, patience, and the ability to act fast help in markets where fewer homes are being listed.

• If you’re debating when to make a move: This may be a time to let the market speak for itself — fewer sellers means less churn, so move timing carries more weight.

At Austin Luxury Group, we bring deep local insight to help you navigate these evolving market conditions — whether you’re buying, selling, or planning your next strategic move in the Texas Hill Country.
Ready to talk about how this impacts your home or investment? Contact us today and let’s map out your best-move strategy together.