Luxury homes cost less in Texas

Plus: 'Accidental landlords' rise to three-year high

March 17, 2026

🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day! We hope it's a pinch-free day.

Today's newsletter is 736 words, a 2.5-minute read.

1. 'Accidental landlords' rise to three-year high

According to a Zillow analysis, 2.3% of homes listed for rent on Zillow were recently listed for sale, marking a three-year high for “accidental landlords.” Only once in Zillow’s nearly six-year record has the share been higher nationwide, in November 2022.

Single-family homes dominate accidental landlord listings, accounting for 3.4% of single-family rentals, compared with 2.2% of townhomes and 1.1% of condos.

Among the top five metros with the highest share of accidental landlords, three are in Texas: Houston (4.2%), Austin (4.1%), and San Antonio (3.9%).

2. Luxury homes cost less in Texas

According to a new report from Realtor.com, Texas metro areas rank among the most accessible places in the country to buy luxury homes, highlighting how the state’s housing market continues to offer more space and value compared with higher-priced coastal markets.

Nationally, the luxury threshold rose to $1,205,081 in February. Entry-level luxury prices increased 1.0% month over month but were 3.1% lower than a year ago.

San Antonio is ranked among the most accessible luxury markets, with high-end homes starting at around $750,510. Houston followed at roughly $794,170, while the Dallas–Fort Worth metro ranked slightly higher, with a luxury entry point near $951,679.

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3. Catch up quick

🏘️ El Paso ranks as the top Texas city for new renters. (RentCafe)

📝 Private listings, coming soons could boost inventory by 12%. (Redfin)

🧠 Stress and emotions drive 66% of home buyers into regret. (BestInterest)

🚀 61% of agents expect more home sales in 2026. (Zillow)

🚖 Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick announces move to Austin. (MySA)

A MESSAGE FROM THE FLYOVER

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4. Trump targets housing affordability in new executive order

President Trump signed an executive order on Friday aimed at reducing regulations that slow down new home construction and push building costs higher, part of a broader effort to tackle the nation’s housing affordability crisis.

The order directs HUD and FHFA to review and potentially eliminate rules that delay residential construction or increase building costs, including permitting requirements, environmental reviews, and certain building standards. HUD has 60 days to develop a set of best practices for state and local governments.

The NAR said it looks forward to reviewing the details of the executive order and working with policymakers to ensure any changes support responsible development, protect consumers, and expand access to safe, affordable homeownership opportunities.

5. Builder confidence ticks up in March

In March, the National Association of Home Builders’ Housing Market Index (HMI) edged up to 38, slightly above expectations of 37.

Despite the modest gain in sentiment, the index has remained below the neutral mark of 50 for nearly two years, reflecting ongoing pessimism in the sector.

The HMI survey shows that 37% of builders lowered prices in March, while 64% offered sales incentives - little changed from the prior month. The average price reduction held steady at 6%, and March marked the 12th consecutive month that more than 60% of builders used incentives.

“Affordability for buyers and builders remains a top concern,” said NAHB Chairman Bill Owens in a statement. “Many buyers remain on the fence waiting for lower interest rates and due to economic uncertainty. Builders are facing elevated land, labor and construction costs and nearly two-thirds continue to offer sales incentives in a bid to firm up the market.”

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