Is 2026 a Good Time to Buy or Sell in Denton, TX? Here’s What the Data Actually Says
If you’re asking whether 2026 is a good time to buy or sell a home in Denton, Texas, you’re not alone — this question is coming up more often among buyers, sellers, and neighbors in online community groups, social feeds and market discussions heading into March.
The short answer? It depends on your goals, your timeline, and your strategy. Here’s what the actual data and local trends tell us about what’s happening right now in the North Texas real estate market.
What the Market Data is Showing — More Balance Than the Past Few Years
First, let’s look at the numbers:
Home Prices & Inventory
According to Zillow, the average home value in Denton is currently around $347,893, down about 4.5% over the past year through January 2026.
Realtor.com reports a median sale price of about $389,900, which has softened year-over-year by around 6.4%, and homes are spending about 68 days on the market on average.
This means prices aren’t sky-high like they were in the post-pandemic seller’s market and buyers are seeing a bit more breathing room when it comes to choosing homes.
Sales Activity
Recent reporting from the Community Impact shows that January 2026 saw 79 homes sold, a healthy year-over-year increase compared to January 2025 — suggesting steadier activity early in the year.
However: Other local commentary — like industry updates circulated in local agent blogs — notes that some parts of Denton County saw sales volume dip early this year, with fewer contracts and longer average market times.
What this dual trend means: Buyers are seeing more options and negotiating power, while sellers are finding that realistic pricing and strong presentation are key to moving homes in this transitioning market.
Why 2026 Feels Different for Buyers
For buyers, 2026 is shaping up as a balanced opportunity rather than a frenzied one:
More inventory — buyers aren’t facing the same bidding wars seen in recent years.
Stable mortgage rates — while not as low as earlier in the decade, rates are expected to stay consistent in the low-to-mid 6% range, helping buyers plan ahead.
Longer decision cycles — homes spending more days on market means buyers can shop without pressure.
That’s not to say every buyer will have the same experience — neighborhoods, price ranges, and individual mortgage situations differ — but overall, mortgage access and inventory balance give buyers more leverage than a year ago.
Why Sellers Still Have Opportunity — With the Right Strategy
Sellers aren’t out of the game — not by a long shot. But the rules have shifted:
Buyers are more selective and want well-priced, well-presented homes.
The market is moving toward value transparency, where homes that are priced accurately and marketed smartly still sell well and often closer to list price.
In other words, strategy matters more than ever. Many sellers who waited for "peak prices" are now realizing the healthiest wins come from informed positioning — which is exactly what we emphasize in our neighborhood consultations and market snapshot guides.
How Local Sentiment & Community Conversations Reflect These Trends
While official data is essential, local sentiment matters too. On neighborhood Facebook groups and community forums, we’re seeing:
Buyers expressing cautious optimism about affordability and options
Sellers asking whether pricing just below comparable listings leads to earlier contracts
Conversations about what areas are seeing the most buyer interest (Downtown Denton, Southridge, Robson Ranch, and newer subdivisions)
These conversations often mirror what I post regularly on social — questions about timing, neighborhood value, and how to use market changes to your advantage — and they’re rooted in buyers thinking long-term rather than reacting to short-term hype.
What Elected Officials & Infrastructure Trends Mean for the Market
While direct market forecasts from local officials are less frequent than general economic commentary, ongoing infrastructure improvements (like upgrades to I-35 and local connectivity projects) and population growth from nearby employment hubs continue to support long-term demand for Denton living.
These broader trends point to sustained interest in the area, even if specific pricing and sales activity can ebb and flow seasonally.
So — Is 2026 a Good Time to Buy? Sell? Both?
Here’s how I’d break it down:
Good Time to Buy If:
You’re looking for more negotiation power
You want choices over speed
You’re thinking long-term (5+ years)
You’re chasing value rather than urgency
Good Time to Sell If:
Your home is priced realistically
Your presentation (photos, staging, listing content) is strong
You’re aligned with a strategy that highlights value compared to market comps
Not Ideal If:
You’re expecting peak prices without market context
You want lightning-fast auctions in every price tier
You’re using stale pricing strategies
Bottom Line: Plan — Don’t Panic
2026 isn’t about chasing a “hot market” — it’s about understanding the balance that’s emerging:
Prices are softening in some segments
Inventory is increasing
Buyers have more room to negotiate
Sellers still sell — but with strategy
And that balance? It’s exactly what gives both buyers and sellers an actual opportunity to make smart decisions, instead of reacting to volatility.
Why Working with Award-Winning Chrissy Mallouf Matters
Chrissy Mallouf isn’t just another Realtor — she’s one of Denton’s most trusted and consistently recognized real estate professionals. With over 30 years living in this community and more than a decade of real estate experience, Chrissy has earned her reputation through service, results and deep local expertise. She’s been honored as the Best of Denton Realtor for multiple consecutive years and repeatedly voted Best of Denton County, reflecting both her market leadership and the trust her clients place in her.
Beyond sales performance, Chrissy’s commitment to Denton shows through her community involvement, local advocacy, and her role sharing Denton’s story on the national stage — including as a TV host on The American Dream. Whether you’re buying your first home, selling to move up, or planning a long-term investment here, Chrissy brings expertise, heart, and strategy to every step of your real estate journey.
Ready to make the most informed decision in today’s Denton market?
Download the FREE 2026 State of the Denton Real Estate Market Report — your go-to resource for current trends, pricing insights, and what’s ahead this year.
