Real Estate Today

Austin Rental Market Tightens What Renters Should Know

Austin Rental Market Tightens: What Renters Should Know

The Austin rental market is undergoing significant changes in 2026, with a shift in vacancy rates, construction trends, and rental dynamics. Renters in the city are facing a market that is becoming increasingly competitive, with slower new construction, rising demand, and fewer rental concessions. Here is a closer look at the current trends and what renters can expect moving forward. Vacancy Rates Remain High as Construction Slows Despite the steady growth of Austin in recent years, vacancy rates in the city’s rental market remain higher than the national average. In early 2026, the vacancy rate stands at 13.8%, significantly above the national average of 7-8%. While this may suggest that there are still plenty of available units, the situation is changing as the number of new rental properties coming onto the market has started to slow. Construction of new apartment buildings has significantly slowed in recent years, with development activity