What does “six months of inventory” actually tell you about buying or selling a home in San Antonio? If you are tracking the market to time your move, that number can feel confusing at first. You want clear, local insight you can use, not jargon. In this guide, you will learn what months of inventory means, where San Antonio stands today, and how to adjust your plan whether you are buying or selling. Let’s dive in.
Months of inventory, simply
Months of inventory (MOI) estimates how long it would take to sell today’s active listings at the current monthly sales pace if no new homes were listed. It is a snapshot, not a prediction.
How it is calculated
At a high level, MOI is calculated as active listings divided by the number of homes sold in the most recent month. Some sources include pending listings in the count. Because methods differ, always note the source and month when you cite a number.
What the numbers signal
- Under 4 months: often a seller’s market
- Around 4 to 6 months: often a balanced market
- Over 6 months: often a buyer’s market
These are rules of thumb, not guarantees. Local conditions still matter.
Where San Antonio stands right now
Local reporting shows San Antonio moved toward balance through 2025. In March 2025, inventory was about 5.09 months and homes were taking longer to sell, with the median price reported near the low to mid 300s. You can see that early‑year shift in the Express‑News market update.
By mid‑summer, several reports showed inventory near or just above six months. July 2025 was cited around 6.12 months for the metro, signaling a balanced to slightly buyer‑leaning environment, along with higher days on market than the year prior. For details, review this July summary.
What six months means for you
When MOI sits near six months, neither side has a consistent, built‑in edge. Pricing power depends on the specific property, condition, and neighborhood.
If you are buying
- You likely have more choices and time to compare listings.
- You may find room to negotiate price or ask for closing cost help, especially on homes that need updates. Insights from industry analysis show price reductions are more common when supply rises. See context in this Inman overview.
- Be ready for pockets of competition. Desirable areas and well‑priced homes can still move quickly.
If you are selling
- Price with the market, not ahead of it. Overpricing leads to longer days on market and likely reductions when inventory is higher. Local reporting in 2025 noted slower sales and more time on market, as shown in the Express‑News March update.
- Invest in presentation. Clean, repaired, and move‑in ready homes stand out when buyers have choices.
- Expect more negotiation. Be prepared to discuss concessions or closing timelines to keep deals moving.
Why inventory rose in 2025
Several forces pushed San Antonio closer to six months of supply:
- More active listings hit the market, including new‑construction completions, which expand the pool of available homes. New home supply can influence months of inventory, as noted by NAHB’s analysis of inventory dynamics.
- A slower sales pace reduced demand at the margin. Higher mortgage rates compared with pandemic lows cooled activity in many markets, which national reporting tracked through 2025. See rate context in the AP’s coverage.
- The mix of listings shifted. More older or needs‑work homes can sit longer, increasing overall supply. Industry analysis highlights how inventory composition affects competitiveness; read more in this Inman piece.
Neighborhood and price‑point nuance
A citywide MOI near six months does not mean every block feels balanced. Some micro‑markets have tight supply and quick sales, while others have higher inventory and longer timelines. In practice, you will get the clearest picture by looking at your price band and area and by date‑stamping any stat you quote. Industry coverage also emphasizes how local segments can diverge from the headline number, as noted in Inman’s market review.
Next steps
- Clarify your goal and timeline. Are you trying to buy this fall, or list this winter?
- Zero in on your price range. Inventory can differ greatly between entry‑level and luxury tiers.
- Watch monthly updates from local sources that report on MLS data so you see how supply, days on market, and price trends are shifting.
If you want help translating these numbers into a plan that fits your budget and timeline, reach out to Celeste Aguilar for a friendly, data‑informed conversation.
FAQs
What does six months of inventory mean for San Antonio home prices?
- It often signals slower price growth and more frequent reductions on overpriced homes, though outcomes still depend on property condition, location, and demand by price tier.
How does months of inventory affect days on market in San Antonio?
- Higher supply usually comes with longer marketing times; 2025 reporting in San Antonio noted slower sales and increased days on market compared with prior years.
Is six months of inventory a buyer’s or seller’s market?
- Around six months is commonly viewed as balanced, meaning neither side has a built‑in edge and negotiation depends on the specifics of each listing.
Can different San Antonio neighborhoods have different months of inventory?
- Yes. Citywide MOI is an average; some areas and price points are still competitive, while others have higher supply and slower sales.
How should sellers price when inventory is near six months?
- Price to current comps, factor in condition, and plan for negotiation; strong presentation helps you stand out when buyers have more choices.
