San Antonio, located in the heart of Texas, is a city with a rich history and a thriving economy. It's home to a diverse range of real estate opportunities that attract both seasoned investors and curious beginners. From charming single-family homes to bustling commercial properties, the San Antonio real estate market has something for everyone.
With its strong economy and growing population, investing in San Antonio real estate can be a wise choice for those looking to build their portfolio. So whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, San Antonio's real estate market is definitely worth exploring.
Real Estate Market in San Antonio Favors Investors in 2023
There’s good news for real estate investors in San Antonio as the city's Board of Realtors predicts stable housing prices in 2023, as the market continues to recover from the pandemic.
The single-family home market slowed as home sales fell 24% compared to 2021. This could be due to high home prices (up 14% from 2021) and high mortgage rates. Although San Antonio is still a seller's market, the increase in the days on the market has given buyers more time to think.
According to Sara Briseño Gerrish, SABOR's 2023 Chair of the Board, “San Antonio is seeing a spike in the number of days a home stays on the market, compared to the same time last year. Right now, the DOM is reported at 66, which is a year-over-year increase of 94%.”
San Antonio is a popular spot for people relocating from other parts of the country, as noted by Chief Economist of the National Association of Realtors, Lawrence Yun, “The demand for housing continues to outpace supply. The economic conditions in place in the top 10 U.S. markets provide the support for home prices to climb by at least 5% in 2023.”
Alicia Huey, chair of the National Association of Home Builders, explains, “Buyer incentives, along with stabilizing mortgage rates during the month of January, increased the pace of new home sales for the month. However, in a sign of current market weakness, sales are down 19.4% compared to a year ago.” That’s because buying a house is still unaffordable for many people on a tight budget.
NAR also reports that only 27% of renters can afford to buy a typical home. Residential rental rates have already been on the rise since 2019 and have continued to soar to an average of $1,772 in 2022, a 7% increase!
All this means that San Antonio will continue to be a strong market for investors during 2023.
So, for all rental property owners, it might be a good time to hold on to your properties, as rental prices remain strong and sales prices may start to decrease. However, as always, it's important to consider your specific situation. If you need to sell, it might be wise to do so sooner rather than later. But overall, the San Antonio real estate market is a great opportunity for investors looking to dive into the industry.
The Future Looks Bright for Real Estate Investing in San Antonio
Statistics promise a bright outlook for real estate investing in San Antonio, earning it a place at number 9 on the list of 10 leading housing markets in 2023. The housing demand is high in San Antonio, and since many people are struggling to purchase a home, the demand for rentals is high as well. We’ve discussed some of the reasons why real estate investing in San Antonio might be fruitful for you in 2023.
A Growing Population
San Antonio is one of the fastest-growing cities in the US, with its current population in 2023 at 2,454,000, a 1.7% increase from 2022. A growing population creates demand for housing, which can be a boon for real estate investors.
More people means more potential renters and buyers, which can lead to increased rental rates and home values. Think of it as a game of musical chairs, but instead of chairs, it's housing. The more people there are, the more valuable houses become!
A Strong Economy
San Antonio has a diverse and robust economy, with major industries such as healthcare, technology, and the military. Its GDP is forecasted to grow by 1.4% in 2023, and the economy is expected to outperform many other cities despite recession concerns.
A strong economy means more jobs, more income, and more people looking for a place to call home. This increased demand for housing can translate to higher rents, property values, and overall return on investment. So, if you're looking to invest in real estate, keep your eye on the economy; it might just be your ticket to a comfortable financial future!
Affordable Housing
San Antonio has some of the most affordable housing in Texas, which can be a great advantage for real estate investors looking to enter the market. According to SABOR, the median home value in San Antonio is around $299,000, which is considerably lower than the median home value in cities like Dallas and Austin.
Coupled with the significant population growth in recent years, the demand for housing in San Antonio is strong. Whether you’re looking for long-term investment in a rental property or interested in house flipping, San Antonio might just be the hidden gem you've been searching for!
It’s a Tourist Destination
San Antonio is not just a city, it's an experience! It has a diverse array of cultural attractions, a bustling downtown scene, and a warm climate, making San Antonio the perfect place to invest in a property that can provide steady income.
With attractions such as the Alamo, the Riverwalk, and the historic Market Square, it’s a top tourist destination in the US. In 2019, San Antonio welcomed 41 million visitors with an economic impact of $17.4 billion dollars.
Tourists create demand for short-term rental properties such as vacation homes, which can be a lucrative investment opportunity. San Antonio offers investors a unique opportunity to capitalize on a thriving short-term rental market.
A Favorable Tax Environment
Texas has a favorable tax environment for real estate investors, with no state income tax and relatively low property taxes. No state income tax means you can keep more of your rental income, and according to SmartAsset, the city has some of the lowest property taxes in the Lone Star State, with an effective property tax rate of 2.35%.
Consider These Factors Before Investing in San Antonio
San Antonio is a popular location for real estate investing due to its growing population, strong job market, and affordable housing prices compared to other major cities in the United States.
Here are some factors you should consider when investing in real estate in San Antonio:
Location: Look for properties in neighborhoods that are in high demand, have a low crime rate, and are located near amenities like schools, parks, and shopping centers. Midtown, Tobin Hill, Lavaca, Westfort, and Monte Vista are some of the best areas to invest in San Antonio in 2023. In all these areas, more than 50% of households are renting.
Property Type: Single-family homes are a popular choice for investors in San Antonio. Around 23% of homes here are owned by investors. You may also consider multi-family units or commercial properties.
Market Trends: Keep an eye on the local real estate market to see which neighborhoods and property types are experiencing growth and appreciation. Keep an eye on rental vacancy rates, and any zoning laws and local regulations that may decrease the value of your property.
Financing Options: Explore your financing options, such as traditional mortgages, hard money loans, and private lending, to find the most profitable option for you.
Property Management: If you don't live in San Antonio or don't have the time to manage your investment property, consider hiring a property management company to handle tenant screening, rent collection, and property maintenance.
Overall, real estate investing in San Antonio can be a profitable venture if you do your research and make informed decisions based on market trends and your investment goals. Ultimately, each investor's situation is unique, and it's important to consult with a professional before making any investment decisions.
