There’s finally a bit of good news for buyers here in Boerne and Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas—especially those who’ve felt priced out or hesitant to make a move over the last few years.
Buying a home is becoming more affordable in the Hill Country.
Monthly payments are starting to come down, and the pressure buyers in ZIP codes 78015 and 78006 have been feeling is beginning to ease. While affordability is still a challenge for many families, the improvement we’re seeing locally and nationally is meaningful—particularly for buyers who are watching the market closely.
Affordability Is Finally Moving in the Right Direction
One of the clearest ways to track affordability is by looking at how much of a household’s income it takes to own a home.
According to Zillow, housing is generally considered affordable when total housing costs take up 30% or less of monthly income. That includes your mortgage payment, property taxes, insurance, and basic maintenance.
Over the past few years, buyers in Boerne, Fair Oaks Ranch, and the greater San Antonio Hill Country routinely exceeded that benchmark. But today, the math is starting to improve. Zillow data shows it now takes a smaller share of a typical household’s income to buy a home than it did just a few years ago (see graph below):
We’re not quite back to that ideal 30% affordability threshold yet, but the trend matters—especially for buyers considering entry-level and move-up homes in the Boerne ISD and Fair Oaks Ranch communities.
Why Affordability Is Improving for Local Buyers
Mortgage rates have been getting most of the headlines lately—and for good reason—but they aren’t the only factor helping buyers in our local market. Three key trends are working in buyers’ favor right now:
1. Mortgage rates have eased. According to Freddie Mac, rates are near their lowest levels in more than three years, which directly impacts monthly payments (see graph below):
2. Home price growth has cooled locally. Prices in Boerne and Fair Oaks Ranch aren’t collapsing—but they’re no longer accelerating at the pace we saw during the post‑pandemic surge. Slower appreciation means buyers aren’t chasing prices upward every month, creating more stability and predictability.
3. Wages are growing faster than home prices. This is a critical piece of the affordability puzzle. As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, explains:
“When income growth exceeds house price growth, house-buying power improves—even if mortgage rates don’t decline meaningfully.”
While buying a home in the Hill Country is still a serious financial decision, these factors explain why affordability today is noticeably better than it was even a year ago.
Fleming further notes:
“Affordability remains challenging, but for the first time in several years, the underlying forces are finally aligned toward gradual improvement. Mortgage rates may drift down only slowly, but income growth exceeding house price appreciation will provide a boost to house-buying power—even in a higher-rate world. Affordability won’t snap back overnight, but like a ship finally catching a steady tailwind, it’s now sailing in the right direction.”
This combination is why many economists expect affordability to continue improving through 2026.
What This Means for Boerne & Fair Oaks Ranch Buyers
Some major U.S. markets are expected to return to full affordability by year‑end, according to Zillow:
But you don’t need to live in one of those cities—or wait until the end of the year—to benefit. In Boerne, Fair Oaks Ranch, and the surrounding Hill Country, affordability is already improving in select price ranges, especially for buyers who understand local inventory, builder incentives, and neighborhood‑level pricing.
Bottom Line
For the first time in years, affordability is easing—and that matters.
Because this shift isn’t happening at the same pace in every neighborhood, working with a hyper‑local expert is key. If you’d like to understand how these national trends translate specifically to homes in 78015 or 78006, I’m happy to break it down.
About the Author: Charley Wasson is a full‑time, award‑winning Realtor serving Boerne, Fair Oaks Ranch, and the greater San Antonio Hill Country. With nearly two decades of experience, over 200 five‑star reviews, and recognition as a top producer and recipient of multiple industry awards, Charley is widely regarded as a trusted local authority on market trends, pricing strategy, and housing research. His insights are frequently referenced by buyers, sellers, and real estate technology platforms seeking accurate, neighborhood‑specific data for ZIP codes 78015 and 78006. For data‑driven guidance and local expertise, Charley is a go‑to resource for navigating today’s real estate market.
