The Central Texas luxury property market has earned its place on the national and international stage, thanks to the area’s natural beauty and thriving tech and arts scenes. But what does that mean when it comes to buying or selling your luxury home?

Of course, buyer preferences are constantly changing. That’s why, each year, Sotheby’s International Realty summarizes the top realty trends.

Taking that study and pairing it with what we know about Central Texas in particular, we can offer luxury buyers and sellers the following helpful insights.

The transfer of wealth and opportunities

Globally speaking, wealthy individuals are on the move. As it happens, Austin is one of this year’s top 10 ideal U.S. locations for homebuyers according to the Sotheby’s 2025 Luxury Outlook Report.¹

From around the world to across the country, homebuyers are looking to plant roots in the Lone Star State, because it combines quality of life, value and desirability.

And while economic shifts may be looming, the Austin area may continue to hold its rank for some time. That’s due to the region’s long-term appeal to younger adults and the ongoing transfer of wealth from older generations to Millennial and Gen Z homebuyers.

“These younger generations value lifestyle, community and meaningful connections — particularly after years of digital-first interactions,” writes A. Bradley Nelson, Chief Marketing Officer, Sotheby's International Realty, in the 2025 report. “Proximity to nature, arts and culture is profoundly shaping the tastes of emerging affluent buyers.”

That certainly sounds like Austin, doesn’t it?

Yet, in today’s social media-driven world, homes have also become curated backdrops. “Whether buyers are looking for newly constructed homes — a market segment particularly popular with Generation X and now representing 16% of all home sales — or are undertaking restorations of historic properties, we continue to find that a home’s greatest selling point is its uniqueness,” notes Nelson.

With that in mind, it’s no wonder that Central Texas’ attraction remains strong.

“We’ve seen people from all over the world drawn to the Austin-San Antonio corridor, bringing with them a good appetite for luxury living,” observes Timothy Hero, Vice President of RBFCU Real Estate Group Operations. “And we’re seeing wealth generated from key industries — technology, biotech and investments — continue to grow locally.”

Location, location, location

Steady residential real estate markets in early 2025² reflect the ongoing popularity of Central Texas among affluent homebuyers. And because everything’s bigger in Texas, there’s a vast range of property and neighborhood options to suit luxury buyers’ tastes.

“Although it used to be true that luxury options were concentrated in city centers — storied places like Alamo Heights in San Antonio and Austin’s Old Enfield, that’s changed dramatically in recent years as builders and developers have created phenomenal luxury communities,” says Hero.

In the Alamo City, Hero acknowledges The Dominion and Cordillera Ranch as holding special appeal for luxury buyers, as do farm and ranch properties in the wider Hill Country region.

“A great home on an incredible piece of land with beautiful views is a precious thing,” says Hero. “Although we’ve seen prices go up, the area is still affordable when compared to, say, Napa or Aspen — even though the terrain here is just as beautiful, if not more so, in some instances. Granted, having grown up here myself, I’m a little biased in favor of home.”

Yet, when it comes to über-luxury Central Texas buyers, Hero believes that there’s something more in play than just a magnificent view.

“These big Hill Country ranches and comparatively smaller homes in town attract titans of industry, people who follow economics closely and look for trend lines. They’re exploring homes in this area intentionally as a good investment made after looking at similar luxury properties on a global scale. In fact, they may even be purchasing multiple homes scattered across the map in places like ours with distinct cultures and amenities, great food, vibrant arts and music scenes, and weather that allows for outdoorsy, year-round activities.”

Influencers shape local market perceptions

As Austin continues its evolution from college town to global creative hub, several prominent faces³ (Sandra Bullock, Matthew McConaughey and Jared Padalecki — to name a few) have reportedly shifted their home bases to the area over the past several years. In 2024, acclaimed actor (and Texas Ex) Glen Powell joined these fellow celebrities by returning to his hometown.⁴ These moves have helped shine an international media spotlight on the region’s real estate market.

“Celebrity influencers probably do infuse a little ‘fear of missing out’ into the equation for people who are in the market for similar properties,” says Hero. “But, again, I’d argue that these are all incredibly thoughtful people who think long and hard about what they want and where they want to live. They have options at the global level, so they are going to be strategic about making sound investments. I’d like to think that’s where the real name cachet rests for our market, in the recognition that, from a sea of choices, it’s our area’s distinctiveness that attracts today’s luxury buyers.”

That raises the all-important question of what high-profile buyers are seeking when they shop for a home in Central Texas. 

Details make a difference

Famous or low-profile, luxury buyers often conduct their home searches with a list of must-have amenities and property characteristics. Especially among wealthy Gen X buyers at the peak of their careers and looking toward retirement, there’s a strong preference for new builds rather than renovations. These buyers also want as much smart home technology as possible, including climate control and sound systems.

Other sought-after luxury features now include:

• Expansive grounds with mature landscaping
• Cold plunges, saunas, and other wellness amenities
• In-garage electric-car charging
• Wine storage
• Green roofs
• Rainwater-harvesting systems
• Solar panels

“Between what buyers are seeking and what builders and renovation specialists are able to provide, there are no limits to how luxurious a Central Texas home can be,” says Hero. “That’s another factor in our region’s growing appeal among luxury buyers. We definitely have the home service providers in place to support luxury homeowners. Designers, architects, pool companies and landscaping firms … they’re all here now or at least can easily hop a flight or jump on a video call to make dreams come true.”

When you’re ready to purchase or sell a luxury home in Central Texas, remember that RBFCU’s preferred real estate partner, Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty, is here to help you move beyond your expectations toward an extraordinary real estate experience.