Buying a first home in San Antonio is increasingly about deciding what a buyer can afford to give up, whether that's space, location, move-in-ready condition or all three.

An analysis from Texas A&M University found the statewide price benchmark for starter homes rose from about $155,000 in 2015 to $275,000 in 2026 - a 77% increase.

Prices in the trade-up segment rose 63% during that period.