What Every Recruiter Should Know About Housing New Hires in Austin
When hiring talent relocating to Austin, housing is a critical factor that can influence offer acceptance. With rents averaging $1,434 per month and nearly half of renters spending over 30% of their income on housing, affordability and housing challenges are top concerns for candidates. Recruiters can ease this process by offering relocation support, such as connecting candidates to apartment locating services like Taco Street Locating. These services simplify the housing search by providing tailored solutions, scheduling tours, and navigating lease agreements – all at no cost to the company or the candidate. This support not only reduces stress but also improves the overall hiring and onboarding experience.
Austin’s rental market is undergoing noticeable changes that directly impact housing options for new hires. Being aware of these trends can make a big difference in helping candidates navigate their search for a place to live.
The rental market in Austin has shifted significantly over the past few years, creating opportunities for renters. From 2019 to 2022, Austin experienced a construction boom, with over 20,000 multifamily units approved annually. This surge led to an oversupply of apartments, which has now tipped the scales in favor of renters.
Vacancy rates highlight the shift. In June 2025, the vacancy rate for two-bedroom apartments hit 10.01%, marking a staggering 152.78% increase compared to September 2021. The overall vacancy rate also climbed to 15.2% by the end of 2024, more than doubling the 6.5% rate recorded at the close of 2021.
This surplus has driven rents downward. For example, two-bedroom apartments that once peaked at $1,726 per month in August 2022 dropped to $1,425 by June 2025 – a 17.44% decrease. The average asking rent across the metro area also fell by 4.6% in the last quarter of 2024, bringing it to $1,580.
Looking ahead, CoStar predicts further rent declines in 2025. Rates are expected to drop by about 4.3% in the first quarter and end the year roughly 1.4% lower. Israel Linares, Senior Market Analyst for CoStar, explains:
"As there are more options available to renters, owners have had to adapt to that new environment, and have had to remain more competitive, and have had to lower average asking rents".
Here’s a snapshot of current rent ranges:
Landlords are also offering substantial concessions to attract tenants. This provides candidates relocating to Austin with more negotiating power and potential savings on their housing costs, making it easier for recruiters to close offers.
Despite these market shifts, relocating to Austin comes with its own set of challenges.
Affordability remains a major hurdle. Even though rents are falling, the average asking rent in Austin was still $1,645 as of December 2025. Almost half of renters in the Austin-Round Rock area are considered "cost-burdened", spending more than 30% of their income on rent and utilities. For nearly a quarter of these households, rent and utilities consume at least half of their income.
Ben Martin, Research Director for Texas Housers, explains:
"Affordability has a technical definition, and it’s paying 30% or less of your income toward rent… And for many people in Austin, that was not the case before the pandemic, and it’s not the case now."
Understanding Austin’s neighborhoods can also be tricky. Each area comes with its own unique mix of commute times, amenities, and price points. Relocating candidates often need guidance on practical concerns like transportation, school districts, and how close they’ll be to work.
Transitioning from renting to buying a home presents another challenge for those planning to stay long-term. With a median home price of $558,000 as of May 2025, a potential buyer in Austin would need an income of over $140,000 to afford a home. As a result, many new hires find themselves renting longer than they initially planned.
Competition from other professionals further complicates the housing search. Austin continues to attract talent from high-cost cities like Los Angeles, Dallas, and San Francisco, with Los Angeles homebuyers leading the charge. This influx means candidates are not just competing with local renters but also with other professionals making similar moves.
Finally, time constraints can add pressure. Homes in Austin now sell within 48 days on average. Relocating candidates often have tight windows between accepting a job offer and starting their new role, leaving them to juggle virtual tours, applications, and lease signings from afar.
While these challenges can feel overwhelming, the current market conditions offer renters more flexibility than in recent years. With the right guidance, candidates can take advantage of increased housing options, competitive pricing, and landlord concessions, making their transition smoother than it might have been during the tighter market of 2021-2022.
Professional apartment locating services simplify the process of connecting individuals with Austin’s rental market. What could take weeks of searching on your own becomes a smooth and efficient experience, benefiting both recruiters and new hires. Here’s a closer look at how these services operate.
Apartment locators are licensed real estate agents who specialize in identifying rental properties that meet specific needs. Their approach is structured to eliminate the frustration and guesswork that often comes with apartment hunting.
Step 1: Understanding Your Needs
The process begins with a consultation. Here, candidates outline their specific requirements – things like location, amenities, apartment size, and budget. This step ensures the locator fully understands priorities, such as proximity to work or must-have features.
Step 2: Curated Property Research
Based on the candidate’s criteria, the locator conducts focused research to create a list of matching apartments. This includes details on current specials and other essential property information.
Step 3: Coordinated Tours and Applications
Next, the locator arranges in-person or virtual tours and works with property managers to secure any available concessions. Once a property is chosen, they assist with the application process and help navigate lease agreements, ensuring no important details are overlooked.
This process moves quickly – many applicants receive approval within 24–48 hours. For those on tight timelines, locators can even help coordinate last-minute moves.
By addressing housing challenges head-on, apartment locating services provide substantial advantages for both relocating candidates and the recruiting teams supporting them.
Saving Time and Reducing Stress
Locators handle the time-intensive tasks of apartment hunting, like checking availability, following up with landlords, and scheduling tours. This allows candidates to focus on their new role while easing the stress of relocation. Meanwhile, recruiters can remain focused on hiring priorities.
Access to Hidden Opportunities
Locators often have access to listings that aren’t widely advertised and can provide early information on upcoming availability. They also help candidates avoid unnecessary application fees by steering them away from apartments with strict qualification requirements.
Local Expertise
For candidates unfamiliar with Austin, locators share insights about commute times, neighborhood vibes, and hidden costs – information that can be invaluable for those moving from out of town.
Financial Clarity and Savings
By walking renters through lease agreements and utility responsibilities, locators help avoid unexpected costs. Best of all, these services are free for renters, as locators earn their commission from the apartment communities.
Improved Candidate Experience
Providing housing assistance early in the hiring process makes job offers more appealing. This added support reassures new hires without increasing the company’s relocation expenses, resulting in a better overall experience for everyone involved.
Taco Street Locating takes the benefits of apartment locating to the next level with a highly localized focus tailored specifically for Austin. Acting as a trusted local expert, this service simplifies the relocation process, boasting over 700 success stories and 180+ five-star Google reviews. This expertise ensures customized move-in solutions that align perfectly with both recruiters’ and new hires’ schedules.
Getting the timing right is crucial for a smooth relocation. Taco Street Locating ensures move-in dates align seamlessly with offer letters by offering personalized consultations with city ambassadors and detailed research reports. The process starts with a one-on-one meeting between the city ambassador and the new hire to discuss their needs, timeline, and preferences. This tailored approach narrows the focus to properties that meet the candidate’s specific requirements.
For out-of-town hires unable to visit Austin before their start date, the service provides both in-person and virtual apartment tours, making relocation stress-free.
Taco Street Locating operates on a completely free model for both companies and their employees. There are no contracts, fees, or long-term commitments, making it easy for recruiters to include housing assistance as part of their relocation support package. Essentially, the service becomes an extension of the recruiting team, offering specialized local knowledge.
When recruiters connect new hires with Taco Street Locating, they delegate the often-overwhelming housing search to experts who know Austin’s rental market inside and out.
"Alex is simply the best! Incredibly helpful and would provide all the support you need in finding the best apartment for you."
- Odai Hezam
This partnership allows recruiters to focus on their primary tasks, confident that their candidates are receiving top-tier housing support. Taco Street Locating even provides detailed research reports and application assistance to make the process as smooth as possible.
Taco Street Locating’s fee-free, flexible approach delivers results that internal housing efforts often can’t match. Most companies lack the resources or in-depth knowledge to fully support relocating employees. Here’s how Taco Street Locating stacks up:
| Advantage | Taco Street Locating | Internal Efforts |
|---|---|---|
| Time Savings | Quick turnaround with local experts | Slower due to limited resources |
| Cost | Free service | Administrative and research costs |
| Local Expertise | Deep knowledge of Austin | Limited understanding |
| Candidate Satisfaction | High, thanks to streamlined support | Lower, due to delays and stress |
That local expertise truly sets Taco Street Locating apart. Their team provides insights on neighborhoods, commute times, and hidden apartment gems that relocating employees might otherwise miss.
"Alex was exactly what I needed as somebody who had just moved to Austin. There are so many apartments in Austin that it can be overwhelming. Alex helped me find the perfect apartment (that wasn’t even originally on my radar) and came with me to see it. If you are thinking of using him DO IT. You will not regret it."
- Jared Johnson
The service’s speed and attention to detail consistently win over both candidates and recruiters. One client shared their experience:
"Gave me the most complete, personalized list of apartments I could have imagined. I was blown away by the speed and thoroughness. I’d recommend this service to anyone moving to Austin."
- Joshua Camenzind
This high level of support not only enhances the candidate experience but also reflects positively on the hiring company, turning what could be a stressful process into a smooth and efficient transition.
Making the most of apartment locating services can be a game-changer, especially when you integrate housing support into your recruitment process. When done right, this approach can streamline transitions for new hires and create a smoother onboarding experience. Two critical aspects to focus on are introducing housing support early and coordinating move-in logistics effectively.
Bringing up housing support during the early stages of recruitment can make a world of difference. For many candidates, relocating is a significant source of stress. By addressing this upfront – during a phone screening or first interview – you can ease those concerns and highlight the benefits of working with your company.
Why does this matter? Early housing support can improve onboarding and reduce the chances of early turnover. Research shows that 20% of new employees leave their roles within the first 45 days, often due to poor onboarding experiences. Tackling housing needs right away can help set the tone for a smooth transition and long-term success.
If you’re partnered with Taco Street Locating, be sure to highlight their fee-free and hassle-free housing solutions. It’s a perk that candidates will appreciate.
Once a candidate is engaged with housing support, the next step is to align their move-in timeline with their start date. This requires careful planning and open communication. Start by gathering key details from the candidate, such as their housing preferences, budget, ideal neighborhoods, and preferred move-in dates.
Clear communication with both the candidate’s current and future landlords is essential. This ensures that lease end and start dates are coordinated smoothly. A shared timeline can make this process easier – include important dates like the candidate’s last day at their current job, lease end, preferred move-in window, and official start date. Where possible, plan for a brief lease overlap to minimize stress during the transition.
It’s also smart to prepare for unexpected hiccups. Options like temporary housing or flexible start dates can be lifesavers if plans change. Regular check-ins with the candidate can help keep things on track and address any last-minute concerns.
Finally, don’t overlook the practical details. Schedule apartment tours – either in-person or virtual – at times that work best for the candidate. Taco Street Locating can assist with this, ensuring the tours are convenient and efficient. Encourage candidates to carefully review lease terms before committing, paying attention to details like move-in requirements and security deposits. These steps can make a big difference in both timing and financial planning.
Attracting top talent in Austin often means addressing one of the biggest hurdles: housing. Taco Street Locating takes the headache out of relocation, offering a seamless and efficient process that benefits both recruiters and candidates. Their service directly tackles the housing challenges we’ve discussed, making relocation far less daunting.
With a track record of over 700 clients and 180+ five-star Google reviews, Taco Street Locating has proven its value time and again. They don’t just find apartments – they craft detailed, personalized research spreadsheets with everything candidates need: apartment options, pricing, square footage, and insights into neighborhoods. This tailored approach saves candidates hours of research and ensures they land in a home that fits their needs.
"Gave me the most complete, personalized list of apartments I could have imagined. I was blown away by the speed and thoroughness. I’d recommend this service to anyone moving to Austin."
– Joshua Camenzind
What sets Taco Street Locating apart is their zero-cost, zero-contract model. Since they’re paid by apartment buildings to connect them with renters, there’s no expense for your company or the candidates. Plus, their local expertise often uncovers neighborhoods and housing options candidates might not have considered, leading to better matches.
For recruiters managing multiple relocations, Taco Street Locating offers scalable, dependable housing support. Whether you’re onboarding a single hire or an entire team, they can align move-in dates with offer letters while ensuring each candidate gets personalized attention.
The result? Faster hiring, reduced stress for candidates, and smoother onboarding – giving your new hires the best possible start in Austin.
Recruiters looking to ease the relocation process for new hires heading to Austin can benefit from teaming up with apartment locating services like Taco Street Locating. These services specialize in offering ready-to-move-in housing options that align with candidates’ offer letters, allowing new hires to make quicker and more confident housing decisions.
Taco Street Locating provides personalized apartment recommendations, conducts in-depth research, and even offers virtual tours. Acting as an extension of your recruiting team, they deliver flexible, no-cost assistance. This not only saves valuable time but also minimizes the stress for both recruiters and candidates, creating a smoother relocation experience.
Austin’s Evolving Rental Market in 2025
The rental landscape in Austin has shifted noticeably in 2025. Vacancy rates for two-bedroom apartments have climbed to about 10%, a sharp increase compared to previous years. Alongside this, the median rent has dropped to around $1,764, signaling a cooling trend as more housing becomes available.
The number of active lease listings has also skyrocketed, jumping from 2,180 in December 2022 to more than 6,500 by mid-2025. Rent prices in some neighborhoods have dipped by as much as 17%, offering renters more affordable options. Despite these changes, Austin continues to thrive as a dynamic city with abundant housing choices. For anyone planning to relocate, staying updated on these market trends is essential for making informed decisions.
Taco Street Locating takes the hassle out of relocating for new hires by providing personalized assistance throughout the entire process. We offer tailored consultations and help identify ready-to-move-in housing options that fit seamlessly with job offer timelines. The result? A stress-free, streamlined transition to Austin that helps new employees settle in faster.
What sets Taco Street Locating apart is how we operate as an extension of your recruiting team – and we do it all without contracts or fees. With our local expertise and quick solutions, recruiters can secure housing efficiently, making it easier to close deals with out-of-town candidates while leaving a lasting, positive impression on your new hires.
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