Report: Houston Leads Nation in New Building Permits

Report: Houston Leads Nation in New Building Permits

This newly constructed River Oaks home on Del Monte, which sold last month for $5.8 million, was one of nearly 50,000 homes permitted for construction in the Houston area in 2020, the most of any metro region in the country, per new data.

AS IF ANY more evidence were needed that the city's real estate market is on fire, Houston leads the nation in permits for building new homes. This is according to new research from a leading property search company.


Analyzing recently released data from the U.S. Census Bureau, NeighborWho says there were 49,915 permits issued in 2020 for new homes the Houston metro area, which also includes The Woodlands and Sugar Land. That represents an increase of 26.3 percent over 2019.

"The increase in single-family building permits in Houston indicates a need for more homes," said a NeighborWho rep, who adds that an increasing number of Houstonians is financially prepared to buy homes.

The Dallas metro was second on the list with 44,005 such permits, a 25.9 percent spike over the 2019. The Austin metro also made the top 10, with 22,570 permits, for an increase of 22.5 percent over the previous year.

Beyond the Lone Star State, Phoenix posted impressive gains. Their were 31,658 permits in the metro, for a jump of 26.5 percent over 2019's stats.

While Houston and other Texas cities appear to be exceptional, the home building boom is nationwide. "While the pandemic hit a number of industries hard in 2020, new housing starts for single-family homes increased nearly 14 percent compared to 2019, adding almost 1 million new homes to the U.S. market," said NeighborWho.

Other cities posting big numbers of new permits including Atlanta, Charlotte, Tampa, Nashville, Orlando and Washington D.C.

Home + Real Estate
Elevate Dining in and out this Summer with Steam Cooking

MAKE THE MOST of every delicious bite this summer with the benefits of steam cooking. Whether you’re reviving leftovers from Houston’s hottest foodie hangout or hosting memorable gatherings at home, integrating steam into your cooking repertoire can take your food to the next level.

Keep Reading Show less

Betty Hrncir, Sidney Faust, Julie Baker Finck

ACTUAL WINTER WEATHER was in the forecast the night of the Winter Ball, benefiting the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation and honoring the Women of Distinction, a festive and fitting detail that sparked a flurry of conversation at the Omni Hotel.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties

Concert of Arias finalists on the Wortham stage, including first place and audience choice winner Geonho Lee of South Korea, third from left. (Photo by Michael Bishop)

LONG ONE OF the HGO’s most exciting evenings on the calendar — Artistic and Music Director Patrick Summers called it the best night of the year — the 37th Annual Concert of Arias and gala dinner afterward dazzled and inspired opera fans.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment