More space in Space City

Houston ranks first in U.S. for new single-family home permits issued since 2012

Some 392,136 permits for single-family homes were handed out in the Houston region over a decade.

Photo courtesy of NextGen Real Estate

When your population soars more than 15 percent, as the Houston metro area’s population did from 2012 to 2021, you need to put more roofs over people’s heads.

As a result of the region’s booming population, Houston tops the list of major U.S. metro areas with the most construction permits issued for single-family homes from 2012 through 2021, according to new data from self-storage marketplace StorageCafe. During that period, 392,136 permits for single-family homes were handed out in the region.

“Houston has been the primary destination for newcomers moving to Texas, especially Californians who find respite in Harris County’s lower home prices and tax rates, cheaper land, and sound economy,” StorageCafe says in explaining the demand for more homes in the area.

From 2012 through 2021, Houston also led the country’s 50 biggest metros for new retail space (more than 51.8 million square feet). Here’s how Houston ranks in other segments for newly built commercial real estate:

Third for new office space (nearly 44.3 million square feet).
Third for new self-storage space (nearly 17.6 million square feet).
Fourth for multifamily construction permits (170,817).
Fourth for new industrial space (more than 153.3 million square feet).

Houston ranks second for construction activity across all six property types from 2012 through 2021. Here’s how other major Texas metros fare in that regard.

Dallas-Fort Worth, No. 1

DFW ranks:

Second for single-family home permits (323,250).
Second for multifamily permits (233,246).
Second for new office space (nearly 55 million square feet).
First for new industrial space (more than 228 million square feet).
Second for new retail space (more than 47.8 million square feet).
First for new self-storage space (more than 22.9 million square feet).

“One of the fastest-growing metros in the country, Dallas acted as a magnet for both new residents and businesses over the past decade, and the real estate market responded,” StorageCafe notes.

Austin, No. 11

Austin ranks:

Fifth for single-family home permits (152,779).
Sixth for multifamily permits (133,951).
10th for new office space (more than 23.4 million square feet).
32nd for new industrial space (more than 24 million square feet).
Ninth for new retail space (nearly 15.2 million square feet).
10th for new self-storage space (more than 8.3 million square feet).

“Austin manages to outperform many of the decidedly bigger metros in the top 10 for both single-family and multifamily construction,” StorageCafe says.

San Antonio, No. 20

San Antonio ranks:

21st for single-family home permits (79,057).
25th for multifamily permits (44,170).
25th for new office space (more than 9.3 million square feet).
29th for new industrial space (more than 30.4 million square feet).
11th for new retail space (nearly 13.9 million square feet).
18th for new self-storage space (more than 6.8 million square feet).

Where to Live Now

Houston high-rise's 2-story penthouse hits the market at $11 million

Photo by Harry Stonhill

Penthouse 2502 at The Belfiore spans the top two stories of the high rise.

For those looking to move on up to a deluxe penthouse in the sky — the new $11 million listing at 1275 S. Post Oak Lane, Unit 2502 hits the right note.

At nearly 9,000 square feet, Penthouse 2502 at The Belfiore spans the top two floors of the 26-story high rise.

"The team that created Penthouse 2502 offers Houston something exceptionally rare: a brand-new, never-occupied, two-story residence with custom-caliber design atop an established luxury tower," said Justin Dugat of Douglas Elliman, co-listing agent with Misty Meredith, in a statement.

The penthouse underwent a full build-out in the past seven months under the guidance of Jeffrey Fawaz and Mike Elaridi of Fratelli Companies with Ghandi Saad and Salim Obeid of RSG Development Group.

“From the beginning, we saw the opportunity to create something truly elevated; not just in design, but in experience,” Fawaz said. “Every detail was approached with intention, and the result is a space that reflects both luxury and functionality in a seamless way.”

$\u200bPenthouse 2502 at The Belfiore$

Photo by Harry Stonhill

Penthouse 2502 at The Belfiore spans the top two stories of the high rise.

What was once a blank concrete shell is now an 8,689-square-foot home with five bedrooms, including two primaries and a dedicated 680-square-foot dressing room, along with three full and three half bathrooms.

The home’s two floors are connected via both an interior lift and a floating staircase that serves as a sculptural centerpiece. Multiple entertaining spaces include a media room, office, wet bar, massage room, and a wine cellar.

The views are a luxury of their own, with floor-to-ceiling windows and two corner terraces offering panoramas of the east, west, and south.

The list of elevated features is extensive, including an automated designer lighting system by Lutron and appliances from La Cornue and Gaggenau. Venetian plaster, Italian marble countertops, European cabinetry, and custom white oak herringbone flooring throughout highlight the attention to craftsmanship.

The Belfiore’s amenities add to the penthouse’s appeal, with a 24-hour concierge and valet, swimming pool, athletic club, private dog park, and — perhaps most enticing in Houston — industrial generators. The perks come with a hefty monthly maintenance fee of $11,157.

The 45-residence building, completed in 2016, was originally developed by Giorgio Borlenghi of The Interfin Companies alongside McNair Interests, the investment entity of late Texans owner Bob McNair.

“Houston’s luxury high-rise condo market is gaining momentum, driven by demand for a lock-and-leave, full-service lifestyle,” Dugat said. “As more wealth flows into the city, buyers are prioritizing efficiency, design, and the ability to spend more time living and less time managing a traditional home.”

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