Real Estate in Houston

Typical price ranges in Houston vary by property type and neighborhood. Single-family homes commonly trade from about $200,000–$600,000; condos $120,000–$350,000; townhouses $220,000–$450,000; luxury/transitional properties often start around $700,000+. Price per sq ft typically ranges about $120–$250 depending on central vs suburban location.

Yes — non‑US residents can own real estate in Houston with no citizenship requirement. Financing is available but often needs higher down payments (commonly 25–40%) and proof of income or an ITIN/SSN. Rental income is taxable in the US and foreign sellers may face FIRPTA withholding on sale. Buying property does not grant residency or a visa.

Houston offers steady rental demand driven by energy, medical and universities. Expect gross rental yields roughly 5–9% for single‑family rentals and variable returns for multifamily; central units may have lower yields but stronger liquidity. Resale markets in core neighborhoods move faster; suburban stock can offer higher cash yields but slower turnover.

Family buyers often target neighborhoods with good schools, parks and commute options: West University/Med Center corridor, Memorial/Katy/Sugar Land and The Woodlands suburbs. These areas offer access to reputable public and private schools, hospitals, family amenities and safer streets; prices tend to be higher but justify quality of life and long‑term resale stability.

Top spots for rental demand include neighborhoods near downtown, Medical Center, Rice Village, and university corridors, plus inner‑loop apartment districts. Suburban areas near large employers or commuter hubs can deliver higher gross yields. Look at vacancy, price‑to‑rent ratio and proximity to transit or major employers when comparing micro‑markets.

Buyers should budget closing costs of roughly 2–5% of purchase price (title, escrow, appraisal, inspections, lender fees). Texas has no state income tax but property taxes in Harris County often run around 1.8–2.5% of assessed value annually. There’s no state transfer tax. Sellers typically pay broker commissions. Flood insurance and high property tax exposure are common cost risks.

Short‑term rentals are allowed in many parts of Houston but rules vary by neighborhood, county and HOA; check local ordinances and deed restrictions. Occupancy and hotel taxes apply and permit or registration may be required for some properties. Central locations and event seasons boost occupancy; verify insurance, safety codes and HOA rules before listing.

Off‑plan purchases carry risks: construction delays, cost overruns, market shifts and potential quality issues. Common protections: limit deposits (often 5–20%), include clear completion timelines and penalty clauses, require independent inspections and escrowed funds, secure builder warranties and title insurance. Expect delivery delays of several months to years depending on project stage.

Houston suits remote workers: widespread high‑speed cable/fiber (100–1,000 Mbps in many areas), affordable living costs vs coastal metros, plenty of coworking and long‑stay rental options, cultural amenities and international airports. Buying property doesn’t change visa rules — length of stay depends on your nationality and US visa/ESTA allowances.

Typical timelines: cash purchases can close in 7–14 days; financed resale transactions commonly close in 30–60 days. New builds or off‑plan units often take 6–18+ months to complete. Key milestones: offer to contract (days), inspection period (7–14 days), mortgage underwriting (30–45 days), and final closing/escrow. Delays often stem from inspections, appraisal or financing.