Real estate Home Edition
BY CASSANDRA JENKINS
2026
Readers, welcome to your annual CI Home Edition! This annual guide explores what it means to live and invest across the Heights, River Oaks and Montrose. As these neighborhoods continue to evolve, housing trends re ect a shift in how residents are approaching homeownership, renting and long-term investment. In this edition, readers will nd coverage examining how a ordability challenges and rising home prices are in uencing demand across the market. From increased interest in single-family rentals to shifting buyer behavior, this guide highlights how residents are adapting to a changing housing landscape. The data tells a clear story. As home prices continue to climb, more residents are turning to rental options, driving increased demand for single-family homes across Houston. At the same time, developers and investors are responding, creating new opportunities while reshaping the local housing mix. Even as trends shift, the appeal of these neighborhoods remains strong. Their proximity to Houston’s urban core, walkability and distinct character continue to attract residents seeking both convenience and community. Finally, this edition re ects the idea that where people live is closely tied to how they live.
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Energy costs shift home design trends
Measuring the impact
Homeowners can save roughly $1,000 per household on energy costs There is a 2.7% average sales price premium for rated energy-e cient homes
and renewable energy systems, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. They also take advan- tage of local climate and site conditions, such as natural shade and landscaping. Luna said homeowners with more energy- e cient houses save anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 per year on their electric bill. In Texas, CenterPoint Energy shows that a monthly bill for a 2,000-square-foot home could drop from $170 to below $100 per month. The cost Energy-conscious homes do often require 2% to 10% higher upfront costs than a standard home build, according to the Department of Energy. However, despite higher upfront costs, ener- gy-e cient homes often sell faster and at a higher price point, with an additional value of around $5,000 more than a standard home, according to the National Association of Builders.
As energy costs across Houston have begun to skyrocket amid a changing climate that has led to multiple extreme weather events, many home- owners and developers are looking to build more energy-e cient and sustainable homes. What the experts say Sam Luna, director of product sales at BKV Energy, an electric utility company in Houston, said while sustainability is still more of a luxury, he has seen developers start to create new homes with energy-e cient features in mind. According to a recent report by the National Association of Builders, nearly 80% of home buyers consider sustainability when purchasing. “New buyers do expect it,” Luna said. “They are pushing for it… and these additional features may not always add revenue dollars, but buyers are asking for it and builders are accommodating it.” Features of the most e cient homes combine energy-e cient construction, appliances, lighting
Nearly 80% of homeowners consider sustainability when buying
Eco-friendly properties tend to sell about 10 days faster than standard homes
SOURCES: HAR, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BUILDERS, ENERGY STARCOMMUNITY IMPACT
Final takeaways Current homeowners can also take measures towards creating a more energy-e cient home, including upgrading the HVAC system, sealing the roof and checking doors and windows for weatherstripping. “Don’t let this sound so scary,” Luna said. “Take it in chunks. You can make little changes with little costs rst.” COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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