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GUIDE TO HOUSTON’S BEST CONDOS

Houston is home to a great variety of condo options, from luxury full service highrises to boutique midrises and lofts.

Houston’s skyline is adorned with a mix of established luxury high-rises, converted loft buildings, boutique mid-rises, and condominium complexes. The city is home to more than 115 residential high-rise and mid-rise condos.

Condo living is becoming very popular. Next-door living to the city’s best “work-and-play” establishments, lock-and-leave lifestyle, security and full-service amenities are just some of its main benefits.

Buying a condo in Houston can be very challenging due to the sheer variety of options available.

While Houston is in the midst of a new construction boom (contact us to see which buildings have been put on hold), resaleability, location, building amenities (in relation to its HOA fees), condo appreciation rates, and more continue to be key factors condo buyers should watch.

  • Best Luxury Houston Condos

    If you’re interested in making a sound financial decision (and also enjoying where you live), there are three critical factors to consider before making a condo purchase…

  • 16 Newest Condo Buildings

    Houston is 3rd US city with most number of new constructions. Our city also now ranks 7th in Emporis’ list of “North American Cities With Most Number Of Highrise Developments”…

  • Houston Condos Near METRORail

    Bayou City residents looking to buy a Houston condo along the METRORail have 21 options (plus a few honorable mentions)…

  • Houston Condo HOA Fees & Amenities

    If you’re considering buying a condo in Houston, make sure that you’re aware of the monthly HOA fees, their true costs, the benefits you get from being a resident…

 

Houston Condos by Neighborhood

  • Houston Galleria Condos

    Premier shopping centers, upscale boutiques, fine dining, and vibrant nightlife options are all within minutes from condos within the Galleria / Uptown area.

  • Inner Loop Houston Condos

    Location is one of the biggest factors in choosing a condo, and the Inner Loop offers a host of great options.

  • Downtown Houston Condos and Lofts

    Condos and lofts in Houston’s downtown area offer easy access to over 2,000 companies, to the METRORail and tunnel system, and to some of the city’s best dining and entertainment.

  • Houston Museum District Condos

    One of Houston’s most accessible neighborhoods, the Museum District offers an exciting variety of arts and cultural centers.

Downtown Houston Condos

  • Bayou Lofts

    Located in the northern part of Downtown Houston’s Historic District, Bayou Lofts is a 9-story mid-rise building and was one of the area’s first loft conversion projects.

  • Byrd’s Lofts

    Previously home to Byrd’s Department Store, the Joseph Finger-designed 4-story landmark was converted to house lofts in 2005.

  • Capitol Lofts

    Converted in the late 1990s, Capitol Lofts is a 10-story residential high-rise originally built in 1908 as the M.E. Foster Building.

  • Commerce Towers

    One of Houston’s most iconic high-rises, Commerce Towers is a Jesse H. Jones-designed 25-story building. It was originally built in the late 1920s.

  • Four Seasons Residences

    Covering floors 21 through 25 of a world-class luxury hotel, Four Seasons Residences offers full-service hotel amenities and easy access to downtown Houston’s best hotspots.

  • Franklin Lofts

    One of Houston’s historic buildings, Franklin Lofts is an 8-story converted residential mid-rise. It now houses luxury lofts while keeping its neoclassical aesthetics.

  • Hermann Lofts

    Built in 1917, Hermann Lofts is an 8-story converted loft building that features distinct yellow brick exteriors with a cast iron canopy adorning the sidewalk.

  • Herrin Lofts

    Previously the old Herrin Moving and Storage Building, Herrin Lofts is now a 5-story residential mid-rise

  • Keystone Lofts

    Keystone Lofts is a 10-story residential building located two blocks away from the METRORail. The Joseph Finger-designed converted mid-rise is prized for its spacious units and exciting downtown location.

  • Kirby Lofts

    Kirby Lofts is an 11-story loft building within Houston’s vibrant downtown area. It is one of the area’s historic buildings, originally built in 1920.

  • Rise Lofts

    Located just outside downtown, Rise Lofts is a 15-story luxury residential high-rise. It is one of Midtown’s first high-rise developments and features studio, one- and two-bedroom lofts, and penthouse units.

  • San Jacinto Lofts

    Nestled within downtown Houston’s hip warehouse district, San Jacinto Lofts is a converted 2-story building with unassuming brick exteriors.

  • Stanford Lofts

    Located just north of EaDo’s BBVA Compass Stadium, Stanford Lofts is a 6-story residential mid-rise a short walk away from the METRORail and a number of exciting new restaurants and bars.

  • St. Germain Lofts

    St. Germain Lofts is an 8-story luxury residential mid-rise within Houston’s bustling downtown area. A Randall Davis project, the building is popular for its central location and high accessibility.

  • The Beaconsfield

    Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, The Beaconfield has continued to be a coveted address thanks to its great location and old world charm.

  • The Edge

    The Edge is a 6-story residential condominium located just within Midtown, a stone’s throw away from downtown Houston.

  • The Marlowe

    Standing at 20 stories, The Marlowe is Randall Davis’ newest downtown residential condo building.

  • 2016 Main

    Located along Houston’s METRORail Red Line and minutes away from downtown, 2016 Main is a 26-story residential condo building. It is also one of Houston’s first residential high-rises.

Houston Galleria Condos

  • The Arabella

    Located next to the River Oaks District and less than a mile from The Galleria, The 34-story Arabella is one of Houston’s newest luxury high-rises.

  • Astoria

    The Astoria is one of Randall Davis’ developments in the Galleria area. Standing at 28 stories, it is one of the district’s newer luxury high-rises.

  • Belfiore

    A Giorgio Borlenghi and Interfin development (the same group behind luxury buildings Montebello, Villa D’Este, and Four Leaf Towers), The Belfiore is a 26-story high luxury condo with European-inspired architecture.

  • Cosmopolitan

    Located within the coveted Galleria area, The Cosmopolitan is a 23-story luxury residential high-rise from Randall Davis.

  • Empire Lofts and Flats

    The Empire is a luxury 8-story mid-rise nestled within a gated enclave. The building features Classical New York architecture with intricate old-world style iron work and detailing.

  • Four Leaf Towers

    One of the first luxury condo buildings in the Galleria area, Four Leaf Towers is a pair of 40-story residential high-rises. The Cesar Pelli-designed buildings are easily recognizable with their red glass exteriors.

  • Highland Tower

    Located in the area between the Galleria and River Oaks, Highland Tower is a 16-story luxury high-rise from Pelican Builders and Ziegler Cooper Architects.

  • Lofts On Post Oak

    One of the Galleria area’s premier loft developments, the Lofts on Post Oak offers full service amenities, 6 resort-style pools, a 20-seat theatre, an internet café, and other luxury features.

  • Manhattan

    The Manhattan Lofts is a 9-story residential condo development from Randall Davis. The complex is known for its unique French Beaux-Arts style architecture.

  • St. James

    Located minutes away from The Galleria, St. James Condominiums is a 24-story luxury high-rise with full service amenities.

  • St. Clair

    Located near Houston’s posh Tanglewood area, St. Clair Condominium is a 14-story luxury high-rise originally built in the early 1980s.

  • The Briarglen

    Centrally located within Briar Hollow, The Briarglen Condominiums is an 8-story mid-rise offering distinct living spaces in a variety of floor plans.

  • The Bristol

    Converted into a luxury residential building in 2006, The Bristol is blocks away from major freeways, and upscale boutiques, restaurants, shopping centers, and other entertainment areas.

  • The Houstonian

    Lush greenery and wooded pathways surround the Houstonian Estates, one of the city’s most luxurious full-service high-rises. The 28-story building sits on a 3.5-acre site a mile away from Memorial Park.

  • The Mark

    The Mark is a 30-story residential high-rise with luxury Euro-style one- and two-bedroom floor plans. The building is blocks away from world-renowned retail center, The Galleria.

  • The Mercer

    One of the Galleria’s luxury high-rises, The Mercer features 55 units spread over 30 stories. With only two units per floor (with 5 full floor residences), the building is known for its spacious floor plans and luxury residences.

  • The Montebello

    The Montebello is a 30-story luxury residential high-rise located within one of Houston’s bustling retail and business centers, the Galleria area.

  • The Oxford

    Nestled next to one of Houston’s premier shopping centers, The Oxford is a 20-story luxury residential high-rise. Apart from its central location, the building is also prized for its first-class amenities.

  • The Tealstone

    Located just outside Bunker Hill Village (one of Houston’s most expensive neighborhoods), The Tealstone is a 15-story luxury residential building with full service amenities.

  • The Wilshire

    The Wilshire is a 17-story new construction luxury high-rise located just a few blocks away from the Galleria and River Oaks District.

  • Venti

    Tucked within a verdant area just south of the Buffalo Bayou, the Venti is a luxury 6-story mid-rise. The 20-unit building features European-style architecture with brick accents and balconies.

  • Villa D’Este

    From the same developers behind Montebello and Four Leaf Towers, Villa D’Este is a 28-story luxury high-rise is known for its high security, views of the Buffalo Bayou, and location just outside the loop.

  • Woodway

    One of the Galleria area’s most established high-rises, The Woodway is a 19-story residential building at the corner of Post Oak and Woodway.

Houston Inner Loop Condos

  • 1011 Studemont

    Featuring only 30 units, 1011 Studemont is a new construction midrise nestled within the historic and vibrant Rice Military area.

  • 1714 Ashland / Bell Heights

    Drawing inspiration from New Orlean’s Garden District neighborhood, 1714 Ashland features 24 luxury lofts within the gated Bell Heights subdivision.

  • 2727 Kirby at River Oaks

    One of Houston’s premier luxury condo buildings, 2727 Kirby At River Oaks is located within the city’s trendy Upper Kirby neighborhood.

  • The Arabella

    Located next to the River Oaks District and less than a mile from The Galleria, the 34-story Arabella is one of Houston’s newest luxury high-rises.

  • Bayou Bend Towers

    Upholding its 30-year reputation as a luxury residential condo complex, Bayou Bend Towers is composed of three buildings nestled mere blocks away from Houston’s Memorial Park

  • Chateau Ten Welch

    Located in the eastern part of the exclusive River Oaks District, The Chateau Ten is a 6-story new construction mid-rise featuring 10 luxury units.

  • Chateau Ten Sunset

    Chateau Ten is Randall Davis’ second “Chateau Ten” condo project (these are all mid-rise buildings with similar floor plans and footprints), nestled within Boulevards Oaks.

  • Giorgetti

    Featuring 32 residences with bespoke design, Giorgetti is a 7-story mid-rise located in the northern part of the Upper Kirby neighborhood.

  • Gotham Lofts

    Located within River Oaks, Gotham Lofts is a residential midrise recognized by many as Houston’s version of the elegant Credit Lyonnais building in Paris.

  • Greenway

    Made up of two 30-story luxury residential buildings, The Greenway Condominiums is nestled within the Greenway Plaza, Houston’s first master-planned mixed-use development.

  • Highland Tower

    Located in the area between the Galleria and River Oaks, Highland Tower is a 16-story luxury high-rise from Pelican Builders and Ziegler Cooper Architects.

  • Inwood Manor

    Located within the posh River Oaks area, Inwood Manor is a 16-story residential building with Renaissance-inspired gardens and bi-level penthouses.

  • Lamar Tower

    One of Houston’s earliest residential high-rises, Lamar Tower stands at 23 stories. The full service building offers a wide range of amenities.

  • Mimosa Terrace

    Inspired by the boutique-style buildings in Milan and Singapore, The Mimosa Terrace is a Citiscape development.

  • One Montrose Place

    Standing at 7 stories, One Montrose Place is one of the newer mid-rise buildings in Montrose. The building features contemporary aesthetics with brick and stucco exteriors.

  • Regency House

    The Regency House is a 13-story luxury residential building located within River Oaks area. Its full service amenities and its location along Westheimer contribute to its overall appeal.

  • Renaissance at River Oaks

    Renaissance At River Oaks is a 3-story residential complex located in the area between River Oaks and Montrose. Converted in 2000, the mid-rise offers a great set of amenities.

  • Renoir Lofts

    Renoir Lofts, a Randall Davis development, is a luxury mid-rise located blocks away from River Oaks Shopping Center. The upscale mid-rise showcases French-inspired architecture.

  • Riva At The Park

    Sims Luxury Builders’ first multi-family luxury condo project, the 10-story Riva At the Park is located within River Oaks, just minutes from the Buffalo Bayou Park.

  • The Sophie At Bayou Bend

    The Sophie At Bayou Bend is a new construction mid-rise set within a gated community. The Sophie, from the word “Sophistication,” features 42 luxury condos ranging up to 5,000 square feet in size.

  • The Briarglen

    Centrally located within Briar Hollow, The Briarglen Condominiums is an 8-story mid-rise offering distinct living spaces in a variety of floor plans.

  • The Huntingdon

    A River Oaks landmark since 1984, James E. Lyon-developed The Huntingdon is often regarded as the “Grande Dame” of luxury high-rise buildings in Houston.

  • The Revere At River Oaks

    Nestled within the east part of the exclusive River Oaks neighborhood, The Revere at River Oaks is a new construction 9-story, 33-unit luxury boutique mid-rise from Pelican Builders.

  • The River Oaks

    The River Oaks is a redeveloped luxury high-rise with garden, tower, and penthouse residences. The 17-story building is located along Westheimer Road within River Oaks, Houston’s most expensive neighborhood.

  • The Royalton at River Oaks

    Built on a 2.7-acre site along Allen Parkway, The Royalton at River Oaks is a 33-story Houston landmark. The luxury high-rise is a short drive away from Downtown, the Galleria, and the Texas Medical Center.

  • The Willowick

    Converted in 1978, The Willowick is a 15-story residential high-rise located within the exclusive River Oaks area. Notable for its unique wrap around terraces, the building is minutes away from Highland Village.

  • The Wilshire

    The Wilshire is a 17-story new construction luxury high-rise located just a few blocks away from the Galleria and River Oaks District.

  • The Victoria

    Located within the west section of the historic Heights area, The Victoria is a new construction 6-story mid-rise from Fisher Homes of Texas.

  • Washington Lofts

    Washington Lofts is a mid-rise loft complex made up of 12 lofts and 6 penthouses spread over three 5-story buildings. Six commercial spaces are also available at street level.

  • Jackson Place Condominiums

    Jackson Place Condominiums is a mid-rise condo building made up of 52 units.

  • 6007 Memorial Condominiums

    Located about 4 miles from downtown Houston, 6007 Memorial was built in 2001

Houston Museum District/West University Condos

  • 1400 Hermann

    Overlooking Hermann Park’s 8-acre McGovern Centennial Gardens, 1400 Hermann is a 17-story Houston landmark originally built in 1957. The luxury high-rise covers an entire city block.

  • 2520 Robinhood

    Located a few blocks away from Rice Village, 2520 Robinhood is a 17-story residential condo known for its central location between West University and Southampton.

  • 5000 Montrose @ The Museum

    Featuring distinct circular balconies offering great city views, 5000 Montrose @ The Museum is a 22-story building nestled within one of Houston’s most accessible neighborhoods.

  • Chateau Ten Sunset

    Chateau Ten is Randall Davis’ second “Chateau Ten” condo project (these are all mid-rise buildings with similar floor plans and footprints) located within Boulevard Oaks.

  • Il Palazzo

    Designed by architect Carlo di Nunzio, Il Palazzo is a 6-story luxury residential mid-rise with Italian-inspired architecture. Covering an entire city block, the building features 52 lofts and 6 penthouse units.

  • Oaks On Caroline

    With 6 floors with only 28 residences, Oaks on Caroline is a new construction mid-rise near Museum District’s 19 cultural centers.

  • The Parklane

    The Parklane is a 35-story residential high-rise located just north of Hermann Park Golf Course. It is one of the tallest residential buildings in the city and offers full-service amenities.

  • Serento

    Serento is a 5-story Tuscan-inspired residential mid-rise located within the Old Braeswood neighborhood, just a few blocks away from the Texas Medical Center.

  • The Mosaic on Hermann

    One of the largest and most luxurious residential condo complexes in Houston, The Mosaic on Hermann Park stands at 30 stories high with 22,500 square feet of retail space at street level.

  • The Spires

    One of the tallest residential buildings in Houston, The Spires is a 40-story high-rise located within the Medical Center and adjacent to Hermann Park.

  • Topaz Villas

    Located in a cul-de-sac within the south part of Montrose, Topaz Villas is a new construction mid-rise with 15 residences featuring classic Italian interior design and modern finishes.

  • Warwick Towers

    Standing at 30 stories high, the Warwick Towers is a distinct landmark in Houston’s Museum District. The residential high-rise is a few blocks away from Hermann Park, several museums, and the METRORail.

Other Condos: Houston Condos Outside the Loop

  • City Plaza at Town Square

    The City Plaza at Town Square is a 4-story luxury mid-rise in Sugar Land, one of Houston’s best suburbs.

  • Palisade Palms

    Palisade Palms is a luxury beach-front highrise with panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico and resort-style living.

  • The Shoreline in Lake Conroe

    Featuring waterfront residences right by the marina, The Shoreline is Lake Conroe’s newest premier lakeside condo development.

  • The Endeavor in Seabrook

    The Endeavor is a 30-story tower located near the Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston.

  • The San Luis

    The San Luis is a 100-unit luxury high-rise located in Galveston.

  • Sussex Condos

    Sussex Condos is located within Sharpstown, one of the earliest master-planned communities in Houston.

 

Luxury Houston Condos

  • 2727 Kirby at River Oaks

    One of Houston’s premier luxury condo buildings, 2727 Kirby At River Oaks is located within the city’s trendy Upper Kirby neighborhood.

  • The Arabella

    Located next to the River Oaks District and less than a mile from The Galleria, The 34-story Arabella is one of Houston’s newest luxury high-rises.

  • Astoria

    The Astoria is one of Randall Davis’ developments in the Galleria area. Standing at 28-stories, it is one of the district’s newer luxury high-rises.

  • Bayou Bend Towers

    Upholding its 30-year reputation as a luxury residential condo complex, Bayou Bend Towers is composed of three buildings nestled mere blocks away from Houston’s Memorial Park.

  • Belfiore

    A Giorgio Borlenghi and Interfin development (the same group behind luxury buildings.

  • Chateau Ten Sunset

    Chateau Ten is Randall Davis’ second “Chateau Ten” condo project (these are all mid-rise buildings with similar floor plans and footprints) located within Boulevard Oaks.

  • Chateau Ten Welch

    Located in the eastern part of the exclusive River Oaks District, The Chateau Ten is a six-story new construction mid-rise featuring 10 luxury units.

  • Four Leaf Towers

    One of the first luxury condo buildings in the Galleria area, Four Leaf Towers is a pair of 40-story residential high-rises. The Cesar Pelli-designed buildings are easily recognizable with their red glass exteriors.

  • Giorgetti

    Featuring 32 residences with bespoke design, Giorgetti is a 7-story mid-rise located in the northern part of the Upper Kirby neighborhood.

  • Highland Tower

    Located in the area between the Galleria and River Oaks, Highland Tower is a 16-story luxury high-rise from Pelican Builders and Ziegler Cooper Architects.

  • Riva At The Park

    Sims Luxury Builders’ first mult-ifamily luxury condo project, the 10-story Riva At the Park is located within River Oaks, just minutes from the Buffalo Bayou Park.

  • The Sophie At Bayou Bend

    The Sophie At Bayou Bend is a new construction mid-rise set within a gated community. The Sophie, from the word “Sophistication,” features 42 luxury condos ranging up to 5,000 square feet in size.

  • The Briarglen

    Centrally located within Briar Hollow, The Briarglen Condominiums is an 8-story mid-rise offering distinct living spaces in a variety of floor plans.

  • The Houstonian

    Lush greenery and wooded pathways surround the Houstonian Estates, one of the city’s most luxurious full-service high-rises. The 28-story building sits on a 3.5-acre site, just a mile away from Memorial Park.

  • The Huntingdon

    A River Oaks landmark since 1984, James E. Lyon-developed The Huntingdon is often regarded as the “Grande Dame” of luxury high-rise buildings in Houston.

  • The Montebello

    The Montebello is a 30-story luxury residential high-rise located within one of Houston’s bustling retail and business centers, the Galleria area.

  • The Royalton at River Oaks

    Built on a 2.7-acre site along Allen Parkway, The Royalton at River Oaks is a 33-story Houston landmark. The luxury high-rise is a short drive away from Downtown, the Galleria, and the Texas Medical Center.

  • The River Oaks

    The River Oaks is a redeveloped luxury high-rise with garden, tower, and penthouse residences. The 17-story building is located along Westheimer Road within River Oaks, Houston’s most expensive neighborhood.

  • The Wilshire

    The Wilshire is a 17-story new construction luxury high-rise located just a few blocks away from the Galleria and River Oaks District.

  • Villa D’Este

    From the same developers behind Montebello and Four Leaf Towers, Villa D’Este is a 28-story luxury high-rise known for its high security, views of the Buffalo Bayou, and location just outside the loop.

  • Warwick Towers

    Standing at 30 stories high, the Warwick Towers is a distinct landmark in Houston’s Museum District. The residential high-rise is a few blocks away from Hermann Park, several museums, and the METRORail.

New Construction Houston Condos

  • 1011 Studemont

    Featuring only 30 units, 1011 Studemont is a new construction midrise nestled within the historic and vibrant Rice Military area.

  • 1714 Ashland / Bell Heights

    Drawing inspiration from New Orlean’s Garden District neighborhood, 1714 Ashland features 24 luxury lofts within the gated Bell Heights subdivision.

  • Astoria

    A Randall Davis development, The Astoria is a 28-story building with Modern Art Deco architecture and Galleria and Downtown views.

  • The Arabella

    Located next to the River Oaks District and less than a mile from The Galleria, the 34-story Arabella is one of Houston’s newest luxury high-rises.

  • Belfiore

    A Giorgio Borlenghi and Interfin development (the same group behind luxury buildings.

  • Chateau Ten Sunset

    Chateau Ten is Randall Davis’ second “Chateau Ten” condo project (these are all mid-rise buildings with similar floor plans and footprints) located within Boulevard Oaks.

  • Chateau Ten Welch

    Located in the eastern part of the exclusive River Oaks District, The Chateau Ten is a six-story new construction mid-rise featuring 10 luxury units.

  • Giorgetti

    Featuring 32 residences with bespoke design, Giorgetti is a 7-story mid-rise located in the northern part of the Upper Kirby neighborhood.

  • Ivy Lofts

    Houston’s first micro-condo project, the Ivy Lofts is a new construction residential complex located within the redeveloped section of East Downtown.

  • Mimosa Terrace

    Located within one of Houston’s most expensive and exclusive neighborhoods, Mimosa Terrace is a new construction mid-rise with 11 luxury units between 4,500 to 10,000 square feet.

  • Oaks On Caroline

    With 6 floors with only 28 residences, Oaks on Caroline is a new construction mid-rise near Museum District’s 19 cultural centers.

  • Riva At The Park

    Sims Luxury Builders’ first multi-family luxury condo project, the 10-story Riva At The Park is located within River Oaks, just minutes from the Buffalo Bayou Park.

  • The Sophie At Bayou Bend

    The Sophie At Bayou Bend is a new construction mid-rise set within a gated community. The Sophie, from the word “Sophistication,” features 42 luxury condos ranging up to 5,000 square feet in size.

  • The Marlowe

    The Marlowe is Randall Davis’ newest downtown residential condo building and offers 20 floors of modern construction within the south east part of Houston’s Central Business District.

  • The Moderne

    Featuring an avant-garde “All-Penthouse” floor plan, the 7-story Moderne is a new construction mid-rise within the Rice Village area.

  • The Mondrian

    Featuring 20 spacious residences minutes from Hermann Park and Houston’s best museums, The Mondrian is one of Museum District’s new construction condo buildings.

  • The Revere At River Oaks

    Nestled within the east part of the exclusive River Oaks neighborhood, The Revere at River Oaks is a new construction 9-story, 33-unit luxury boutique mid-rise from Pelican Builders.

  • The River Oaks

    The River Oaks is a redeveloped luxury high-rise with garden, tower, and penthouse residences. The 17-story building is located along Westheimer Road within River Oaks, Houston’s most expensive neighborhood.

  • The Wilshire

    The Wilshire is a 17-story new construction luxury high-rise located just a few blocks away from the Galleria and River Oaks District.

  • Topaz Villas

    Located in a cul-de-sac within the south part of Montrose, Topaz Villas is a new construction mid-rise with 15 residences featuring classic Italian interior design and modern finishes.

Most Expensive / Most Luxurious Houston Condo Buildings

The following buildings are known for top-tier service, amenities, reputation and location:

  • The Huntingdon

  • Montebello

  • Villa D’Este

  • 2727 Kirby at River Oaks

  • Astoria

 

Lease Only Buildings

  • One Park Place

  • 7 Riverway

  • View all Houston condos for lease

Houston Condos by HOA Fees and Amenities

If you’re considering buying a condo in Houston, make sure that you’re aware of the monthly homeowner association (HOA) fees, their true costs, the benefits you get from being a resident, and the success themes quality buildings share.

It’s also important to note that HOA fees have an impact on financing, as banks will require you to pay both HOA fees and taxes on time (they don’t like 3rd party senior liens). Taxing authorities and homeowners associations can place a lien on your condo unit if you don’t pay their bills.

As such, high HOA fees can become an issue once you resell. Historically, older buildings (from the 1960s to 1980s) have higher fees, mostly due to several amenities, and limited energy efficiency. Some of these buildings also have residents sharing utilities like electricity.

Below, we’ve presented HOA fee trends by building age, Houston neighborhood, and those high-rises that have a pool versus those that don’t.

Houston Condos and Highrises Overview

Condos vs. Townhomes or Single-Family Homes

One of the largest differences between Houston condos and Houston townhomes for sale or Houston Single Family Homes is the underlying asset that you’re actually purchasing.

When you buy a townhome or a single-family home, you own the land (from the center of the earth to infinity above) plus the structure.

When you buy a condo, you’re buying airspace and have shared ownership of common use areas.

As such the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) promulgates a separate contract for condos because they are different entities.

It’s important to use a mortgage broker and realtor who is familiar with condo transactions to help you navigate the buildings, association rules and restrictions, potential deferred maintenance issues at that location, historical trends in that building, resale potential, unique financing requirements, and closing process for condos.

 

Primary Benefits of Living in a Houston Condo

  • Lock-and-leave lifestyle. The lock-and-leave lifestyle is becoming quite popular as it usually entails no yard work, roof repair, or building or grounds maintenance.

  • Easy accessibility. Houston condos are typically located within the city’s hottest neighborhoods, which means condo residents are usually mere steps away from bustling dining, entertainment, and retail centers, business districts, and main roads and freeways.

  • Security. Many residential buildings in Houston offer 24-hour staff and security, controlled entrances, secure parking, and security cameras.

  • Building amenities. Building amenities vary, but many luxury high-rises offer tennis courts, swimming pools, saunas, theater rooms, fitness centers, rooftop decks, and more.

  • Full-service amenities. Houston’s most expensive condos can offer white-glove services: concierge, porter, and valet services; trash and dry cleaning pick-up, shuttle services, and others.

  • Like-minded neighbors. Living in a Houston high-rise offers a great way to meet like-minded people. Many condos have “resident committees” and social groups that arrange events and gatherings.

 

Primary Drawbacks (compared to Houston Townhomes or Houston Single Family Homes)

  • Monthly maintenance fees. The staff and amenities are great but come with a fee. Monthly maintenance fees pay for shared expenses. Be sure to weigh the costs versus benefits before you buy a condo and be wary of certain buildings that have large deferred maintenance issues.

  • Neighbors. Neighbors can turn into great friends. There are, however, some people who aren’t good neighbors. Look for condos with good soundproofing (and/or limited units per floor).

  • Converted units. Be wary of buildings that were originally built as apartments as the quality of construction can be inferior.

  • Associations. Residents elect a Board of Directors to manage the building’s business and to establish and enforce building policies. Condo residents are part of a community, subject to community guidelines and restrictions. Knowing the guidelines before buying is imperative (especially if you have pets).