Brookshire and Waller Lead Houston's Housing Surge in Early 2025 Amid Growing Demand for Affordable Homes
Houston-area homebuyers are flocking to more affordable communities in 2025, with Brookshire leading the surge, according to the latest "Hottest Communities" report from the Houston Association of Realtors (HAR). In the first quarter, Brookshire saw home sales skyrocket by 167.7% compared to the same period last year, totaling 83 homes sold, most of which were new builds. This Waller County town, located near Katy and Fulshear, continues its rapid growth as buyers seek attainable homeownership options outside the Inner Loop.
The trend underscores a broader economic reality. As the national economy remains resilient but cautious — with the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reporting moderate GDP growth in early 2025 — Greater Houston continues to shine. Recent data from the Greater Houston Partnership points to a steady influx of new residents drawn by job opportunities, particularly in energy, healthcare, and logistics. With the Houston area's average home price now at $427,221, Brookshire’s average home price of $319,034 offers an appealing entry point for first-time buyers and families priced out of more expensive neighborhoods.
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Not far behind Brookshire, Waller ranked second on HAR's list, recording a 74.6% increase in home sales. Over 80% of these transactions involved new construction, signaling strong developer confidence and a sustained demand for move-in-ready homes. Following closely, Hockley posted a 73.2% year-over-year increase, with an average sales price of $332,716—still well below the regional average, making it a prime choice for budget-conscious buyers.
"Given current economic conditions, Houston homebuyers are understandably prioritizing affordability," said Shae Cottar, HAR Chair with LPT Realty. "The communities on the list offer homes at price points that are attainable for a larger pool of buyers. This creates a pathway to homeownership for people who may have previously believed it was out of reach. A REALTOR® is your key to finding a home that fits your budget and lifestyle."
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The demand for suburban living continues to intensify as inflation remains moderate and mortgage rates, although elevated compared to pandemic lows, are beginning to stabilize. According to Freddie Mac’s latest reports, average mortgage rates are hovering around 6.5% as of April 2025, encouraging buyers to lock in before any potential upticks. Combined with expanding infrastructure projects like the I-10 improvements near Katy, areas like Brookshire and Waller are poised for sustained residential growth.
While affordability headlines the list, the HAR report also spotlighted luxury communities where demand remains robust. Garden Oaks saw luxury home sales double year-over-year, while The Memorial Villages and Briargrove demonstrated fast-moving million-dollar-plus markets. However, for families seeking space, value, and opportunity, Brookshire and Waller stand out as the Greater Houston area's top destinations in 2025.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
