Which Houston neighborhoods are going to see home-value gains in 2026, and how can you as a homeowner take advantage if you’re planning to sell?
At The Jamie McMartin Group, led by Jamie McMartin, we specialize in guiding Houston home sellers through changing market conditions. In this article, we explore how the Houston real estate market is evolving and identify which neighborhoods are poised for growth in 2026. If you’re considering selling a home in Houston, this insight will help you evaluate your timing, strategy, and neighborhood-specific potential.
Understanding the market context
Before we dive into specific neighborhoods, it’s important to grasp the broader backdrop shaping home values in the Houston region. According to the Texas Real Estate Research Center (TRERC), Houston is forecast to see roughly 3 % to 4 % growth in home values in the 12 months ending summer 2026.
Other sources underscore that many Texas metros are returning to more moderate appreciation, moving away from rapid double-digit growth into a more stable, sustainable range.
What does this mean for you as a seller? Essentially: growth is likely, but it won’t be explosive. The homes that will gain the most value are those in neighbourhoods with increasing demand, strong fundamentals (schools, access, amenities), and less supply risk. That’s why identifying which neighborhoods are poised for growth in 2026 becomes so important.
Key criteria that signal a growth-neighbourhood
When we at The Jamie McMartin Group evaluate neighbourhoods in the Houston area for 2026 growth potential, we look for several critical factors:
- Master-planned or well-established communities with strong amenities, schools and infrastructure.
- Transport and job-market access, especially near employment hubs, retail development or new infrastructure.
- Balanced inventory, where supply isn’t excessive and resale homes remain in demand.
- Affordability relative to the metro, meaning buyers can see value and upward mobility.
- Local scarcity of new homes or rapidly developing supply, which supports resale value.
In the Houston market, suburbs and exurbs are especially compelling according to recent reports. For example, the neighbourhoods of west and northwest Houston continue to show favourable dynamics.
Neighbourhoods in Houston poised for growth in 2026
Here are several Houston-area neighbourhoods our team at The Jamie McMartin Group believes are well positioned for 2026 value growth. (Note: These are not the only growth zones, this is a representative list.)
1. Katy, Texas & West Houston suburbs
The Katy region has seen strong buyer interest, significant new-home activity, and infrastructure expansion. According to local real-estate reporting, Katy remains one of the “hot zones” for relocation buyers and job transfers.
Why Katy is poised:
- Master-planned communities like Elyson, Cross Creek Ranch and Cinco Ranch drive demand.
- Relatively affordable compared to inner-loop Houston, giving value to buyers and support to resale home values.
- Infrastructure improvements and suburban amenities make it attractive for sellers and buyers alike.
If you’re selling a home in Katy (or a nearby suburb), aligning your listing strategy with this demand gives you a stronger position.
2. Spring, Texas / North Houston suburbs
The north-of-Houston corridor, including Spring and surrounding communities, is also seeing increased demand, especially from buyers seeking suburban space and value. The Luxury Playbook reports these areas as “top-performing” in terms of value gains and investor interest.
What makes these areas stand out:
- Larger lot sizes, suburban amenities and room to grow.
- Proximity to major employment and transport corridors.
- Balanced pricing giving buyers access and giving sellers opportunity.
3. Established in-loop neighbourhoods with value-upside
While many suburban zones are highlighted for growth, some Houston inner-loop neighbourhoods also offer upside, especially those with redevelopment potential or desirable school zones. For example, neighbourhoods near the Inner Loop with strong schools and walk-ability are expected to remain in demand.
For a seller in such a neighbourhood, the message is clear: your home may benefit from both location premium and limited competition.
How sellers should prepare in growth-focused neighbourhoods
If you’re thinking of selling a home in Houston (whether in Katy, Spring, or an inner-loop area), here’s how you can align with future-value growth trends to maximise your outcome.
Focus on value enhancers
Since growth will be moderate (~3-4% annually), optimizing your home’s appeal matters more than ever. Consider:
- Curb appeal and landscaping, first impressions count.
- Interior updates that give immediate value (kitchen, baths, flooring).
- Energy-efficient or low-maintenance features that appeal to buyers who know the market.
Price strategically, not emotionally
Growth will be steady, so pricing your home with realistic expectations is essential. Overpricing can lead to stagnation even in a good neighbourhood. We, at The Jamie McMartin Group, help sellers evaluate current comps, inventory levels and neighbourhood-specific value trends to determine the right listing price.
Leverage local insight
Because growth varies significantly by neighbourhood, working with a Houston real estate agent who understands hyper-local dynamics is vital. We bring insights such as school-zone performance, upcoming infrastructure, and demographic shifts, things that national reports can’t capture.
Time your listing thoughtfully
While the overall market is forecast for steady growth, your success will depend on timing your listing relative to inventory, seasonality and demand in your specific area. Kensington neighbourhoods may close doors sooner in the spring; suburbs may perform differently. We guide you through the timing.
Why The Jamie McMartin Group should be your choice
When it comes to selling your home in a neighbourhood poised for growth in 2026, choosing the right real-estate agent matters. Here’s why we stand out:
- Local Expertise: Jamie McMartin and our team are based right here in Houston and deeply familiar with its communities, from Katy to the inner loop.
- Strategic Seller Representation: We don’t just list homes; we position them strategically in growing neighbourhoods, with marketing that aligns with buyer demand.
- Transparent, Ethical Service: We adhere to all industry standards, Fair Housing Act, RESPA, NAR Code of Ethics and Texas Real Estate Commission rules. You can trust our approach.
- Results-Driven Insights: We track neighbourhood performance, value trends and buyer behavior to guide your sale, not just general market commentary.
Summary: growth is ahead, but strategy sets the winners
To recap: the Houston home-value growth story for 2026 is not about explosive gains, it’s about sustainable, neighbourhood-driven appreciation. If your home is in a community that ticks growth boxes (amenities, schools, access, planned development), you’re positioned well, but your success will depend on strategy, condition, pricing and representation.
As you consider selling a home in Houston, we encourage you to take stock of your neighbourhood’s growth potential and partner with a team that knows how to convert that into real-world results.
Reach out to The Jamie McMartin Group today for a complimentary home-valuation and neighbourhood growth assessment. Let’s explore how your home in Houston can benefit from the trends of 2026, and craft a customised plan to maximise your sale outcome.