Houston Single-Family Rentals Start the New Year Strong

Despite temporary disruptions from a winter storm, Houston’s single-family market started the new year on solid footing. However, the townhome and condo rental market experienced a slowdown in leasing activity in January.

According to the Houston Association of Realtors’ (HAR) January 2025 Rental Market Update, leased listings rose 4.2 percent year-over-year with 3,085 single-family home rentals compared to 2,962 during the same time last year. The average lease price increased 2.6 percent to $2,283.

New listings climbed 13.9 percent in January with 5,573 single-family rental properties added to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Days on Market, or the actual number of days it took to lease a home, increased from 41 to 46 days.

“The strong performance of single-family rentals, even amid winter weather and economic fluctuations, is a clear indicator of sustained demand and potential for future growth in Houston’s rental market this year,” said HAR Chair Shae Cottar with LPT Realty.

The townhome and condominium rental market experienced a slower start to the new year. Leased listings were 17.7 percent below the volume in January 2024 with 474 units versus 576 last year, marking the third month in a row of declining leases. The average lease price was down 2.6 percent to $1,864.

The number of new listings for townhomes and condominiums declined 12.4 percent to 927 units versus 1,058 last year. The average time it took to lease one of these properties increased to 54 days in January, which is up from 46 days last year.