So maybe you have a preconceived idea of what a high-rise condo looks like. But have you checked out options lately?
Houston’s high-rises have evolved into everything you hope for in a new home with technology, privacy, luxuries, amenities, pet accommodations, top-level concierge services and innovative designs. Toss in convenience and proximity to some of Houston’s most desirable parts of the city, and the decision to move to a high-rise is a no-brainer for many.
Betty M. Harbourt, senior vice president of marketing at Sudhoff Companies, said that there are some new buildings in Houston that are markedly different than any of the previous buildings in the city and any others currently in Texas.
These are spaces appropriately sized for buyers currently living in large homes.
“One of the primary differences in these new buildings is the average size of the condos are much larger than preceding buildings,” Harbourt said. “Previously, buildings had average sizes of 1,500-1,600 square feet. Today, these new buildings usually average 3,000 square feet or more. These larger sizes are much more appealing to buyers currently living in a large home.”
Harbourt explained that newer building designs incorporate numerous features that people love about single-family homes.
One example of this is privacy she said. Communities such as The Sophie, Giorgetti, The Mondrian, The Revere and others have less than 50 homes, according to Harbourt.
“Compared to traditional high rises this is more than a 50 percent reduction in residences,” Harbourt said. “This creates a more intimately scaled environment, and thus a bit more like a home most people are used to.”
Residents can also find privacy plus convenience in garages, where many of these same buildings have garages with storage attached to accommodate multiple cars and more. Some of the newer buildings come with garages to fit four cars.
Don’t forget about privacy on the inside of the buildings as well with multiple elevators (as many as four elevators for only 32 homes) and direct access to your home.
“Some of these projects allow homeowners to step out of their private garage and into an elevator that takes them directly into their home. This eliminates the need to walk a common hallway or go through the lobby,” Harbourt said.
Judy E. Levin, 2017 Monthly Top Sales Person at Bernstein Realty, said with current high-rise properties buyers can expect higher prices per square foot, especially in new buildings. On the plus side, they can also find “open concepts” and numerous amenities.
“There are a number of new buildings with an open concept living/kitchen/dining space,” Levin said. “That definitely seems to be the trend. Some spaces are built out. Others are purchased as raw space and ready for the buyer to build out. Amenities in the new buildings are beautiful with pools, outdoor fireplaces, wine rooms, party rooms, conference rooms, business centers and more.”
Lastly, another favorite addition is the development of outdoor spaces where large covered terraces, outdoor kitchens and fireplaces are the norm. With these amenities, residents won’t have to give up a thing when moving to a future-forward high-rise.
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