"Texas, often referred to as the Lone Star State, is a thriving hub for economic growth and innovation, making it an attractive destination for commercial real estate investment." - Chris Evans

The Role of Land Surveys in Houston’s Build-to-Rent and Multifamily Housing Boom

A New Era of Housing in Texas

Across Greater Houston, a major shift is happening in residential real estate. Traditional single-family developments are making room for a wave of build-to-rent (BTR) communities and multifamily housing projects. These communities—designed for long-term renters—are popping up in fast-growing areas like Katy, Tomball, Manvel, and Conroe, often backed by institutional investors or large-scale developers.

But behind every successful project is a critical first step: a precise, professional land survey.

At South Texas Surveying, we’re seeing a surge in demand for topographic, boundary, and platting surveys driven by the need to build faster, smarter, and within regulation.

Why Surveys Are Crucial for Build-to-Rent Projects

BTR developments often include rows of single-family homes, driveways, sidewalks, detention ponds, shared green space, and utility easements—all on one large tract of land. Without proper land surveying, developers risk misallocating property lines, violating setbacks, or creating legal headaches with municipalities and utility providers.

Our surveys help developers:

• Determine usable square footage for each unit

• Avoid drainage issues or build delays

• Design infrastructure around easements

• Ensure legal access to every home

• Meet city or county platting and permitting requirements

Multifamily Developments Need More Than a Basic Survey

From 3-story garden-style apartments in Cypress to luxury mid-rises in Midtown, multifamily housing projects require a combination of topographic, ALTA/NSPS, Category 1A, and boundary surveys—especially when dealing with zoning overlays, shared access drives, and complex stormwater plans.

Without up-to-date and properly executed surveys, projects can face:

• Costly design revisions

• Permit rejections

• Unexpected encroachments

• Drainage failures post-construction

We’ve helped developers navigate survey issues in areas like Spring Branch, East Downtown (EaDo), and League City, where zoning can vary block by block.

Case Study: Avoiding a Costly Utility Conflict in Richmond, TX

A developer planning a 140-home build-to-rent community in Richmond requested a topographic and utility survey before finalizing the site plan. Our team discovered an undocumented underground pipeline crossing a section of the property. If the homes had been built without that knowledge, it could have delayed construction by months. Instead, the developer rerouted part of the layout and avoided six figures in potential changes.

Why Timing Matters: Get the Survey Early

We’re often called when a problem arises. But the smartest developers reach out at the start—before closing on land or submitting engineering plans. Early surveys provide clarity on land use potential, eliminate surprises, and help stakeholders make informed investment decisions.

Surveys we typically provide for multifamily/BTR projects:

• Boundary surveys

• Topographic surveys

• Category 1A or ALTA surveys for lender/title company

• Platting surveys for subdivisions or rezoning

• Construction staking and elevation certificates

Areas of Growth: Where We’re Seeing Demand

South Texas Surveying is actively working with clients in:

• Katy and Fulshear – where master-planned communities are evolving into BTR opportunities

• Montgomery County – including Magnolia, Willis, and The Woodlands, with both single-family and mid-rise multifamily developments

• East Houston – where land prices are still favorable for larger developments

• Pearland and Alvin – where developers are targeting renters seeking suburban lifestyle without ownership

Why Choose South Texas Surveying

We’re more than just a field crew. We’re trusted partners in development. Our surveys are:

• Delivered fast – to keep deals and timelines on track

• Customizable – depending on your lender or city’s requirements

• Reliable – backed by decades of Houston-area experience

• Collaborative – we work directly with engineers, architects, and city officials

As Texas continues to grow, the future of housing is flexible, rental-focused, and smartly built. But no matter how modern the model, every successful development still starts with a solid survey.