Your Trusted Houston Commercial Real Estate Brokerage

Viking Enterprise LLC is part of eXp Commercial, an agent-led, cloud-based commercial real estate brokerage with agents across the globe.

Your Trusted Katy / Fulshear & Houston Commercial Real Estate Brokerage

Viking Enterprise LLC is part of eXp Commercial, an agent-led, cloud-based commercial real estate brokerage with agents across the globe.

Looking to invest, buy, sell or lease? We can help.

Looking to invest, buy, sell or lease? We can help.

OUR FEATURED TENANTS & CLIENTS

eXp Commercial - Viking Enterprise Team's real estate network provides unparalleled commercial real estate services to Tenants and Landlords around the Katy- Houston area. Our knowledge, experience, and reputation sets us apart from many firms.


A commercial property owner might have various plans that would necessitate the services of a commercial real estate broker. Some of the common scenarios include:

1. Selling the Property: If the owner decides it’s time to sell the property, a commercial real estate broker can help determine the market value, market the property effectively, and negotiate with potential buyers to get the best possible price.

2. Leasing Space: For property owners looking to lease out part or all of their commercial space, a broker can help find suitable tenants, negotiate lease terms, and ensure the lease agreements meet all legal requirements and serve the owner’s best interests.

3. Acquiring More Properties: Owners looking to expand their portfolio would benefit from a broker's knowledge of the market, access to listings, and negotiation skills to secure additional properties at favorable terms.

4. Property Management: While not all brokers offer this service, some commercial real estate brokers or their affiliates offer property management services. This can be particularly appealing for owners who prefer a hands-off approach or are managing properties from a distance.

5. Market Analysis: Owners considering future developments, renovations, or rebranding of their property might engage a broker for a comprehensive market analysis. This helps in understanding current market trends, the demand for different types of spaces, and potential returns on investment for various strategies.

6. Refinancing: In situations where a property owner is looking to refinance their property, a commercial real estate broker can provide valuable insights into the property’s current market value, assist in gathering necessary documentation, and even help in finding the best financing options.

7. Partnership or Investment Opportunities: Owners interested in exploring partnerships, joint ventures, or seeking investors for expansion or development projects might use a broker to find and vet potential partners or investors.

8. Consulting on Zoning and Use Changes: When contemplating a change in the use of the property or dealing with zoning issues, a broker with experience in local regulations and the specific property type can provide guidance and strategic planning assistance.

9. Exit Strategy Planning: For owners looking to plan an exit strategy from their investment, whether it’s through a strategic sale or a gradual winding down of operations, brokers can provide market insights, timing advice, and valuation services to optimize the exit process.

In any of these scenarios, the expertise and services provided by a commercial real estate broker can save the property owner time and money, while also providing access to a wider network of potential buyers, tenants, and industry professionals. Give us a call today!

Reviews

🏥📊 Rising Senior Housing Construction Costs Are Reshaping Commercial Real Estate Development 🚧💼

🏗️💰 Senior Housing Development Costs Continue to Rise: What Investors Need to Know in 2026 📈🏥

July 21, 20265 min read

🏗️💰 Senior Housing Development Costs Continue to Rise: What Investors Need to Know in 2026 📈🏥

🏥📊 Rising Senior Housing Construction Costs Are Reshaping Commercial Real Estate Development 🚧💼


Senior Housing Development Costs Continue to Rise as Construction Costs Pressure Project Economics

The senior housing industry continues to benefit from one of the strongest demographic trends in commercial real estate. America's aging population is creating long-term demand for assisted living, memory care, and independent living communities. However, while demand remains exceptionally strong, the economics of developing new senior housing projects have become increasingly challenging.

According to CBRE's 2026 Senior Housing Development Costs Survey, development costs have climbed significantly since 2023, forcing developers, lenders, and investors to rethink underwriting assumptions, financing strategies, and project execution.

Fortunately, rising property values have largely offset higher development expenses—at least for now.

For investors evaluating opportunities in the senior housing sector, understanding today's development economics is becoming more important than ever.


Construction Costs Continue to Dominate Development Budgets

The largest challenge facing developers remains construction inflation.

CBRE reports that the average senior housing development now costs:

·$388,830 per revenue unit

·$364 per square foot

·Average project cost: $53.6 million

Construction expenses alone account for 72.5% of total project costs, making hard costs by far the largest variable impacting project feasibility.

Average hard construction costs now total:

·$262.75 per square foot

These increases reflect ongoing inflation across:

·Labor

·Building materials

·Mechanical systems

·Site preparation

·Utility infrastructure

·Building construction

While construction pricing has moderated from the peak inflation experienced during the pandemic, costs remain well above historical norms.


Where Development Dollars Are Going

CBRE's survey provides an excellent breakdown of today's average senior housing development budget.

Cost Category

Share of Total Cost

Construction (Hard Costs)

72.5%

Soft Costs

16.2%

Land Acquisition

8.1%

Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment (FF&E)

3.2%

Although FF&E increased meaningfully, the overwhelming driver of project economics continues to be construction.


Projects Are Becoming Larger—and More Expensive

Today's average senior housing project includes:

·121 revenue units

·Approximately 146,000 square feet

·Total development cost averaging $53.6 million

Larger developments may appear attractive due to scale, but CBRE's research suggests bigger is not always better.

Case studies showed:

·Mid-sized development

o9.93% Yield on Cost

·Larger development

o6.97% Yield on Cost

This suggests that economies of scale are increasingly being offset by:

·Higher capital requirements

·Longer development timelines

·Greater financing costs

·More complex operations

·Increased lease-up risk

Developers should carefully evaluate project size rather than assuming larger projects automatically produce stronger returns.


Lease-Up Is Taking Longer

Perhaps one of the more important findings from the report is the increase in stabilization timelines.

Average lease-up periods have increased to:

27 months

This represents a 24% increase compared to the 2023 survey.

Longer lease-up periods create several challenges:

·Higher interest carry

·Additional operating losses

·Increased equity requirements

·More lender scrutiny

·Greater refinancing risk

For developers using construction financing, every additional month before stabilization directly impacts project returns.


Development Efficiency Has Declined

Another subtle but important trend involves building efficiency.

Rentable space now represents only:

55.5% of total gross building area

Lower efficiency means a smaller percentage of each building generates revenue.

As construction costs continue rising, maximizing rentable square footage becomes increasingly important.


Higher Property Values Are Offsetting Higher Costs

The encouraging news is that senior housing valuations have also increased.

CBRE found stabilized asset values now average:

$67.1 million

This represents a 29% increase since the firm's previous survey.

Because asset values have appreciated alongside construction costs, average Return on Cost (ROC) has remained relatively stable at approximately:

8.1%

This demonstrates continued investor demand for stabilized senior housing despite higher replacement costs.


Why This Matters for Investors

Replacement cost has become one of the most important concepts in commercial real estate investing.

When construction costs rise dramatically, existing stabilized properties often become more valuable because they would be extremely expensive to replicate today.

For many investors, acquiring an existing asset below replacement cost may present a more attractive risk-adjusted opportunity than developing a new project from the ground up.


My Current Investment Focus: Buying Below Replacement Cost

One of the reasons I remain bullish on the senior housing sector is that opportunities still exist to acquire quality assisted living facilities below today's replacement cost.

Rather than taking on construction risk, entitlement risk, labor shortages, and multi-year development timelines, investors may be able to purchase stabilized assets at valuations that would cost significantly more to build today.

I am currently raising capital for the acquisition of assisted living properties that fit this profile.

These opportunities offer the potential benefits of:

·Purchasing below replacement cost

·Existing cash flow

·Professional third-party management

·Strong demographic demand

·Long-term appreciation potential

·Reduced development risk compared to new construction

If you're an accredited investor, family office, registered investment advisor, or commercial real estate investor interested in learning more, I'd be happy to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss the opportunity in greater detail.


Final Thoughts

The senior housing sector continues to offer compelling long-term fundamentals driven by favorable demographic trends and increasing healthcare needs. However, success in today's environment requires disciplined underwriting, conservative financing, careful project execution, and a deep understanding of replacement cost economics.

For developers, controlling construction costs and managing longer lease-up periods will be essential to protecting returns.

For investors, acquiring stabilized assets below replacement cost may represent one of the most attractive strategies available in today's commercial real estate market.

As construction costs continue rising, existing quality assets are likely to become even more valuable.

Whether you're developing, financing, or investing in senior housing, understanding these trends can help position your portfolio for long-term success.

Interested in discussing senior housing investment opportunities or commercial real estate financing? Contact me to schedule a consultation and learn more about the assisted living acquisition opportunities I'm currently evaluating.


Connect With Viking Enterprise Team

📍 eXp Commercial & eXp Realty

📍 Houston | Katy | Fulshear | West Houston

📅 Calendly.com/VikingEnterprise

📞 281-222-0433

📞 Bill Rapp, CCIM
eXp Commercial | Viking Enterprise Team
Commercial Real Estate & Capital Advisory
🌐
https://houstonrealestatebrokerage.com


https://www.houstonrealestatebrokerage.com/

https://www.houstonrealestatebrokerage.com/houston-cre-navigator

https://www.commercialexchange.com/agent/653bf5593e3a3e1dcec275a6

http://expressoffers.com/[email protected]

https://app.bullpenre.com/profile/1742476177701x437444415125976000

https://author.billrapponline.com/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F32Z5BH2

https://veed.cello.so/FOmzTty6oi9

https://buymeacoffee.com/vikingente3

https://creplaybookseries.billrapponline.com

https://creplaybook.billrapponline.com/


© Bill Rapp, Broker Associate, eXp Commercial Viking Enterprise Team


senior housing developmentassisted living investmentsSenior Housing Construction Costssenior living developmentassisted living investmentCommercial Real Estate Investingassisted living facillitiesHealthCare REal Estate InvestmentReplacement Cost Real EstateSenior Housing Market 2026Commercial Real Estate Financing
blog author image

Bill Rapp, CRE Broker

I am a Houston commercial broker, with residential experience, as well as a lending background. I have been in the real estate industry for 14 years and counting, and I have worked in many roles within the industry and each has given me a unique perspective of the industry as a whole. My dedication to clients is rooted in this industry knowledge, but also includes my desire to go the extra mile in networking to source off market opportunities for my clients. Me and my team at eXp Commercial have a cutting-edge technology package that gets the widest exposure for each transaction. eXp Commercial offers a nationwide network through which we can deliver the best exposure and professional advice to achieve our clients’ goals while also minimizing their risk. Clients appreciate my methodical method of discovery in our initial consultation. Through which we can get to know each other and their specific’s business’s needs and objectives on a granular level. Our processes help navigate each transaction and its potential pitfalls through to a successful outcome for our clients. It is my stated goal to provide our clients with extensive market analysis and expertise that fosters innovative solutions and rewarding commercial real estate opportunities.

Back to Blog

Commercial Real Estate Services for Katy/Fulshear & Houston Property Owners

At eXp Commercial – Viking Enterprise Team, we help commercial property owners, investors, landlords, and tenants throughout Katy, Houston, and the surrounding areas make informed real estate decisions with confidence.

Whether you're buying, selling, leasing, refinancing, or planning your next investment, our local market knowledge, industry experience, and extensive network help create opportunities and deliver results.

How We Help Commercial Property Owners

Sell Your Property

Thinking about selling? We can help determine your property's current market value, create a targeted marketing strategy, and negotiate with qualified buyers to maximize your sale price.

Lease Available Space

Vacancies can be expensive. We help landlords attract qualified tenants, market available space, negotiate favorable lease terms, and keep properties performing at their highest potential.

Expand Your Portfolio

Looking to acquire additional commercial properties? We help identify opportunities, analyze investments, and negotiate favorable purchase terms that align with your goals.

Property Management Solutions

For owners who prefer a hands-off approach, we can connect you with trusted property management resources to help oversee day-to-day operations and tenant relations.

Market Analysis & Investment Strategy

Considering renovations, redevelopment, repositioning, or expansion? Our market research and analysis help owners understand current trends, demand drivers, and potential returns before making major decisions.

Financing & Refinancing Assistance

As commercial real estate and capital markets professionals, we can help evaluate refinancing opportunities, analyze property value, and connect owners with financing options that fit their objectives.

Joint Ventures & Investment Partnerships

Need equity partners or investors for a project? We help identify and connect property owners with qualified investment groups and strategic partners.

Zoning & Property Use Guidance

If you're considering a change of use, redevelopment, or zoning-related project, we can help navigate local market considerations and connect you with the appropriate resources.

Exit Strategy Planning

Every investment eventually reaches a decision point. Whether you're planning to sell, recapitalize, exchange, or transition ownership, we can help develop a strategy designed to maximize value and timing.

Why Work With Viking Enterprise Team?

Commercial real estate decisions often involve significant financial commitments. Having an experienced advisor on your side can save time, reduce risk, and provide access to opportunities that may not be readily available to the public.

Our goal is simple: help our clients make smarter real estate decisions and achieve their long-term investment objectives.

Let's Talk

If you're considering selling, leasing, buying, refinancing, or exploring new opportunities, we'd love to discuss your goals and see how we can help.

Contact eXp Commercial – Viking Enterprise Team today for a confidential consultation.

Find the perfect location for your business.

Let us help your business succeed.

🏥📊 Rising Senior Housing Construction Costs Are Reshaping Commercial Real Estate Development 🚧💼

🏗️💰 Senior Housing Development Costs Continue to Rise: What Investors Need to Know in 2026 📈🏥

July 21, 20265 min read

🏗️💰 Senior Housing Development Costs Continue to Rise: What Investors Need to Know in 2026 📈🏥

🏥📊 Rising Senior Housing Construction Costs Are Reshaping Commercial Real Estate Development 🚧💼


Senior Housing Development Costs Continue to Rise as Construction Costs Pressure Project Economics

The senior housing industry continues to benefit from one of the strongest demographic trends in commercial real estate. America's aging population is creating long-term demand for assisted living, memory care, and independent living communities. However, while demand remains exceptionally strong, the economics of developing new senior housing projects have become increasingly challenging.

According to CBRE's 2026 Senior Housing Development Costs Survey, development costs have climbed significantly since 2023, forcing developers, lenders, and investors to rethink underwriting assumptions, financing strategies, and project execution.

Fortunately, rising property values have largely offset higher development expenses—at least for now.

For investors evaluating opportunities in the senior housing sector, understanding today's development economics is becoming more important than ever.


Construction Costs Continue to Dominate Development Budgets

The largest challenge facing developers remains construction inflation.

CBRE reports that the average senior housing development now costs:

·$388,830 per revenue unit

·$364 per square foot

·Average project cost: $53.6 million

Construction expenses alone account for 72.5% of total project costs, making hard costs by far the largest variable impacting project feasibility.

Average hard construction costs now total:

·$262.75 per square foot

These increases reflect ongoing inflation across:

·Labor

·Building materials

·Mechanical systems

·Site preparation

·Utility infrastructure

·Building construction

While construction pricing has moderated from the peak inflation experienced during the pandemic, costs remain well above historical norms.


Where Development Dollars Are Going

CBRE's survey provides an excellent breakdown of today's average senior housing development budget.

Cost Category

Share of Total Cost

Construction (Hard Costs)

72.5%

Soft Costs

16.2%

Land Acquisition

8.1%

Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment (FF&E)

3.2%

Although FF&E increased meaningfully, the overwhelming driver of project economics continues to be construction.


Projects Are Becoming Larger—and More Expensive

Today's average senior housing project includes:

·121 revenue units

·Approximately 146,000 square feet

·Total development cost averaging $53.6 million

Larger developments may appear attractive due to scale, but CBRE's research suggests bigger is not always better.

Case studies showed:

·Mid-sized development

o9.93% Yield on Cost

·Larger development

o6.97% Yield on Cost

This suggests that economies of scale are increasingly being offset by:

·Higher capital requirements

·Longer development timelines

·Greater financing costs

·More complex operations

·Increased lease-up risk

Developers should carefully evaluate project size rather than assuming larger projects automatically produce stronger returns.


Lease-Up Is Taking Longer

Perhaps one of the more important findings from the report is the increase in stabilization timelines.

Average lease-up periods have increased to:

27 months

This represents a 24% increase compared to the 2023 survey.

Longer lease-up periods create several challenges:

·Higher interest carry

·Additional operating losses

·Increased equity requirements

·More lender scrutiny

·Greater refinancing risk

For developers using construction financing, every additional month before stabilization directly impacts project returns.


Development Efficiency Has Declined

Another subtle but important trend involves building efficiency.

Rentable space now represents only:

55.5% of total gross building area

Lower efficiency means a smaller percentage of each building generates revenue.

As construction costs continue rising, maximizing rentable square footage becomes increasingly important.


Higher Property Values Are Offsetting Higher Costs

The encouraging news is that senior housing valuations have also increased.

CBRE found stabilized asset values now average:

$67.1 million

This represents a 29% increase since the firm's previous survey.

Because asset values have appreciated alongside construction costs, average Return on Cost (ROC) has remained relatively stable at approximately:

8.1%

This demonstrates continued investor demand for stabilized senior housing despite higher replacement costs.


Why This Matters for Investors

Replacement cost has become one of the most important concepts in commercial real estate investing.

When construction costs rise dramatically, existing stabilized properties often become more valuable because they would be extremely expensive to replicate today.

For many investors, acquiring an existing asset below replacement cost may present a more attractive risk-adjusted opportunity than developing a new project from the ground up.


My Current Investment Focus: Buying Below Replacement Cost

One of the reasons I remain bullish on the senior housing sector is that opportunities still exist to acquire quality assisted living facilities below today's replacement cost.

Rather than taking on construction risk, entitlement risk, labor shortages, and multi-year development timelines, investors may be able to purchase stabilized assets at valuations that would cost significantly more to build today.

I am currently raising capital for the acquisition of assisted living properties that fit this profile.

These opportunities offer the potential benefits of:

·Purchasing below replacement cost

·Existing cash flow

·Professional third-party management

·Strong demographic demand

·Long-term appreciation potential

·Reduced development risk compared to new construction

If you're an accredited investor, family office, registered investment advisor, or commercial real estate investor interested in learning more, I'd be happy to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss the opportunity in greater detail.


Final Thoughts

The senior housing sector continues to offer compelling long-term fundamentals driven by favorable demographic trends and increasing healthcare needs. However, success in today's environment requires disciplined underwriting, conservative financing, careful project execution, and a deep understanding of replacement cost economics.

For developers, controlling construction costs and managing longer lease-up periods will be essential to protecting returns.

For investors, acquiring stabilized assets below replacement cost may represent one of the most attractive strategies available in today's commercial real estate market.

As construction costs continue rising, existing quality assets are likely to become even more valuable.

Whether you're developing, financing, or investing in senior housing, understanding these trends can help position your portfolio for long-term success.

Interested in discussing senior housing investment opportunities or commercial real estate financing? Contact me to schedule a consultation and learn more about the assisted living acquisition opportunities I'm currently evaluating.


Connect With Viking Enterprise Team

📍 eXp Commercial & eXp Realty

📍 Houston | Katy | Fulshear | West Houston

📅 Calendly.com/VikingEnterprise

📞 281-222-0433

📞 Bill Rapp, CCIM
eXp Commercial | Viking Enterprise Team
Commercial Real Estate & Capital Advisory
🌐
https://houstonrealestatebrokerage.com


https://www.houstonrealestatebrokerage.com/

https://www.houstonrealestatebrokerage.com/houston-cre-navigator

https://www.commercialexchange.com/agent/653bf5593e3a3e1dcec275a6

http://expressoffers.com/[email protected]

https://app.bullpenre.com/profile/1742476177701x437444415125976000

https://author.billrapponline.com/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F32Z5BH2

https://veed.cello.so/FOmzTty6oi9

https://buymeacoffee.com/vikingente3

https://creplaybookseries.billrapponline.com

https://creplaybook.billrapponline.com/


© Bill Rapp, Broker Associate, eXp Commercial Viking Enterprise Team


senior housing developmentassisted living investmentsSenior Housing Construction Costssenior living developmentassisted living investmentCommercial Real Estate Investingassisted living facillitiesHealthCare REal Estate InvestmentReplacement Cost Real EstateSenior Housing Market 2026Commercial Real Estate Financing
blog author image

Bill Rapp, CRE Broker

I am a Houston commercial broker, with residential experience, as well as a lending background. I have been in the real estate industry for 14 years and counting, and I have worked in many roles within the industry and each has given me a unique perspective of the industry as a whole. My dedication to clients is rooted in this industry knowledge, but also includes my desire to go the extra mile in networking to source off market opportunities for my clients. Me and my team at eXp Commercial have a cutting-edge technology package that gets the widest exposure for each transaction. eXp Commercial offers a nationwide network through which we can deliver the best exposure and professional advice to achieve our clients’ goals while also minimizing their risk. Clients appreciate my methodical method of discovery in our initial consultation. Through which we can get to know each other and their specific’s business’s needs and objectives on a granular level. Our processes help navigate each transaction and its potential pitfalls through to a successful outcome for our clients. It is my stated goal to provide our clients with extensive market analysis and expertise that fosters innovative solutions and rewarding commercial real estate opportunities.

Back to Blog

Find the perfect location for your business.

Let us help your business succeed.

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27815 Astoria Brook Ln

Katy, TX 77494 USA

901 S Mopac Expwy, Bldg 2, Suite 350 Austin, TX 78746 | 512.474.5557Texas Real Estate Commission

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