Relocating an Old House on an Urban Lot: A Smart Move with Austin’s HOME Initiative
Austin is known for its vibrant culture, growing population, and unique blend of modern developments with historic charm. As the city continues to evolve, so do its housing needs. With limited land availability in urban areas, the City of Austin has introduced initiatives like the HOME (Housing and Opportunities for a More Efficient) Initiative to support sustainable growth, preserve affordable housing, and promote environmentally conscious development.
One strategy that aligns perfectly with the goals of the HOME initiative is relocating an old house—either to a more efficient location on its existing lot or to a surrounding lot. Here’s why relocating an old house is a smart move for both homeowners and developers looking to take advantage of Austin’s new HOME initiative:
1. Historical Preservation and Community Character
Austin is home to many historic neighborhoods, with homes that reflect the city’s rich architectural history. Unfortunately, rapid growth has led to the demolition of many older homes in favor of new builds. The HOME initiative encourages the preservation of Austin’s culture and history, and relocating old homes can play a key role in this.
Instead of tearing down these historical structures, relocating them to another portion of a lot—or to a different urban lot—helps preserve the character of neighborhoods while making room for new, sustainable housing options. This approach not only keeps Austin’s unique identity intact but also supports growth and development in a way that honors the city’s past.
To incentivize homeowners and developers to preserve older homes, the city excludes preserved square footage from gross floor area calculations as long as certain criteria are met. Pairing this exclusion with new 15-foot front yard setbacks allows for more space to build 1–2 additional new units at the rear or side, giving developers and homeowners more flexibility.
2. Maximizing Urban Lot Potential
Urban lots in Austin are becoming increasingly scarce. Many developers and homeowners are finding it difficult to secure affordable land in the city’s most desirable neighborhoods. The HOME initiative promotes more efficient use of urban land, and relocating an existing house helps achieve this goal.
Relocating a house allows you to make better use of urban lots that may otherwise remain underdeveloped. Rather than letting an old structure sit vacant or get lost amid new builds, moving a house enables smarter land use and preserves the character of neighborhoods. It also creates space for modern development or infill projects.
The HOME initiative has also made small lots (1800 SF+) that were previously undevelopable now eligible for development. Relocating an older, smaller home from a larger lot could be a cost-effective way to develop these newly accessible, smaller lots.
3. Preserving Affordable Housing
Austin, like many rapidly growing cities, faces a housing affordability crisis. With rising construction costs, preserving and repurposing existing homes is a great way to maintain affordable housing options. Relocating an older house, rather than demolishing it, offers developers or homeowners a chance to keep housing affordable.
By moving an existing house, you can help reduce the demand for new construction, which often drives up prices and further distances the community from affordable housing. These older homes can be renovated to meet modern standards while keeping costs lower than building new from scratch, making them more accessible to those seeking affordable housing.
4. Faster and More Affordable Housing Development
For developers or homeowners looking to build in high-demand areas, relocating a house is often a faster and more cost-effective option than demolishing and rebuilding. House moving bypasses the complexities and lengthy processes involved in new construction, which can take months (or even years) to complete and often involves high permitting costs.
By moving an existing home onto a vacant lot, you can reduce construction time and expense while still contributing to Austin’s housing goals. This is particularly beneficial for homeowners seeking affordable relocation options or for developers hoping to bring homes to market quickly.
Conclusion: A Win-Win for Austin’s Future
Austin’s HOME initiative is a forward-thinking approach to the city’s growth, affordability, and sustainability. For homeowners and developers, relocating an old house rather than demolishing it offers numerous benefits that align with the initiative’s goals. Whether it’s preserving affordable housing, promoting environmental sustainability, or maximizing the potential of urban lots, relocating an old house is a smart solution for meeting the growing demands of the city while respecting its culture and history.
By choosing to relocate rather than demolish, you’re not just preserving Austin’s charm and character—you’re supporting a more sustainable and efficient future for the city. So, if you’re considering moving your house, keep in mind that it could be the perfect fit for Austin’s evolving urban landscape under the HOME initiative.
Learn more about the City of Austin’s HOME initiative and how it can support your next project!