November 10, 2025 — Lake Conroe and surrounding areas (Willis, Montgomery, and Conroe ZIPs 77318, 77356, 77304) have seen the strongest single-family rental demand in the entire Houston metro this year — up 28% compared to 2024 and 41% above pre-pandemic levels.
What’s Driving the Surge?
- Remote & hybrid workers moving from Houston proper to lakefront and near-lake homes
- Retirees & second-home buyers converting weekend properties into full-time rentals
- Record-low inventory — only 20–25 single-family homes available for lease at any time (vs 80+ in 2019)
- Boating & lifestyle appeal — families willing to pay a premium for lake access, community pools, and top-rated schools
Current reality: Well-maintained 3–4 bedroom homes on or near Lake Conroe are leasing in under 7 days — often with multiple applications and above-asking offers.
2025 Numbers at a Glance (Lake Conroe Area)
| Metric |
2024 |
2025 YTD |
Change |
| Avg. days on market | 18 | 6.8 | −62% |
| Avg. rent (3-BR) | $2,650 | $3,180 | ↑ 20% |
| Avg. rent (4-BR) | $3,100 | $3,780 | ↑ 22% |
| Applications per listing | 2.1 | 5.4 | ↑ 157% |
Hot Spots Right Now
- April Sound — gated, golf, lake access
- Waterford Estates / Grand Harbor — newer construction, large lots
- Seven Coves & Walden — waterfront & near-waterfront
- The Woodlands border areas (77381/77382 near Lake Woodlands)
What Owners Should Do
- List early — properties that hit the market in the first week of the month lease the fastest
- Highlight lake proximity, boat slips, community amenities, and Montgomery ISD schools
- Consider allowing pets (with deposit) — 68% of Lake Conroe inquiries include pets
- Professional photos + drone shots of the lake = 3× more inquiries
We expect this trend to continue well into 2026 as remote work solidifies and inventory stays extremely low. If you’ve been thinking about renting out your Lake Conroe-area home — now is the time.
