Does Paris, Texas Offer Incentives to Build Homes? Here’s What You Need to Know About the 5 in 5 Infill Program
Are you looking to build a home or invest in real estate in Paris, Texas? Whether you're a first-time buyer, developer, or long-time investor, there’s an exciting opportunity you should know about. The City of Paris has launched a creative housing initiative called the 5 in 5 Infill Housing Program, designed to encourage new housing development within city limits. If you're working with a buyers agent, realtor, or real estate agent in Paris, TX, this is the kind of program that can open doors—literally and figuratively.
As someone who works closely with clients looking to buy, sell, and develop real estate in Paris, TX, I want to break down exactly what this program is, how it works, and why it’s a smart move in today’s housing market.
What Is the 5 in 5 Infill Housing Program?
The 5 in 5 Infill Housing Program is part of the City of Paris’s effort to revitalize residential neighborhoods inside the city limits by adding attractive, high-quality homes in underused areas. The goal? Add at least five new homes in five years on city-owned infill lots—hence the name “5 in 5.”
But here’s where it gets really interesting: if you’re planning to build a single-family home, you may be eligible to purchase a city-owned lot for just $1.
That’s not a typo. A lot for one dollar.
This isn't just a clever marketing tactic. It's a real opportunity backed by the City of Paris and meant to increase the number of new homes in existing neighborhoods, improve the overall appearance and livability of the city, and provide more housing options for people who want to live closer to schools, shopping, and services.
Why It Matters in Today’s Paris, TX Housing Market
In 2022, only 49.9% of people in Paris, TX, were homeowners, a rate notably lower than the national average. In that same year, 51% of homes were valued between $100,000 and $300,000, making the city a relatively affordable place to live.
Still, housing supply is limited, and the demand for well-located, energy-efficient, newer construction homes is increasing. Buyers agents and real estate professionals are seeing more clients ask about options for building rather than buying older homes in need of major renovations.
That’s where this program comes in.
It’s designed to bridge that gap, empowering homeowners, developers, and even first-time buyers to build in Paris without the financial burden of a high lot purchase price or heavy permitting costs.
What You Get with the 5 in 5 Program
So what do you actually get if you participate in the 5 in 5 Infill Housing Program as a developer or buyer building a single-family residence?
Here's a breakdown of the benefits:
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City-owned lot for $1
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5-year city property tax abatement – This can even be transferred to a new buyer if you sell the home
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Free city permits
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No city plan review required
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25% reduction in city water and sewer tap fees
These benefits aren’t just for individual homeowners either. If you’re considering building a duplex or multi-family dwelling, there are still benefits available, although they are slightly reduced compared to single-family units.
This is an especially attractive option for real estate investors, landlords, or anyone interested in adding long-term rental units to their portfolio.
Who Should Consider This Program?
As a realtor in Paris, TX, I’ve already had conversations with a number of clients who are a perfect fit for this program, including:
1. First-Time Homebuyers
If you're tired of looking at fixer-uppers and dreaming of a home that doesn’t need $50,000 in updates, building a new house through this program could be a game-changer. Partner with a buyers agent and talk through financing and builder options to get started.
2. Local Builders
This is a low-risk opportunity to add housing inventory in a city that needs it. Builders can develop multiple lots and take advantage of the reduced fees and abatement program, potentially passing on savings to buyers.
3. Real Estate Investors
Paris, TX, is growing in appeal for out-of-area investors who want affordable entry points into the Texas real estate market. These lots and the associated perks offer a low-overhead way to add value to your portfolio.
4. Relocating Families
For those relocating to Paris, Texas, this program allows you to design and build the home you need while taking advantage of a drastically reduced initial cost and future tax savings.
Why Paris, TX?
Paris is more than just a dot on the map in Northeast Texas. With its charming downtown, strong school systems, active community, and increasing focus on economic development, it’s a city that values progress and community.
For people wanting to escape the rising housing costs of DFW suburbs, Paris is becoming a popular option. It’s just far enough to offer affordable living, but still close enough for weekend trips into Dallas.
This program is just one part of a larger strategy to create more livable, attractive neighborhoods within city limits, and real estate professionals like myself are here to help you navigate what’s available and how to get started.
How to Get Started
If you’re interested in the 5 in 5 Infill Program, here’s how to take the next step:
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View Available Lots
Visit the City of Paris official website at https://www.paristexas.gov/603/5-in-5-Infill-Housing to view the map of eligible city-owned lots. -
Connect with a Realtor or Buyers Agent
A local real estate agent familiar with the area can walk you through the application process, help you find a builder, and even line up financing if needed. -
Apply and Build
Once approved, you’ll work directly with the city and your contractor to begin construction. In most cases, the project should start within a year.
Final Thoughts
The Paris, TX housing market is full of potential, and the 5 in 5 Infill Housing Program is one of the most exciting tools available to unlock that potential. Whether you're a homebuyer, a real estate investor, or a local builder, there’s a lot to like about this opportunity.
And as a local realtor and buyers agent who understands the market, I’m here to help you explore your options, run the numbers, and guide you through the process from start to finish.
If you're thinking about building, investing, or relocating to Paris, Texas, reach out. Let’s talk about your goals and how we can take advantage of programs like this to help you meet them.
Want to learn more?
Visit https://www.paristexas.gov/603/5-in-5-Infill-Housing
Or contact me directly, I'd love to help you find the perfect lot and build your future here in Paris.
Leah Rolen, Realtor®
Keller Williams Realty
📞 469-744-5309
Your trusted buyers agent and real estate expert in Paris, TX
