Houston homebuilder enters Tampa market in first-ever expansion outside of Texas
By Ashley Gurbal Kritzer
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Feb 13, 2024

A Houston homebuilder will enter multiple Florida markets in its first expansion outside of Texas in its 57-year history.

Perry Homes said Tuesday that it plans to enter two communities in the Tampa market — Southern Hills in Brooksville and Berry Bay in Wimauma — as well as communities in Orlando, Jacksonville and Southwest Florida.

The builder is the third largest in the Houston metro area, ranked just behind national builders D.R. Horton and Lennar Corp., according to data provided to the Houston Business Journal, a sister news organization.

“We eagerly anticipate putting down roots in Florida,” Perry Homes CEO Todd Chachere said in a statement. “After 57 years of building thriving communities here in Texas, we look forward to expanding our family of homeowners to the Sunshine State and sharing the tradition of excellence that has defined Perry Homes and its work for decades.”

The Florida expansion comes amid a turbulent time in the homebuilding market, as high interest rates and rising insurance costs have sidelined many would-be homebuyers. But it hasn’t deterred other builders: Homes By WestBay, based in South Hillsborough County, spent $100 million on land in late 2023 to gear up a continued influx of new residents.

Southern Hills, the Brooksville community, is developed by Jacksonville-based GreenPointe Developers. Southern Hills is anchored by a Pete Dye signature golf course, and amenities include an “aquatic and athletic center complete with poolside bar and café, full gym, pickleball and tennis courts,” according to Perry Homes.

“Perry Homes has spent more than 50 years building a sterling reputation as one of the most trusted homebuilders, and we are looking forward to welcoming their homebuyers to our community,” Jim McGowan, GreenPointe regional president, said in a statement.

Tampa-based Eisenhower Property Group is the developer of Berry Bay.

“We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality communities with beautiful homes at a range of price points that appeal to a multitude of buyers,” Jeffery Hills, EPG principal, said in a statement. “Eisenhower, in partnership with Perry Homes, will be able to exceed homebuyer expectations at Berry Bay with quality, sophisticated design and exceptional customer service.”