New Residential Construction Permits are up significantly in St. Bernard Parish signaling that growth in hot spots like Arabi and Chalmette is not slowing down.
St. Bernard Parish government issued 36 new housing construction permits in June- the highest amount in the past 5 years. That number also tops last month’s total of 29. Overall, in the first half of 2020, SBPG has issued 132 permits, which is a 29% increase from last year when 102 permits were issued.
“In 2015 the Builder Bundle program launched in Arabi, which started the trend to build new homes for sale. Every year since then, the parish has experienced increases in both permits issued and in homes sold. While the majority of new home permits are still being issued in Arabi, we are seeing significant increases in Meraux and Violet, “ says Jason Stopa, St. Bernard Parish Director of Community Development.
The Builder Bundle program allows builders to buy lots in ‘bundles’ at reduced rates and build quality homes at affordable prices for homebuyers. With Parish support and guidance, builders are helping to bring back whole streets and neighborhoods. Many of the homes are built on double or 1.5 sized lots and that is part of the attraction. The Sold on St. Bernard Program touts’ affordability and space to potential buyers as well as proximity to New Orleans (Ten Minutes from the French Quarter) and recreation for the entire family.
Local Real Estate Expert Wade Ragas says that the permit increase in St. Bernard is very healthy and is due in part to cost and accessibility. “St. Bernard has some of the most affordable homes in the market and you can easily get there from the CBD,” says Ragas.
Plans for Builder Bundle 7 are underway and are expected to be released in the near future. This will be an opportunity for more builders to take part in this unique housing program.
