As Silicon Valley continues to evolve, Santa Clara remains a city to watch. Once a quiet suburb, it is now home to some of the Bay Area’s most dynamic development plans, from major tech expansions to large scale mixed use projects. For prospective homebuyers and real estate investors, the question becomes pressing: Should you buy property near future developments in Santa Clara? Is it a smart move with a strong upside or are there hidden risks?

This comprehensive guide explores the advantages, disadvantages, and what you must consider before making a decision.

Understanding Santa Clara’s Real Estate Landscape.

Santa Clara enjoys proximity to major employers like NVIDIA, Intel, and Apple, as well as institutions like Santa Clara University. It’s known for its diverse housing stock from condos and townhomes to single family homes and its central location, with access to major highways and transit.

In recent years, Santa Clara has seen consistent demand for housing due to job growth and limited supply. Despite occasional market slowdowns, the city’s real estate market has remained resilient.

Current Trends in Santa Clara Real Estate.

As of 2025, Santa Clara’s housing market is characterized by:

• High demand for housing near commercial zones and campuses.
  
• Rising prices, especially for properties close to future transit expansions and tech campuses.
  
• Increased interest in mixed-use communities with live work play access.
  

Historical Market Performance.

Over the past decade, Santa Clara real estate has shown steady appreciation, particularly near major job centers. 

For example:

• Homes near Apple Park in nearby Cupertino saw double digit gains following its announcement.
  
• The Levi’s Stadium area witnessed a spike in interest during its construction, though not without disruptions.
  

Future Developments in Santa Clara.

Planned Projects and Investments.

Santa Clara has several large scale projects planned for the next 5 to 10 years:

1. Related Santa Clara : A $8 billion mixed use project near Levi’s Stadium. Expected to include office space, hotels, restaurants, and retail.
   
2. NVIDIA Headquarters Expansion : Adding more office space and employee capacity.
   
3. Tasman East Specific Plan : Will bring in thousands of new housing units, parks, retail space, and infrastructure upgrades.
   
4. Downtown Revitalization Projects : Efforts to rejuvenate the old downtown area with walkable streets, new housing, and business districts.
   

Expected Growth Areas.

The following neighborhoods and corridors are expected to benefit most:

• North Santa Clara.
  
• El Camino Real Corridor.
  
• Downtown Santa Clara.
  

Pros of Buying Property Near Future Developments.

1. Potential for Increased Property Value.

One of the biggest reasons investors target homes near future developments is value appreciation. If a major commercial center or transit hub is set to open nearby, demand for housing tends to increase. This can lead to:

• Faster price growth.
  
• Greater rental demand and income potential.
  
• Higher resale value in the mid to long term.
  

2. Enhanced Community Features and Amenities.

Future developments often bring:

• Improved public infrastructure.
  
• New dining, retail, and entertainment options.
  
• Better walkability and community vibrancy.
  

This can enhance your lifestyle as a homeowner or increase appeal for renters if you’re investing.

Cons and Risks of Buying Near Developments.

1. Market Uncertainty and Speculation.

Development announcements don’t always go as planned. Projects may be delayed, downsized, or canceled due to:

• Economic downturns.
  
• Legal,zoning challenges.
  
• Shifting market conditions or investor pullouts.
  

Speculating on a future development that never materializes can lock you into a less desirable location.

2. Potential for Disruption During Construction.

Buying near a major construction site may lead to:

• Years of noise and dust.
  
• Traffic congestion.
  
• Limited access to nearby amenities.
  
• Lower initial rental or resale value during the construction phase.
  

3. Short Term Price Volatility.

While long term appreciation may be possible, the short term value of homes near a development may fluctuate due to buyer hesitation or neighborhood disruption.

Comparative Analysis of Similar Areas.

Insights from Neighboring Markets.

To understand what might happen in Santa Clara, let’s examine outcomes from nearby areas:

• Downtown San Jose : When Google announced its mega campus, property values surged. But as construction was delayed in 2023 to 2024, some investors saw slower returns.
  
• Mountain View : After early development announcements, values rose gradually but steadily especially once Google began building mixed use housing and office space.
  
• Milpitas : Property values near the Milpitas BART station increased by 10 to 15% over two years after the station opened.
  

The takeaway: timing is key, and properties closest to confirmed transit or retail hubs usually benefit the most.

Making an Informed Decision.

Key Factors to Consider Before Buying.

1. Timeline of the Development.
   Ask: When is it expected to be completed? Has the city approved all phases?
   
2. Track Record of Developers.
   Investigate the developers involved. Do they complete projects on time? What’s their reputation?
   
3. Neighborhood Trajectory.
   Is the surrounding area already improving, or will the development need to “save” the neighborhood?
   
4. Noise, traffic, and livability during construction.
   Are you ready to live through construction, or will this property be vacant for several years?
   
5. Future resale and tenant demand.
   Consider who will want to buy or rent the home later. Is there long term appeal?
   

Seeking Professional Advice.

Consult with:

• Local real estate agents experienced development zones.
  
• Urban planning departments for access to public records and zoning maps.
  
• Real estate attorneys, especially if you’re buying into a development with HOA or commercial components.
  

Also, attend city planning meetings or neighborhood forums to stay informed about what’s changing and when.

Conclusion

Buying near future developments in Santa Clara can be a highly strategic move, especially if you plan to hold the property long term or want to live in a newly revitalized area. With major projects like Related Santa Clara and the Tasman East Plan, the city is poised for a transformation.

However, smart investing requires patience, realistic expectations, and research. Not every development pans out, and the road to completion can be bumpy. But if you buy smart choosing well located, quality properties near confirmed, city backed projects you stand to benefit from rising property values, improved infrastructure, and greater neighborhood appeal.

Find Out More About Buying Near Santa Clara’s Future Developments Through These Articles:- 

Related Santa Clara- https://www.related.com/our-company/properties/related-santa-clara 

Tasman East Specific Plan- https://www.santaclaraca.gov/our-city/departments-a-f/community-development/planning-division/specific-plans/tasman-east 

Santa Clara’s Tasman East Specific Plan Reaches Major Construction Milestone- https://www.thesantaclara.org/blog/santa-claras-tasman-east-specific-plan-reaches-major-construction-milestone