Tesla-powered homes sparks buyer frenzy despite Elon Musk backlash
All 11 homes in the community feature Tesla's solar roof shingles, EV chargers, and Powerwall home battery storage to ensure they enjoy uninterrupted power, an amenity that has become increasingly rare in Houston, Texas which is not on the national power grid.
But the properties are attracting interest from far beyond state lines, according to Houston-based broker Jamie Fallon, who tellsRealtor.com® the homes have been flying off the market.
The feverish demand for the dwellings, which have seen inquiries from buyers as far away as Washington state, comes at a difficult time for Tesla, which has seen its stock price plummet in the first quarter of 2025 amid President Donald Trump's tariffs trade war.
Meanwhile, Musk has faced increasing backlash from Tesla customers over his role as Trump's DOGE czar, a position that has led to some of the company's vehicles being vandalised and even set alight by protesters.
Still, Fallon says, that has done little to impede the Tesla-powered homes' ability to find buyers.
'We have honestly had no issues with Trump and Musk backlash. In fact, I had over 150-plus people at my brokers' open. It was insane, people were very excited. Houston is an oil and gas place, so having the first Tesla-powered homes is unheard of,' she says.
MORE: Elon Musk's very humble $50,000 home where he really lives
Fallon adds that, when it comes to priorities, the buyers she has seen are far more interested in ensuring a steady supply of power rather than pursuing a political vendetta.
'Who cares who is in office when you don't have power? Houston has had a huge issue with electricity because we're not on the national grid. So when we lose power, we're out for five days,' she adds.
'While we are big on oil, gas, and generators, now people are seeing that they can have Tesla-powered homes at similar price points. We are not selling sunset; we are selling power.'
Of the 11 homes in the community, which was built by Utopia Homes and is located in the Oaks of Shady Acres subdivision, only four are still available.
Two are the larger model, which has an asking price of $544,900 ($A853,192), while the others are smaller and have a price tag of $524,000 ($A820,468) — around $179,900 more than Houston's median list price of $365,000.
The buyers are 'normal, everyday people,' Fallon says. Some have even 'come from different countries just to get their hands on these homes.'
MORE: Elon Musk searches for Bel-Air home in LA
Interest in the Tesla-powered properties has been so impressive, the broker believes that the homes will become the new standard for Texas.
She hopes people in other states will also adopt clean energy in residential dwellings, Fallon says, but concedes that it might come down to who is sitting in the White House.
'What legislation we have in Washington is going to dictate it, but going toward clean energy is where I think the country is headed. I think there is a mindset shift happening,' she adds.
And while Fallon doesn't currently have her own Tesla-powered home, the broker confesses that she plans to install Tesla shingles on the roof of her home. The shingles cost between $50 and $88 per square foot.
'The next time I have to replace my roof, I'm putting Tesla shingles. You can't even tell [what they are], they look so good,' she says.
According to the listing for one of the remaining Tesla-powered homes, the solar roof comes with steel tiles that are 'corrosion and weather proof.'
MORE: Strange truth of Trump's election home base
'Step into modern elegance expertly crafted by Utopia Homes. This property showcases groundbreaking Tesla Solar Roof Shingles and Power Wall technology, ensuring 100% energy security and eliminating electric bills for a truly sustainable lifestyle. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with 24/7 power outage protection,' the listing reads.
The three-bedroom, three-bathroom model, which measures 177.16 sqm, perfectly blends sophistication and elegance thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows.
'The sleek, modern kitchen is a culinary masterpiece, equipped with premium Whirlpool appliances, elegant Quartz countertops, under-cabinet lighting, and a spacious walk-in pantry,' the listing reads.
'The luxurious owner's suite is a serene retreat, complete with a spa-like ensuite featuring a freestanding soaking tub, an expansive walk-in shower, dual sinks, and a large closet.
'Step outside to your private yard, perfect for relaxation or entertaining. Ideally situated just moments from Heights Hike & Bike Paths & shopping.'
This story first appeared on Realtor and was republished with permission.
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Along with US EV brand Tesla, Polestar Australia quit the FCAI in March 2024 in protest of the body's criticism of the federal government's now-implemented New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES). A statement from Polestar announcing its exit claimed the FCAI was attempting to "deliberately slow the car industry's contribution to Australia's emissions reduction potential". The Chinese-owned Swedish EV-maker told media this week its view of the FCAI hasn't changed – and it is not considering rejoining its ranks, which includes most auto brands present in Australia. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "I haven't seen the FCAI say or do anything that would indicate that they're being more progressive when it comes to the electrification of the Australian vehicle fleet," Polestar Australia managing director Scott Maynard said on a media call. 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"Tesla is also concerned that it is inappropriate for the FCAI to foreshadow or coordinate whether and how competitor brands implement price changes in response to environmental regulations such as the NVES," it said at the time. The FCAI describes itself as the 'peak representative organisation for companies who distribute new passenger vehicles, light commercial vehicles and motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles in Australia'. Essentially, it represents the interests of automakers, with membership fees based on sales volume. Non-member brands – including Polestar and Tesla, as well as Mahindra, Smart, Cadillac, Ineos and Xpeng, among others – do not supply sales figures for the FCAI's monthly VFACTS reports. 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Those brands, too, have spoken out against things like the NVES. "They have spoken out against things like fringe benefits tax (FBT), which continues to disproportionately serve the sale of dual cab utes – not what I would consider to be a far more progressive style of transportation, which is electric vehicles. "So it doesn't sit with our brand to rejoin. I've always said and will continue to say if that position changes, then of course it makes sense for us to join a vehicle-based chamber that represents the industry. But at the moment, I think it represents the industry [only] in part." MORE: Everything Polestar MORE: What the first emissions standard means for Aussie car buyers Content originally sourced from:
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