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When you’re buying a home in San Jose, you’re probably thinking about the things that affect your everyday life: the home itself, your commute, nearby amenities, your budget, and how easily you can get where you need to go.
There’s another major change happening that may eventually become part of that equation:
BART is expanding farther into San Jose and Santa Clara.
VTA’s BART Silicon Valley Phase II project will extend BART approximately six miles from the existing Berryessa/North San JosĂ© station through Downtown San JosĂ© and eventually into Santa Clara. The project includes four new stations and is currently under construction. (VTA)
For buyers considering a move, that raises a pretty reasonable question:
Should future BART access factor into where you buy?
It can—but there’s more to consider than simply finding a home near a future station.
What’s Actually Being Built?
The project includes four planned stations:
- 28th Street/Little Portugal
- Downtown San José
- Diridon
- Santa Clara
Approximately five of the six miles are planned underground. The 28th Street/Little Portugal, Downtown San José, and Diridon stations will have underground platforms, while the Santa Clara station will be at ground level. (VTA)
That means BART will eventually provide another regional transportation option for people traveling between San Jose, Santa Clara, and other parts of the Bay Area.
For a homebuyer, that’s worth knowing—even if BART isn’t currently part of your daily routine.
What Does This Mean for Buyers Right Now?
Here’s where I’d keep expectations realistic.
The project is underway, but this is a long-term infrastructure project, not a new transit line that’s opening next year.
VTA reported in July 2026 that work was continuing at the future 28th Street/Little Portugal station site and that approximately three-quarters of the tunnel-launch-structure excavation had been completed. (VTA)
So if you’re purchasing a home today, future BART service should probably be viewed as one potential long-term amenity, rather than the primary reason to buy a particular property.
Could Being Near BART Affect Home Values?
Possibly—but this is where buyers should be careful about sweeping claims.
Access to transportation can make a location more convenient for some buyers, and that can influence demand.
But there is no guarantee that a particular home will appreciate because a BART station is being built nearby.
Real estate values are affected by many things: inventory, interest rates, the condition of the property, lot size, location, employment trends, buyer demand, the overall economy, and future development, among others.
That’s why I wouldn’t recommend buying a home based on the assumption that:
“BART is coming, so this house has to go up in value.”
That’s speculation—not a home-buying strategy.
Instead, think of future transit access as another piece of information to consider alongside everything else that matters to you.
28th Street/Little Portugal
The planned 28th Street/Little Portugal station will add BART access in an area east of Downtown San José.
If you’re considering properties nearby, look at the complete picture rather than focusing solely on the future station.
How far is the property from the station? What does the surrounding area look like today? What development is planned nearby? And what construction activity could affect the area before BART service begins?
Those are much more useful questions than trying to predict exactly what a home will be worth years from now.
Downtown San José
Downtown already offers several transportation options, and the planned Downtown San José BART station will eventually add another.
For buyers who value access to regional transportation, that’s something worth researching.
But again, look at the specific property rather than making assumptions about “Downtown” as a whole.
Even homes relatively close to each other can have very different access to transit, parking, businesses, entertainment, workplaces, and other amenities.
Diridon
Diridon is particularly interesting from a transportation standpoint because it’s already an important transit hub.
Adding BART would provide another connection to the existing transportation network.
If you’re considering a home in the surrounding area, think about how—or whether—you’d realistically use those transportation options.
A transit station is only a benefit to you if it supports the way you actually live and travel.
Santa Clara
The planned Santa Clara BART station will be adjacent to the existing Santa Clara Caltrain station and is designed to connect with Caltrain, Capitol Corridor, ACE, and VTA bus service. VTA also notes that the station will be near planned and existing development and destinations. (VTA)
For buyers who regularly use regional transit, that future connectivity may be worth considering.
For someone who rarely uses public transportation, it may be much less important.
And that’s exactly why there isn’t one universally “best” place to buy.
Don’t Forget About Construction
This is a big one.
Future transit access may sound great, but construction is happening now.
Depending on the property, that could mean temporary changes to traffic patterns, construction activity, utility work, noise, or other disruptions.
If you’re looking at a home near one of the project areas, don’t rely solely on a map.
Visit the property at different times. Look at current construction notices. Research the station plans. And check VTA’s latest project information before making your decision.
VTA continues to publish construction and project updates as work progresses. (VTA)
Don’t Buy Based on an Opening Date
This is probably my biggest piece of advice.
Large infrastructure projects can change.
Schedules, construction phases, station-area plans, and other details may be updated as work progresses.
In fact, current VTA project documentation reflects a lengthy construction horizon, reinforcing why buyers shouldn’t base a purchase decision on an assumed near-term opening date. (VTA)
If future BART access is important to your home purchase, verify the latest information directly with VTA.
Add Transit to Your Home-Buying Checklist
If transportation is important to you, I’d look beyond simply asking, “How close is this house to BART?”
Consider your entire routine.
Where do you travel most often? Would you actually use BART? Is Caltrain more useful for your commute? How far would you be comfortable walking or biking to a station? How important is freeway access? What transportation options already exist today?
Those answers can help you evaluate a location based on your needs, rather than someone else’s idea of the perfect neighborhood.
The Bottom Line
The BART Silicon Valley Phase II extension is a major transportation project that will eventually add new regional transit options in San Jose and Santa Clara.
Could that make certain properties more attractive to some future buyers?
Absolutely.
Does that guarantee higher property values?
No.
If you’re buying a home today, I’d look at future BART access as one piece of a much bigger puzzle.
Choose a home that works for your budget, commute, transportation preferences, housing needs, and long-term goals today—and consider future transit improvements a potential additional benefit rather than the reason the purchase makes sense.
If you’re considering buying near one of San Jose’s future BART stations, I can help you compare properties based on objective factors such as location, housing characteristics, current transportation options, future transit plans, recent comparable sales, and your individual home-buying priorities.
That way, you’re not betting on what might happen years from now.
You’re making an informed decision about the home you’re buying today.
Transit plans, construction schedules, station designs, and projected completion dates can change. Buyers should verify current project information directly with VTA and conduct their own due diligence before making a real estate decision.
VTA’s BART Silicon Valley Phase II project information
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About the Author – Michelle Elliott
With over 20 years of experience navigating the fast-paced Silicon Valley market, I provide a strategic, results-driven approach to residential real estate. My career is built on a foundation of deep local expertise and a relentless commitment to my clients’ success, resulting in over $235 million in lifetime sales volume and a consistent ranking in the top 3% of agents in Santa Clara County and top 2% at Coldwell Banker. My expertise has been featured on KTVU Fox 2, Real Producers and the Willow Glen Resident. She is also the co-host of the San Jose Podcast “Say What You Want About Real Estate”
A Hyper-Local Expert with Global Reach
I specialize in San Jose, in the neighborhoods of Willow Glen (95125 & 95124) Cambrian Park and Almaden, Downtown San Jose/Japantown (95112) markets. As a certified Luxury Property Specialist with Coldwell Banker Realty, I combine high-end marketing strategies with granular neighborhood knowledge to help my clients achieve premium results.
The “Tiger” at the Negotiating Table
My clients have characterized me as a “tiger” at the negotiating table who remains “sweet and patient” with my clients throughout the process. I pride myself on being a fierce advocate for my buyers and sellers, ensuring the best possible terms in every transaction, and I strive to be the best Realtor in 95125! This balance, drive, and tenacity have earned me consistent 5-star ratings across Google, Zillow, Realtor.com, and Yelp.
Michelle Elliott
Michelle@michelleelliottrealtor.com
1712 Meridian Ave, Ste C, San Jose, CA
DRE 01777533
