Realtor.com’s Top New Construction Metros 2025 analysis highlights the metros leading the way in new construction during this year. These markets are not just building more homes, but they are setting the pace for where buyer demand, affordability, and opportunity meet. For builders and agents, the report offers valuable insights into where supply is expanding and how it aligns with buyer preferences.
Key Takeaways From the Report
1. Southern markets dominate the list. Cities like Raleigh, Nashville, and Jacksonville stand out due to strong job growth, lifestyle appeal, and relative affordability. These regions continue to attract buyers relocating from pricier coastal cities.
2. Affordability fuels demand. Even in higher-priced metros such as Boise and Madison, new construction plays a crucial role by offering more options at competitive prices compared to existing homes.
3. New homes are shifting buyer expectations. Buyers are attracted to energy efficiency, modern layouts, and builder incentives. This aligns with the trend of new homes increasingly competing directly with resale inventory.
4. Growing inventory creates opportunities for agents. In markets like Houston and Dallas, builders are introducing a substantial number of homes to the market, providing agents with more options to match with clients and increasing their share of transactions in the new-home segment.
Spotlight: Top 3 Builder-Friendly Markets
Rank #1: Fayetteville–Springdale–Rogers, AR
- 43.1% of listings are new builds.
- New homes are priced 4.5% below existing homes.
- Anchored by Walmart, Tyson Foods, and the University of Arkansas, this metro combines affordability with economic stability, a winning combination for builders and agents.
Rank #2: Boise City, ID
- 51% of all listings are new constructions, the highest share nationally.
- New builds are priced lower than resale homes ($540K vs. $559K).
- Strong climate resiliency scores support long-term value.
Rank #3: Nashville-Davidsons-Murfreesboro-Franklin, TN
- 37% of listings are new construction.
- The median price for new homes is only a 5.8% premium.
- Market hotness score indicates faster-than-average absorption (52 days on market).
Why This Matters for Builders and Agents
Builders:
- Focus on markets where the new-home discount versus resales is strongest (Boise, Fayetteville, Austin).
- Highlight sustainability benefits in marketing (lower flood/fire risk in Portland, Boise, Madison).
- Target mid-sized markets that benefit from people moving out of nearby big, expensive cities (Raleigh vs. D.C., Charlotte vs. Atlanta).
Agents:
- Position new construction not just as “brand-new” but as offering better value than resale.
- Use sustainability and risk data as selling points when marketing to eco-conscious buyers.
- In hot markets like Nashville and Greenville, emphasize the faster sales pace to create urgency.
Get the full insights
Download the complete Top New Construction Metros 2025 report and share it with your team to uncover more opportunities in today’s market.
