Introduction

If you’ve been keeping an eye on real estate trends in 2025, one stat should absolutely be on your radar: Texas is currently the #1 state in the U.S. for new residential construction—and it’s not even close. Despite having just 9% of the U.S. population, Texas accounts for about 15% of all residential building permits nationwide. That kind of disparity doesn’t happen without good reason. So what’s driving this explosive growth? And more importantly, how can it benefit you if you’re relocating?

Let’s break it down.

1. Net Migration Isn’t Slowing Down

The number of people moving to Texas remains staggering. While Florida often leads the charts in net migration, Texas isn’t far behind, consistently pulling in around 175,000 new residents annually. And those newcomers aren’t arriving evenly—they’re clustering in major metros like Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio.

The truth is, this kind of sustained influx simply can’t be met with resale homes alone. Builders have no choice but to keep pace with demand, which is why new construction has become the default landing pad for so many buyers moving in from places like California, Illinois, and New York.

2. Texas Has the Land (and Knows How to Use It)

Migration alone isn’t enough. You also need somewhere to build—and Texas absolutely delivers on that front. Not only does it have the land, but it also has the right kind of land: buildable, affordable to acquire, and supported by relatively lenient zoning regulations.

Massive developments like The Fields in Frisco are becoming more common, where master-planned communities sprawl outward from existing towns, creating vibrant suburban hubs that still feel accessible to major city centers. Builders have taken notice—and they’re going all-in.

3. Multi-Generational Living Is Becoming the Norm

Here’s something you might not expect: Texas actually leads the country in multi-generational living preferences. More buyers here are intentionally choosing to live with parents, adult children, or both under the same roof—or at least within the same neighborhood.

This cultural and demographic trend is fueling demand for flexible housing options. Fortunately, new master-planned communities like Legacy Hills in Celina are being designed with this in mind. You’ll find a range of housing that supports three generations of a family: a starter home, a move-up property, and even active adult 55+ neighborhoods—all within the same development.

4. The Cost Gap Between New and Resale Is Shrinking

One of the most compelling reasons people are leaning toward new construction is simple economics. In many Texas markets, the price difference between new homes and resale properties has narrowed significantly—sometimes to the point where it’s negligible.

That wasn’t always the case. Previously, choosing a new home often meant paying a premium. But in today’s market, Texas has hit a sweet spot: high supply, strong competition, and geographic scale. All of that leads to better pricing, more incentives, and less compromise for buyers.

5. New Construction Just Makes Relocation Easier

Logistics matter. If you’re moving from California, for example, and trying to coordinate a home sale, job change, school transfer, and house hunt all at once—new construction can be a lifeline.

It gives you time. You can put down a deposit, secure a home with a completion window of 8–12 months, and get your finances, move-out, and transition in order without the same pressure resale brings. You’re not rushing into virtual tours or competing with other buyers in a bidding war. You’re making a plan—and that’s huge when relocating your whole life.

Final Thoughts

Texas isn’t just building for the sake of it. It’s solving a problem—one that impacts thousands of families relocating each year. Whether you’re moving for work, lifestyle, affordability, or all of the above, the state's unmatched combination of demand, land, culture, and opportunity is driving a new era of growth in residential real estate.

New construction in Texas isn’t just booming—it’s becoming the default choice for many smart buyers. If you're considering a move to Texas, be sure to check out our free Relocation Guide and sign up for our 30-Day Newsletter—it’s packed with everything you need to know about moving to Dallas, all in one place.