As someone who’s tracked Austin’s housing trends for over two decades, I’ve noticed a striking shift: new construction is now offering significant value compared to existing homes. In early Q3 2026, newly built homes in Austin sold for $184 per square foot, while existing homes averaged $228—a difference of $44 per square foot, or about 19%. For a 2,000-square-foot home, that translates to a savings of roughly $88,000 for buyers mindful of their budget.
New builds now make up about 31% of all Austin home sales (up from 29% in 2019), a sign of just how active our builders have become. With so much inventory completed, builders are motivated to make deals—whether that means sharper prices or extra incentives. I see many buyers assuming new construction must come at a premium, but the numbers tell a different story: in today’s market, you might be passing up the best value in square footage. Meanwhile, many resale owners have the flexibility to wait or rent, creating an interesting dynamic for both buyers and sellers.
My role is always to distill the data and help clients of every background navigate these choices with clarity and confidence. If you’re weighing your options, know that Austin’s market is full of opportunities—sometimes where you least expect them.
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