Vicinity - New Construction Authority
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    Buyer Guide

    Are New Construction Homes Cheaper in {city}, {stateCode}?

    In Austin, new construction often wins on 5-year total cost, builder incentives and energy savings typically offset the price premium.

    Written and reviewed by Carla Goddard, Founder & CEO, Vicinity. Last reviewed September 12, 2026.

    Austin median price snapshot

    Median new construction
    $525,000
    $235/sqft
    Median resale (comparable)
    $495,000
    $285/sqft

    Sticker price difference: New is $30,000 more (6%). On a per-sqft basis, new is 18% lower than resale.

    The Austin market take

    Austin's resale market has softened while builders aggressively incentivize. New construction in Cedar Park and Leander is winning per-sqft right now, a reversal from 2022.

    Current builder incentives in Austin

    Typical 2026 offer: $15K to $30K closing credit + 5.49% rate

    Run the 24-hour Loan Estimate test with the builder's preferred lender and one outside lender. In Austin right now, the builder buy-down typically saves $30K to $50K over 5 years vs market rate, large enough to flip the price math in favor of new construction.

    Most active builders in Austin

    Toll BrothersPulteTaylor MorrisonHighland HomesPerry Homes

    Hot new construction submarkets near Austin

    Cedar Park
    High new construction volume in 2026.
    Leander
    High new construction volume in 2026.
    Georgetown
    High new construction volume in 2026.
    Pflugerville
    High new construction volume in 2026.

    Explore all Austin-area neighborhoods →

    Get the real numbers for a specific Austin community

    Vicinity shows HOA, CDD, lot premiums, and builder incentives for every community in the Austin area. A local new-construction specialist will run a side-by-side cost comparison for the homes you're considering.

    Explore Austin Neighborhoods →Find a Austin Specialist

    Related

    National guide: cheaper than resale?
    The full national framework this page applies locally.
    Closing costs on new construction
    How builder incentives actually work, line by line.

    Austin New vs Resale FAQ

    How have Austin new construction prices changed since the 2022 peak?
    Median new construction in the Austin metro is down roughly 12 - 18% from the 2022 peak, while resale has corrected 8 - 12%. Builders in Leander, Liberty Hill, and Manor have used aggressive standing-inventory discounts to clear pad-ready homes. → Browse new construction here
    What's the property tax situation on a new build in Austin?
    Texas has no state income tax but property taxes run 2.0 - 2.7% of assessed value in Williamson and Travis counties. New construction is assessed at full sale price the first year, then capped at 10% annual growth once you file the homestead exemption, file before April 30. → See community fees on local neighborhoods
    Which Austin-area school districts have the most new construction?
    Leander ISD (Cedar Park, Leander) and Liberty Hill ISD lead north of the city; Hays CISD (Buda, Kyle) and Hutto ISD lead east. Leander ISD is the most established academically; the others are growing fast with new campuses opening each year. → Browse neighborhoods by school zone
    What's the median price difference between new construction and resale in Austin?
    In Austin, the median new construction home is $525,000 vs $495,000 for a comparable resale, about a 6% premium. On a per-square-foot basis, new construction is 18% less expensive than resale. → Browse new construction here
    What builder incentives are common in Austin right now?
    Most national builders in Austin are offering $15K to $30K closing credit + 5.49% rate when you finance with their preferred lender. That's typically worth $30K to $50K over 5 years vs taking an outside lender at market rate, large enough to flip the price math. → Compare builders in this market
    Are there CDD or special assessments in Austin?
    Austin does not use Florida-style CDDs, but many new communities have HOA capitalization fees ($500 to $3,000 at closing) and ongoing HOA dues. Texas communities often use MUDs (Municipal Utility Districts) which add a similar line to your property tax bill. → See community fees on local neighborhoods
    Who are the most active new construction builders in Austin?
    The most active builders in the Austin market are Toll Brothers, Pulte, Taylor Morrison, Highland Homes, and Perry Homes. Each runs different incentive programs, always shop 2 - 3 against each other before signing. → Compare builders in this market
    Which Austin-area neighborhoods have the most new construction?
    Cedar Park, Leander, Georgetown, Pflugerville are currently the highest-volume new construction submarkets in the Austin area. Phase 1 releases in newly-opened communities tend to offer the best lot pricing. → Browse new construction here