Greater Houston has one of the largest and most diverse new-construction markets in Texas. Buyers can find affordable starter homes, suburban single-family properties, luxury residences, townhomes, active-adult communities, build-on-your-lot options, and fully customized estates.
New-home communities extend throughout Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Brazoria, Galveston, Liberty, Waller, and surrounding counties.
Hundreds of residential builders, remodelers, developers, and construction professionals operate across the Houston region. The Greater Houston Builders Association maintains a searchable directory covering production builders, custom builders, townhome builders, build-on-your-lot companies, active-adult builders, and other residential construction professionals.
Because builders regularly open new neighborhoods, sell out of existing communities, change product lines, or leave certain markets, no online article can guarantee that every company is actively selling in every Houston suburb at a particular time.
However, this guide provides an extensive list of the major builders Houston-area buyers are most likely to encounter.
Major Home Builders in Greater Houston
The following companies are among the most recognizable production and move-up builders offering new homes throughout the Houston metropolitan area.
Anglia Homes
Anglia Homes builds single-family homes in several suburban Houston communities. Its offerings commonly serve first-time, value-conscious, and move-up buyers.
Ashton Woods
Ashton Woods offers new homes in selected Greater Houston communities, with an emphasis on design options, flexible floor plans, and personalized interiors.
Beazer Homes
Beazer Homes builds new homes in several Houston-area communities. Buyers may find single-family homes, townhomes, energy-efficient features, and different financing options.
Brightland Homes
Brightland Homes offers new homes across several Houston-area communities. The company was previously associated with the Gehan Homes brand.
Brookfield Residential
Brookfield Residential develops new homes and communities in selected portions of Greater Houston.
CastleRock Communities
CastleRock Communities offers new homes across Houston and surrounding suburban markets, including homes designed for first-time and move-up buyers.
Centex Homes
Centex Homes is part of PulteGroup and generally focuses on affordable new-construction options for first-time and value-conscious buyers.
Chesmar Homes
Chesmar Homes builds in master-planned communities throughout Greater Houston. Buyers may find inventory homes, flexible layouts, design selections, appliance packages, and financing incentives.
Coventry Homes
Coventry Homes offers move-up and luxury-oriented homes in several Houston-area master-planned communities.
David Weekley Homes
David Weekley Homes is a Houston-based national builder offering detached homes, townhomes, cottages, move-up properties, and luxury residences.
D.R. Horton
D.R. Horton is one of the largest production builders operating throughout Greater Houston. Its communities commonly include entry-level, move-up, and active-adult options.
Empire Communities
Empire Communities develops new homes in selected Houston-area communities, including single-family homes in master-planned developments.
First America Homes
First America Homes is a Houston-area builder offering new homes in growing suburban and exurban communities.
Highland Homes
Highland Homes is a Texas builder with a significant presence throughout the Houston region. It offers homes across multiple price levels, including move-up and luxury-oriented plans.
HistoryMaker Homes
HistoryMaker Homes builds in several Greater Houston communities, with options commonly aimed at first-time and move-up buyers.
K. Hovnanian Homes
K. Hovnanian Homes offers single-family homes and active-adult options in selected communities throughout the Houston area.
KB Home
KB Home builds throughout Greater Houston and commonly allows buyers to personalize cabinets, flooring, countertops, fixtures, and other finishes depending on the construction stage.
Lennar
Lennar is one of the largest builders in Greater Houston. Its portfolio includes entry-level homes, move-up properties, townhomes, luxury collections, and active-adult options.
Long Lake
Long Lake is a Houston-based builder offering homes in several suburban communities. Its affiliated brands and communities commonly serve first-time and move-up buyers.
M/I Homes
M/I Homes offers new homes in selected communities throughout the Houston metropolitan area.
Meritage Homes
Meritage Homes builds energy-efficient new homes throughout Greater Houston, with options for first-time, value-conscious, and move-up buyers.
Newmark Homes
Newmark Homes is a Houston-based builder offering move-up homes in several master-planned communities.
Perry Homes
Perry Homes is a Houston-based builder with a major presence throughout the region. Its communities typically offer a wide selection of floor plans, elevations, and move-up or luxury-oriented homes.
Pulte Homes
Pulte Homes offers new homes in multiple Houston-area communities, including properties with flexible rooms, home offices, open layouts, and multigenerational features.
Saratoga Homes
Saratoga Homes builds single-family homes in several Greater Houston communities, including more attainable and move-up options.
Shea Homes
Shea Homes offers new homes and active-adult communities in selected parts of Greater Houston.
Smith Douglas Homes
Smith Douglas Homes offers new construction in selected suburban Houston communities.
Starlight Homes
Starlight Homes focuses primarily on affordable and entry-level homes in growing communities outside Houston’s central employment areas.
Taylor Morrison
Taylor Morrison offers new homes across several price levels, including single-family, move-up, luxury, and active-adult properties.
Toll Brothers
Toll Brothers offers luxury new construction in selected Houston-area communities, often with extensive architectural, structural, and design-center options.
Tri Pointe Homes
Tri Pointe Homes builds contemporary single-family homes in selected Greater Houston communities.
Westin Homes
Westin Homes is a Houston-area builder known for distinctive two-story entries, curved staircases, rotunda-style foyers, and larger move-up floor plans.
Affordable and First-Time Home Buyer Builders
Affordability depends on the neighborhood, sales price, interest rate, property taxes, insurance, HOA dues, special district assessments, and available incentives.
However, the following builders commonly offer homes marketed toward first-time or budget-conscious buyers:
- Anglia Homes
- CastleRock Communities
- Centex Homes
- D.R. Horton
- First America Homes
- HistoryMaker Homes
- KB Home
- Lennar
- Long Lake
- Meritage Homes
- Saratoga Homes
- Smith Douglas Homes
- Starlight Homes
Some of Greater Houston’s more attainable new homes may be found in or near:
- Alvin
- Angleton
- Baytown
- Brookshire
- Cleveland
- Conroe
- Crosby
- Dayton
- Dickinson
- Fresno
- Hockley
- Huffman
- Iowa Colony
- Katy
- La Marque
- Magnolia
- Manvel
- New Caney
- Porter
- Prairie View
- Richmond
- Rosenberg
- Rosharon
- Splendora
- Texas City
- Waller
- Willis
A lower purchase price does not automatically produce a lower monthly payment.
Homes in newer communities may carry higher tax rates, MUD taxes, PID assessments, HOA dues, or homeowners insurance costs. Buyers should compare the entire estimated monthly payment before deciding which community is most affordable.
Move-Up Home Builders in Houston
Move-up builders typically serve buyers who want more square footage, additional bedrooms, larger kitchens, upgraded finishes, game rooms, media rooms, home offices, or larger homesites.
Common move-up builders include:
- Ashton Woods
- Brightland Homes
- Brookfield Residential
- Chesmar Homes
- Coventry Homes
- David Weekley Homes
- Empire Communities
- Highland Homes
- M/I Homes
- Newmark Homes
- Perry Homes
- Pulte Homes
- Taylor Morrison
- Tri Pointe Homes
- Westin Homes
Luxury Home Builders in Houston
Luxury new construction may include larger homesites, premium finishes, custom cabinetry, high-end appliances, outdoor kitchens, pools, multigenerational suites, gated communities, or extensive architectural personalization.
Major luxury and upper-end builders include:
- Partners in Building
- Toll Brothers
- David Weekley Homes
- Coventry Homes
- Highland Homes
- Perry Homes
- Newmark Homes
- Taylor Morrison
- Westin Homes
- Shea Homes
Price ranges and builder availability vary significantly by neighborhood.
Townhome and Urban Home Builders in Houston
Townhomes can appeal to buyers seeking newer construction, less exterior maintenance, smaller yards, or access to employment and entertainment centers.
City Choice Homes
City Choice Homes develops townhomes and contemporary single-family properties in several Houston neighborhoods.
David Weekley Homes
David Weekley Homes offers townhomes, patio homes, cottages, and low-maintenance properties in selected communities.
InTown Homes
InTown Homes builds townhomes and urban-style residences in and around Houston’s Inner Loop.
K. Hovnanian Homes
K. Hovnanian Homes offers attached and detached homes in selected Houston communities.
Lennar
Lennar offers townhome and low-maintenance collections in selected developments.
Pulte Homes
Pulte Homes offers townhomes and smaller-lot properties in certain Houston-area communities.
Sandcastle Homes
Sandcastle Homes develops townhomes and freestanding urban homes in several close-in Houston neighborhoods.
Sullivan Brothers Builders
Sullivan Brothers Builders builds traditional-style homes, townhomes, and neighborhood-focused developments in selected Houston locations.
The GHBA directory also maintains a category specifically for multifamily and townhome builders operating in Greater Houston.
Before purchasing a townhome, review:
- HOA dues
- Exterior-maintenance responsibilities
- Roof responsibilities
- Shared walls
- Insurance requirements
- Guest parking
- Rental restrictions
- Short-term rental rules
- Community reserves
- Special assessments
Active-Adult and 55-Plus Builders
Active-adult communities may include single-story homes, low-maintenance yards, social programming, pools, fitness facilities, walking trails, pickleball courts, and resident clubs.
Del Webb
Del Webb is a PulteGroup brand specializing in active-adult communities for residents age 55 and older.
D.R. Horton Freedom Homes
D.R. Horton offers Freedom Homes in selected age-restricted or lifestyle-focused communities.
K. Hovnanian Four Seasons
K. Hovnanian Four Seasons offers active-adult communities and age-qualified housing options in selected markets.
Lennar Active Adult
Lennar offers active-adult home collections in selected Houston-area developments.
Shea Homes Trilogy
Shea Homes offers lifestyle-oriented and active-adult communities in selected portions of the Houston region.
Taylor Morrison Esplanade
Taylor Morrison offers resort-style and active-adult communities through its Esplanade brand in selected areas.
Age restrictions, occupancy requirements, amenities, HOA fees, transfer fees, and included maintenance vary by community.
Build-on-Your-Lot Builders in Houston
Build-on-your-lot companies construct homes on land already owned or purchased by the buyer.
These builders may be attractive to buyers who want:
- More land
- Fewer HOA restrictions
- A rural or semi-rural location
- A customized floor plan
- Space for workshops, barns, or recreational vehicles
- Multigenerational living
- Greater distance between neighboring homes
Houston-area build-on-your-lot builders include:
- David Weekley Build on Your Lot
- Design Tech Homes
- Jamestown Estate Homes
- Partners in Building
- Tilson Homes
- United Built Homes
- Westin Homes
The GHBA directory includes a dedicated category for build-on-your-lot builders throughout Greater Houston.
Buyers should budget for more than the house itself.
Additional expenses may include:
- Land purchase
- Survey
- Soil testing
- Engineering
- Clearing
- Grading
- Drainage
- Driveway
- Septic system
- Water well
- Utility extensions
- Impact fees
- Floodplain mitigation
- Permit costs
- Construction financing
- Temporary utilities
Custom Home Builders in Houston
Custom builders generally provide more flexibility than production builders. Buyers may be able to create a unique floor plan, work with an architect, modify structural details, source specialized materials, and build on a privately owned lot.
Houston-area custom builders include:
- Alair Homes Houston
- Allegro Builders
- Aspire Fine Homes
- Blackburn Builders
- Frankel Design Build
- Gabriel Home Builders
- Jamestown Estate Homes
- Matt Powers Custom Homes
- McVaugh Custom Homes
- On Point Custom Homes
- Partners in Building
- Sabo Custom Builders
- Sims Luxury Builders
- Southern Green Builders
- Thompson Custom Homes
- Tipler Group
- Winfrey Design Build
The GHBA’s Custom Builders Council supports small-volume and custom residential builders throughout Greater Houston, while its directory provides additional companies serving different parts of the region.
Before hiring a custom builder, buyers should review:
- Recent client references
- Completed projects
- Insurance coverage
- Contract structure
- Cost-plus versus fixed-price terms
- Allowances
- Draw schedules
- Construction timeline
- Change-order process
- Warranty coverage
- Lien releases
- Dispute-resolution provisions
- Lot-development costs
Popular Houston-Area Cities for New Construction
New-home availability changes frequently, but buyers commonly encounter new developments in the following areas.
West and Northwest Houston
- Brookshire
- Cypress
- Fulshear
- Hockley
- Katy
- Magnolia
- Prairie View
- Richmond
- Waller
North Houston
- Conroe
- Magnolia
- Montgomery
- New Caney
- Porter
- Spring
- Splendora
- The Woodlands area
- Willis
Northeast and East Houston
- Atascocita
- Baytown
- Channelview
- Crosby
- Dayton
- Highlands
- Huffman
- Liberty
- Mont Belvieu
Southwest Houston and Fort Bend County
- Arcola
- Fresno
- Fulshear
- Iowa Colony
- Manvel
- Missouri City
- Needville
- Richmond
- Rosenberg
- Rosharon
- Stafford
- Sugar Land area
South and Southeast Houston
- Alvin
- Angleton
- Dickinson
- Friendswood area
- Hitchcock
- La Marque
- League City
- Manvel
- Pearland area
- Santa Fe
- Texas City
Popular Master-Planned Communities in Greater Houston
Many builders operate within master-planned communities that combine housing with schools, parks, trails, pools, retail, lakes, recreation, and community programming.
Popular or growing Greater Houston communities include:
- Bridgeland in Cypress
- Towne Lake in Cypress
- Dunham Pointe in Cypress
- Elyson in Katy
- Cane Island in Katy
- Sunterra in Katy
- Jordan Ranch near Fulshear
- Cross Creek Ranch in Fulshear
- Harvest Green in Richmond
- Candela near Richmond
- Sienna in Missouri City
- Meridiana in Iowa Colony
- Pomona in Manvel
- Tamarron near Katy
- The Woodlands Hills near Conroe
- Grand Central Park in Conroe
- Artavia near Conroe
- Woodforest near Montgomery
- The Highlands near Porter
- Tavola near New Caney
- Lago Mar in Texas City
- Marvida in Cypress
- Jubilee in Hockley
- Audubon in Magnolia
- Balmoral in Humble
- The Grand Prairie in Hockley
Builder lineups, prices, school assignments, amenities, incentives, tax rates, and available inventory may change as each community develops.
How to Compare Houston Home Builders
Choosing a builder should involve more than touring model homes or comparing advertised prices.
Compare the Actual Sales Price
A model home may contain structural changes and design upgrades that are not included in the advertised base price.
Ask for a written estimate showing:
- Base price
- Lot premium
- Structural options
- Design selections
- Appliances
- Landscaping
- Sprinkler system
- Blinds
- Gutters
- Fencing
- Closing costs
- HOA fees
- Special district assessments
Compare the Complete Monthly Payment
Two similarly priced homes can have very different payments because of:
- Interest rate
- Discount points
- Property taxes
- MUD taxes
- PID assessments
- Homeowners insurance
- Flood insurance
- HOA dues
- Mortgage insurance
The lowest advertised price may not produce the lowest monthly housing expense.
Review Included Features
A builder with a higher base price may include features another company charges extra for.
Compare:
- Flooring
- Countertops
- Cabinets
- Appliances
- Ceiling heights
- Exterior materials
- Garage-door openers
- Smart-home equipment
- Sprinkler systems
- Landscaping
- Energy-efficient features
- Covered patios
Review the Warranty
Request the full written warranty before signing.
Determine:
- What is covered
- How long each item is covered
- How claims are submitted
- Who completes repairs
- Whether the warranty transfers
- Which issues are excluded
Research the Community
The builder is only one part of the decision.
Also evaluate:
- Commute
- School district
- Property taxes
- HOA restrictions
- Flood risk
- Drainage
- Evacuation routes
- Future development
- Nearby retail
- Utility providers
- Internet availability
- Insurance costs
Flood Risk and Drainage in Houston
Flood and drainage research should be part of nearly every Greater Houston home purchase, including new construction.
Do not assume a property is low-risk simply because it is newly built or located outside a commonly discussed flood zone.
Research may include:
- FEMA flood maps
- Harris County Flood Control District resources
- Local drainage studies
- Prior flooding disclosures
- Nearby bayous and detention areas
- Elevation certificates
- Historical insurance claims
- Street flooding
- Hurricane evacuation zones
A 2025 Houston Chronicle investigation reported that several major builders had constructed thousands of Greater Houston-area homes in federally designated floodplains after Hurricane Harvey. The report emphasized that meeting local development requirements does not eliminate future flood risk.
Buyers should independently investigate the specific lot, section, drainage system, elevation, and insurance requirements before purchasing.
Property Taxes, MUDs, PIDs, and Special Districts
Houston-area buyers should pay close attention to the total property tax rate.
Many new communities are located in municipal utility districts or other special-purpose districts that help fund:
- Water systems
- Sewer systems
- Drainage
- Roads
- Parks
- Community infrastructure
These additional tax rates can materially increase the monthly payment.
Before signing a contract, ask for:
- Estimated annual property taxes
- Total combined tax rate
- MUD rate
- PID assessment
- HOA dues
- Transfer fees
- Capitalization fees
- Current tax exemptions
- Estimated payment after the home is fully assessed
Do not rely exclusively on the taxes shown for an unfinished lot or the builder’s estimated first-year amount.
Builder Incentives in Houston
Builders may offer incentives to sell completed inventory, meet quarterly goals, or encourage buyers to use an affiliated lender or title company.
Potential incentives include:
- Closing-cost assistance
- Temporary rate buy-downs
- Permanent interest-rate reductions
- Discount points
- Appliance packages
- Design-center credits
- Reduced lot premiums
- Price reductions
- Assistance with title expenses
- Realtor bonuses
An advertised $20,000, $30,000, or larger incentive does not automatically make the builder’s financing the best option.
Compare:
- Interest rate
- Annual percentage rate
- Discount points
- Lender fees
- Mortgage insurance
- Monthly payment
- Cash required at closing
- Prepayment restrictions
- Long-term interest expense
Do You Need a REALTOR® When Buying From a Houston Builder?
Having your own REALTOR® can be extremely valuable when purchasing new construction.
The builder’s salesperson represents the builder. Your REALTOR® represents your interests, subject to your written representation agreement.
A REALTOR® can help you:
- Compare builders and neighborhoods
- Identify available inventory
- Evaluate builder incentives
- Compare financing offers
- Estimate the total monthly payment
- Review comparable sales
- Track contract deadlines
- Coordinate inspections
- Attend walkthroughs
- Negotiate available terms
- Communicate with the builder
- Advocate for you through closing
Many builders require your agent to accompany or register you during your first visit.
Contact your REALTOR® before visiting a model home, completing an online inquiry, or signing into a community.
Should You Inspect a Brand-New Home?
Yes.
A new home can still contain damaged materials, incomplete work, improper installation, drainage problems, or construction defects.
Depending on the construction stage, buyers may consider:
- Foundation inspection
- Pre-drywall inspection
- Final home inspection
- Reinspection after repairs
- Sewer-scope inspection
- Termite inspection
- Pool inspection
- Warranty inspection before coverage expires
Municipal inspections are not a replacement for an independent inspection performed for the buyer.
Questions to Ask Before Signing a Builder Contract
- What is included in the advertised price?
- Is there a lot premium?
- Which model-home features are upgrades?
- What incentives are available?
- Must I use the builder’s lender?
- Is the earnest money refundable?
- What happens if the home does not appraise?
- What happens if my financing changes?
- Can I sell my current home before closing?
- Are independent inspections permitted?
- What warranties are included?
- How are delays handled?
- What is the estimated property tax rate?
- Is the property in a MUD, PID, or other district?
- What are the HOA dues and transfer fees?
- Are blinds, gutters, fencing, appliances, and landscaping included?
- When will community amenities be completed?
- Can the builder substitute materials?
- What happens to my deposit if completion is delayed?
- Has the property or surrounding area previously flooded?
- Is flood insurance required?
- Will my REALTOR® be included in all communications?
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the largest home builders in Houston?
Several large national, regional, and Houston-based builders have a major presence throughout Greater Houston, including Lennar, D.R. Horton, Perry Homes, Pulte Homes, Centex, Meritage Homes, Taylor Morrison, Highland Homes, Coventry Homes, David Weekley Homes, Long Lake, Westin Homes, and Chesmar Homes.
The number of active communities and available homes changes throughout the year.
Which Houston builders offer affordable homes?
Builders commonly offering entry-level or value-oriented homes include Centex, D.R. Horton, First America Homes, HistoryMaker Homes, KB Home, Lennar, Long Lake, Meritage Homes, Saratoga Homes, Smith Douglas Homes, Starlight Homes, Anglia Homes, and CastleRock Communities.
Actual affordability depends on financing, taxes, insurance, HOA dues, and buyer qualifications.
Which builders offer luxury homes in Houston?
Luxury and upper-end builders include Toll Brothers, Partners in Building, David Weekley Homes, Coventry Homes, Highland Homes, Perry Homes, Newmark Homes, Taylor Morrison, Westin Homes, and numerous local custom builders.
Can I negotiate with a new-home builder?
Possibly.
Builders may negotiate the price of completed inventory homes or offer closing-cost assistance, rate buy-downs, appliances, upgrades, or reduced lot premiums.
Flexibility depends on the community, inventory, demand, construction stage, and builder sales goals.
Is the builder’s lender always the best option?
No.
The preferred lender may provide significant incentives, but an outside lender could offer a lower rate, fewer fees, better service, or a more suitable mortgage program.
Compare complete written loan estimates before making a decision.
Can I use FHA, VA, or conventional financing?
Many Houston builders accept FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional financing.
Eligibility depends on the property, construction status, lender, appraisal, buyer qualifications, and program requirements.
Can I purchase a builder inventory home quickly?
Yes.
A completed or nearly completed inventory home may close considerably faster than a home that has not begun construction.
The final timeline still depends on financing, appraisal, inspections, title work, and completion of outstanding builder items.
Is flood insurance required on every Houston-area home?
No.
Flood insurance requirements depend on the property’s flood-zone designation, lender requirements, and individual risk factors.
However, buyers may choose to purchase flood coverage even when it is not required.
Final Thoughts
Greater Houston buyers have access to an extensive selection of new-home builders, communities, architectural styles, and price ranges.
Whether you are searching for an affordable starter home, move-up property, luxury residence, townhome, active-adult community, build-on-your-lot home, or custom estate, there are options throughout the region.
The best builder is not necessarily the company offering the lowest base price, largest incentive, or most impressive model home.
The right choice depends on:
- Your budget
- Monthly payment
- Location
- Commute
- Tax rate
- Insurance costs
- Flood and drainage considerations
- Construction timeline
- Included features
- Warranty
- Builder reputation
- Long-term plans
Before signing a builder contract, compare the complete cost, understand the terms, research the property, complete independent inspections, and make sure someone is representing your interests.
Related Articles
Continue learning with these helpful resources:
- New Construction vs. Resale Homes in Texas: Which Is Right for You?
- Complete List of New Home Builders in Dallas-Fort Worth
- Texas First-Time Home Buyer Programs: A Complete 2026 Guide
- FHA vs. Conventional Loans: Which Mortgage Is Right for You?
- Why Mortgage Pre-Approval Is One of the Most Important Steps in Buying a Home
- How Much House Can I Afford in Texas?
Looking for a New Construction Home in Houston?
The number of builders, communities, floor plans, incentives, tax rates, flood considerations, and financing options can make comparing Houston-area new homes overwhelming.
The Kory White Real Estate Group can help you identify communities that fit your needs, compare builders, evaluate incentives, estimate the complete monthly payment, coordinate independent inspections, and advocate for you throughout the purchase or construction process.
Please contact us before visiting a model home or registering with a builder so we can help protect your representation from the beginning.
Can we schedule 15 minutes to talk? I would love to learn what you are looking for, answer your questions, and help you create a new-construction strategy that fits your budget and goals.
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