Study Reveals Strongest Areas for New Construction
While the U.S. continues to struggle with a shortage of an estimated four million housing units, a handful of residential construction powerhouses are rising to the challenge, churning out new homes at a rapid pace to meet soaring demand.
A new Realtor.com® report identifies the top 10 cities offering homebuyers the best blend of new-construction inventory, affordability, and sustainability.
Evaluated across the nation’s 100 largest metros by population, these premier new-construction boomtowns are scored and ranked on four factors: new-home share of listings, new-construction premiums over existing homes, climate risk difference, and buyer demand for new construction based on page views per listing and median time on the market.
The South significantly leads, securing eight out of the 10 positions—six of which are located in the Carolinas. This is not unexpected, as South Carolina and North Carolina received A and B+ grades, respectively, in the 2026 Realtor.com Housing Report Card due to their remarkable homebuilding progress.
Charleston, SC, ranked first, followed by Greenville, SC, Boise City, ID, Charlotte, NC, Nashville, TN, Chattanooga, TN, Winston-Salem, NC, Madison, WI, Durham, NC, and Columbia, SC.
“This year’s highly concentrated set of featured markets goes to show that new-construction haves and have-nots are primarily determined by local building conditions,” says Realtor.com Senior Economist Joel Berner. “In the South, land is more readily available and less costly than in other regions, plus more permissive zoning and less restrictive building codes tend to make construction in the South more builder-friendly.”
Regional Differences Make a Change
It is important to note that almost every metropolitan area excelling in new construction is supported by a prominent research university or flagship institution that influences the local economy and stimulates demand. Moreover, while potential buyers may be concerned that choosing a new construction home will invariably be more expensive than purchasing an existing one, this is not always the case.
In four of the top ten metropolitan areas identified in the Realtor.com report, the average price of a new home is actually lower than the median price of existing homes. Additionally, newly constructed homes generally demand less maintenance during the initial years and are often more energy-efficient, leading to reduced utility expenses.
Situated on the opposite end of South Carolina, Greenville ranks in the top 10% of markets for new construction inventory and pricing, enabling the metro area to secure a silver position.
New construction represents over one-third of Greenville’s housing stock, with the average new build priced at approximately $364,493, which is slightly lower than the median price for existing homes.
As a powerhouse in manufacturing and logistics, Greenville draws in newcomers in search of high-quality, well-compensated employment, thereby generating inherent demand for housing.
Brian Hurry, an agent with the Hurry Home Team at Coldwell Banker Caine, notes that entry-level buyers are particularly attracted to new construction. Due to the metro’s relative affordability, they can acquire brand-new homes equipped with modern amenities while benefiting from builder incentives.
“You will find features being incorporated into homes today, such as larger kitchens, butler pantries, expansive islands, improved primary bathrooms and bedrooms, and energy efficiency in all aspects,” Hurry informs Realtor.com. “Outdoor living spaces, contemporary floor plans, and ample storage are also being considered.”
Hurry attributes Greenville’s success to the reimagining and revitalization of its downtown area.
“They have essentially designed and structured downtown with a focus on pedestrians rather than vehicles,” he states. “When you plan a downtown in this manner, you create street-level restaurants, art, and numerous community-oriented activities.”
Additional attractions include Greenville’s vibrant culinary scene, outdoor facilities like the renowned Swamp Rabbit Trail, and temperate weather throughout the year. Developers have recognized this trend, investing in new construction to take advantage of the influx of new residents.
“They can create a superior product here, brand new, without exceeding what potential buyers are willing to pay,” the agent explains.
While there is a significant amount of new construction ongoing near the urban center, the suburbs to the south, including Fountain Inn and Piedmont, are also experiencing growth.
To read the full report, click here.
