Realtor.com Ranks the Top Metros for New Construction in 2026

Eight of the top 10 U.S. metros for buying new homes are in the South, led by Charleston, where new homes are priced 12.2% below existing ones. Southern markets benefit from builder-friendly conditions like permissive zoning and lower land costs, enabling more affordable new construction. Smaller, growing metros with major universities dominate the list, highlighting local factors that boost housing supply and buyer options.