HBWeekly

Using Permit Data for Market Expansion & Business Growth

Posted on June 24, 2026 by Erika Carruth

If you have ever wished you had a crystal ball for the construction market, here is the good news: you already do. It is called building permit data, and when analyzed correctly, it can reveal where demand is rising, where competition is heating up, and where your business should expand next.

HBW has spent decades collecting, organizing, and refining building permit records, from Texas to Florida. While the database is a lead-generation powerhouse for contractors and construction pros, it is also a strategic tool for market analysis, forecasting, and business growth. For this reason, we will walk through the basics of how to use building permit data to understand your market, identify opportunities, and make smarter expansion decisions.

Why Building Permit Data Is the Ultimate Market Compass

As most HBW subscribers know, building permits are early indicators of economic activity, signaling where construction is happening long before the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Permit data serves as a powerful lens into the construction landscape, enabling you to track everything from new builds and major renovations to additions and system replacements, while also revealing which neighborhoods are emerging as growth corridors. By studying this activity over time, you gain valuable knowledge of both seasonal fluctuations and long-term trends, allowing you to benchmark your performance against competitors and anticipate upcoming demand for labor, materials, and services. In many ways, permits function as the heartbeat of the construction industry — and HBW is the stethoscope that lets you hear that pulse.

Step 1: Identify High-Activity Zones

Start by analyzing permit volume across counties, cities, and ZIP codes. Look for:

Consistent year-over-year growth (a sign of stable demand)
Sudden spikes (new developments, zoning changes, or economic incentives)
High-value permits (luxury builds, commercial expansions, or large-scale remodels)

While this blog often highlights high volume regions, resist the urge to chase the highest numbers. Sometimes the best opportunities are in mid-volume areas with rising activity and less competition.

Step 2: Understand Project Types & Market Segments

Not all permits carry the same weight, which is why breaking the data into meaningful categories is essential for understanding where your business fits within the broader picture. Distinguishing residential from commercial activity, separating new construction from renovation work, and examining specific permit types (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, roofing, pools, solar, HVAC, or others) helps clarify the true nature of demand in a given market. It is also important to note whether projects are owner‑builder initiatives or contractor‑driven, as this can influence both competition and opportunity. When you analyze permit data through a more refined lens, patterns begin to emerge: a spike in roofing permits may point to storm recovery efforts or an aging housing stock; an uptick in solar installations often signals a community embracing renewable energy – and the list goes on. Putting it all together can help you determine exactly where your services are most needed and where growth potential is strongest.

Step 3: Analyze Contractor Activity (Yes, Your Competitors)

HBW’s database includes contractor names, project types, and job values — a goldmine for competitive intelligence. Understanding contractor activity within permit data can reveal a great deal about the competition in any region. By examining which contractors consistently dominate certain areas, identifying those experiencing rapid growth, noting who may be losing momentum, and observing the types of projects they are securing, you will gain a clearer understanding of how the market is shifting. It is equally important to watch for new entrants, as their arrival can signal emerging demand or changing conditions. Factored together, this level of information can enable you to determine whether a market is oversaturated, underdeveloped, or wide open for your specialty.

Step 4: Evaluate Seasonal & Cyclical Trends

Construction tends to follow somewhat expected (and sometimes unexpected) cycles; its rhythms are undeniably seasonal, and permit data makes those patterns visible in a way that guesswork never could. By studying when certain trades experience their busiest months, you can anticipate peak demand and prepare accordingly, while also recognizing slower periods when strategic marketing or outreach can give you a competitive advantage. Permit trends often mirror weather‑driven cycles, from hurricane‑related repair surges to winter slowdowns, as well as broader economic shifts that influence whether homeowners lean toward remodeling or opt for entirely new builds. When you understand the natural ebbs and flows, you are able to plan staffing, inventory, and marketing with far greater precision, ensuring your business remains aligned with the market’s real tempo.

Step 5: Compare Permit Values & Project Sizes

Permit valuation data offers a deeper layer into the character and economic strength of a market, helping you assess the average project size in a region and determine whether homeowners are investing in higher‑end upgrades or sticking to more modest improvements. Such valuations often reflect the broader financial health of a community and can reveal whether your services align with local spending habits and expectations. For businesses specializing in premium installations or luxury projects, markets with consistently higher permit valuations tend to be the most promising. Conversely, if your model thrives on volume and efficiency, you will likely find greater opportunities in areas where permits are frequent but generally lower in value.

Step 6: Map Your Expansion Strategy

It sounds simple, but you won’t have a clear direction on where to go with this new data unless you properly map it out. So, once you have completed your analysis, the next step is turning it into a strategic, actionable plan for growth. In short, you will need to evaluate where market demand aligns naturally with your services, identifying regions where competition is present but still manageable, and recognizing areas where construction activity is accelerating in ways that support long‑term opportunity. At the same time, you should consider where operational costs will remain sustainable and where your brand has the potential to stand out rather than blend into an already crowded field. By grounding your decisions in permit trends, you can build a thoughtful, data‑backed expansion strategy — not the “throw a dart at the map and hope for the best” approach, entertaining as that may be.

Step 7: Use HBW’s Database to Stay Ahead

So, now pulling it all together, we come back to HBW where you will find a comprehensive suite of tools designed to turn raw permit activity into meaningful business intelligence. With weekly, monthly, and quarterly permit reports, you can stay on top of current construction trends, while the extensive historical archives allow you to analyze long‑term patterns and shifts in the market. For more targeted research, customizable data sets let you zero in on the regions, project types, or timeframes most relevant to your goals.

In the construction industry (and really any industry), success consistently favors those who come prepared, and building permit data provides the level of visibility needed to make informed and strategic decisions. By studying permit activity, you can identify the markets that are truly right for your business, steer clear of those that are not, gain a solid understanding of your competition, anticipate shifts in demand, and chart a path for growth that is both smart and sustainable.

For more information on construction business marketing tips, stay connected with the HBW Blog. To get ahead of construction activity and gain access to the latest permitting data in Florida, Texas, Georgia, Alabama and Oklahoma, contact HBW for more information on construction data reports and industry leads.

Florida Home Builder Spotlight – May 2026

Posted on June 19, 2026 by Erika Carruth

Earlier this week, we took a deep dive into Florida’s May 2026 residential construction permit activity, examining where new home construction was strongest, which regions carried the highest values, and how the statewide market held steady with 6,382 new permits—almost identical to April’s total. Today, we are continuing that analysis with a closer look at the home builders behind those numbers. Because while permit volume tells us where the action is, builder performance tells us who is driving it, and in May, a few familiar names once again rose to the top.

Statewide Leaders: The Big Three

Across the five major regions—Tampa, Southwest, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Southeast—the statewide leaderboard was dominated by three national giants:

D.R. Horton – 765 permits
Lennar Homes – 724 permits
Pulte Homes – 612 permits

These three builders alone accounted for approximately one‑third of all new residential permits statewide for the month.

A few notable dynamics emerged:

D.R. Horton was the only builder to appear in the top five in all five regions, demonstrating remarkable geographic reach and consistency.
Pulte Homes and D.R. Horton each claimed the #1 spot in two regions, showing strong regional dominance.
Lennar Homes took the #1 position in Tampa, the state’s highest‑volume region for the month.

In other words, the “big three” did more than simply participate in the market—they shaped it.

Below is a closer look at the top builders in each region, along with their permit totals, total construction values, and average values. The listed rankings reflect the builders with the highest number of new permits on record with HBW for May 2026:

Southwest Florida

Southwest Florida delivered one of the strongest value profiles statewide, and its builder leaderboard reflects a competitive, high‑output market.

Pulte Homes – 233 permits | $46.2M | Avg. $198,394
D.R. Horton – 198 permits | $39.3M | Avg. $198,646
Lennar Homes – 192 permits | $40.9M | Avg. $212,872
Taylor Morrison – 106 permits | $23.8M | Avg. $224,980
Neal Communities of SW FL – 52 permits | $18.0M | Avg. $345,315

Insight: The top three builders were tightly clustered in volume, with Pulte edging out the competition. Neal Communities posted the highest average value, reflecting its strong presence in higher‑end product segments.

Tampa

Tampa led the state in total permits, and its builder rankings highlight a mix of national and regional players.

Lennar Homes – 298 permits | $101.3M | Avg. $339,894
D.R. Horton – 274 permits | $80.1M | Avg. $292,262
The Villages of Lake Sumter – 111 permits | $19.4M | Avg. $175,000
Pulte Homes – 90 permits | $42.6M | Avg. $473,483
Homes by West Bay – 58 permits | $33.9M | Avg. $585,166

Insight: Lennar took the top spot here, and Tampa also showcased some of the highest average values among top‑five builders—particularly Homes by West Bay, which posted an impressive $585K average.

Orlando

Orlando continued its trend of strong values and steady demand.

Pulte Homes – 162 permits | $58.3M | Avg. $360,100
Lennar Homes – 128 permits | $45.9M | Avg. $358,548
D.R. Horton – 88 permits | $28.8M | Avg. $327,351
Taylor Morrison – 60 permits | $24.6M | Avg. $409,439
KB Homes – 57 permits | $19.1M | Avg. $335,438

Insight: Pulte led the region, and Taylor Morrison posted the highest average value among the top five. Orlando’s builder landscape remains diverse, with strong representation from both national and mid‑tier builders.

Southeast

Southeast Florida had the highest average construction value statewide, and its builder rankings reflect a blend of volume and luxury.

D.R. Horton – 94 permits | $25.5M | Avg. $271,670
Mattamy Homes – 89 permits | $26.9M | Avg. $301,754
GL Building Corporation – 83 permits | $53.5M | Avg. $644,514
Lennar Homes – 64 permits | $23.1M | Avg. $361,212
Minto Communities – 48 permits | $11.5M | Avg. $240,591

Additional Note: Pulte Homes also contributed 44 permits in this region, reinforcing its statewide strength.

Insight: GL Building Corporation stood out with a massive $644K average value—one of the highest among any top‑five builder statewide for the month.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville delivered one of the most balanced builder landscapes, with strong showings from both national and regional firms.

D.R. Horton – 111 permits | $25.8M | Avg. $232,564
Dream Finders Construction – 90 permits | $24.2M | Avg. $269,356
Pulte Homes – 83 permits | $25.6M | Avg. $307,877
Meritage Homes – 67 permits | $13.9M | Avg. $207,909
David Weekley Homes – 54 permits | $19.2M | Avg. $355,616

Additional Note: Lennar Homes recorded 42 permits in the Jacksonville region, placing it just outside the top five at #6.

Insight: D.R. Horton led the region, but Pulte and David Weekley posted notably higher average values, reflecting a mix of product types and market segments.

What the Builder Rankings Tell Us

Florida’s residential construction last month continued to be shaped largely by the “big three” builders—D.R. Horton, Lennar, and Pulte—whose combined volume and broad geographic reach kept them at the forefront of the market. Even so, each builder’s regional strengths varied, with Pulte performing especially well in Orlando and Southwest Florida, Lennar taking the lead in Tampa, and D.R. Horton dominating both the Southeast and Jacksonville regions. At the same time, several high‑value builders stood out for their premium product offerings, including Homes by West Bay, GL Building Corporation, and Neal Communities, all of which posted some of the highest average values for the month out of their regional top five and signaled strong demand for upper‑tier residential construction. And while the national giants continue to command significant market share, local and regional firms such as Dream Finders, Minto, Neal Communities, and Homes by West Bay remain highly competitive, reinforcing the depth and diversity of Florida builders.

This follow‑up analysis rounds out the picture of the residential construction market in Florida during the month of May 2026. The statewide permit totals showed stability, the regional data revealed shifting dynamics, and now the builder rankings highlight the companies driving those trends. For construction professionals, this data is both a leaderboard and a strategic tool. Whether you are benchmarking performance, evaluating competition, or scouting expansion opportunities, understanding who is building (and where) is essential.

And as always, while monthly data offers a valuable snapshot, the deeper insights come from tracking these patterns over time through HBW’s archives, quarterly reports, and annual summaries.

To gain more information on the builders, homeowners and permits for the construction activity above, check out HBW for your copy of the latest construction data reports. To gain access to the HBW database and receive custom and detailed reports on the latest residential and commercial building activity in Florida, Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and Oklahoma, please contact HBW for details.

Florida Residential Construction Update: May 2026

Posted on June 17, 2026 by Erika Carruth

According to the latest HBW residential construction permit data, Florida’s new home market last month delivered a performance that can best be described as “steady as she goes.” The state posted 6,382 new residential construction permits, landing almost exactly where it did in April (6,385 permits). In an industry where volatility is often the norm, this kind of month‑to‑month consistency is a welcome addition.

But while statewide totals tell one story, the real insights emerge when we zoom in on the five major regions—Tampa, Southwest, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Southeast—each with their own construction tempo, value profile, and county‑level standouts. For construction professionals, regional dynamics are far from trivial; they are strategic signals about demand, opportunity, and competitive positioning.

For this reason, we will breakdown the data:

Statewide Snapshot: May 2026

Total permits statewide: 6,382
Total construction value statewide: $2.39 billion (sum of all five regions)
Average value statewide: $374,000 (rounded from combined regional averages weighted by permit volume)

The statewide average masks some dramatic regional differences—because in Florida, not all square footage is created equal. Here is a closer look at regional activity:

Tampa

Total Permits: 1,701
Total Value: $571.1M
Average Value: $335,768
Top Counties:
- Hillsborough County: 304 permits | $124.2M Total Value
- Polk County: 447 permits | $141.3M Total Value

Analysis: Tampa led the state in total permit volume, reaffirming its role as one of Florida’s most active residential construction hubs. With an average value just above $335K, Tampa sits comfortably in the mid‑range—neither bargain‑basement nor ultra‑luxury. Polk County has proven to be a powerhouse for volume, while Hillsborough maintains strong value density.

Southwest Florida

Total Permits: 1,652
Total Value: $608.8M
Average Value: $368,513
Top Counties:
- Manatee County: 463 permits | $113.8M Total Value
- Lee County: 497 permits | $153.4M Total Value

Analysis: Southwest Florida nearly matched Tampa in permit volume but surpassed it in total value and average value. The region continues to attract higher‑end residential construction, with Lee County leading in both volume and value. As we have noted in the past, if Tampa is the workhorse, Southwest is the show horse—steady output with even more of an upscale tilt.

Orlando

Total Permits: 1,214
Total Value: $479.3M
Average Value: $394,817
Top Counties:
- Orange County: 315 permits | $116.5M Total Value
- Lake County: 302 permits | $93.4M Total Value

Analysis: Orlando posted the third‑highest permit volume but delivered one of the highest average values statewide. With an average nearing $395K, the region reflects a blend of strong demand and elevated construction costs—likely driven by ongoing in‑migration, suburban expansion, and the ever‑present gravitational pull of the theme‑park economy.

Jacksonville

Total Permits: 1,001
Total Value: $304.7M
Average Value: $304,389
Top Counties:
- Duval County: 364 permits | $91.9M
- St. Johns County: 217 permits | $68.2M

Analysis: Jacksonville delivered a solid showing, crossing the 1,000‑permit mark. Its average value—just over $304K—was the lowest among the five regions, reflecting a more cost‑efficient construction environment as per usual. This is not a negative; in fact, it signals affordability and scalability, two traits that continue to attract both builders and buyers.

Southeast

Total Permits: 814
Total Value: $424.9M
Average Value: $521,970
Top Counties:
- St. Lucie County: 329 permits | $141.5M
- Palm Beach County: 187 permits | $120.6M

Analysis: Southeast Florida may have posted the lowest permit volume, but it delivered the highest average value statewide—a striking $522K. This region continues to be Florida’s luxury construction epicenter, with Palm Beach County unsurprisingly contributing heavily to the high‑value profile. Fewer homes, bigger budgets.

What This Means for Construction Professionals

Monthly permit data is more than a scoreboard—it’s a strategic compass. Here’s what May’s numbers suggest:

1. Demand Remains Broad and Stable – With statewide permits nearly identical to April, Florida’s residential market shows no signs of cooling. Builders can plan with confidence, knowing demand is holding steady.

2. Regional Dynamics Are Shifting Subtly – Southwest has gained some ground in value, while Orlando continues to climb in both value and volume. As can be expected, the southeastern region remains the luxury leader, and Jacksonville continues to offer cost‑efficient opportunities for scale.

3. County‑Level Insights Matter – Manatee, Lee, Polk, St. Lucie, and Orange counties all posted strong numbers—critical intel for builders considering expansion or resource reallocation.

4. Monthly Data is a Snapshot, Not a Forecast – As I have stated in previous posts, while monthly figures provide a clear view of current activity, long‑term trends require HBW’s quarterly and annual archives. Month‑to‑month stability is great, but it’s the multi‑year patterns that reveal market cycles, migration impacts, and builder dominance.

The latest data for new residential construction in Florida last month was a study in balance: stable statewide totals, strong regional performances, and clear distinctions in value profiles. Whether you are a builder, supplier, or market analyst, this construction data offers incomparable insights into where demand is strongest, where value is highest, and where opportunities may be emerging for your business.

And if you are considering expanding your service area, remember: the permit data doesn’t lie. Permits are the breadcrumbs that lead you straight to the next growth market.

Florida New Swimming Pool Construction – May 2026 Report

Posted on June 12, 2026 by Erika Carruth

If there’s one thing Floridians know, it’s sunshine. And if there’s one thing construction professionals know, it’s that sunshine has a funny way of inspiring homeowners to say, “You know what? Let’s put in a pool.”

Last month proved exactly that. According to the latest HBW construction data, Florida added 2,032 new swimming pool construction permits to the books last month, representing nearly $164.7 million in total construction value across the five major regions: Southwest, Southeast, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville.

Even better, this marks a 10% month‑over‑month increase from April—an encouraging rebound after the 20% dip in March. In other words, the market is doing what the market does: ebbing, flowing, and reminding us that one month does not make a trend, but it certainly makes for interesting reading.

Below is a breakdown of where the action was hottest, which counties led the charge, and how construction values stacked up across the state.

Southwest Florida

724 permits | $58.46M total value | $80,751 average value

Southwest Florida didn’t just lead the state—it seems to have dominated it. With 724 permits, the region accounted for over 35% of all new pool construction statewide.

When it comes to the counties where new pool construction was greatest, there were three that led the charge:

Manatee County: 156 permits | $12.96M
Sarasota County: 150 permits | $17.14M
Lee County: 204 permits | $13.11M

Sarasota posted the highest total value among the three, while Lee County pulled the most permits. If you’re working this region, you are in the epicenter of Florida’s pool‑building momentum.

Southeast Florida

452 permits | $34.49M total value | $76,297 average value

Southeast Florida contributed 22% of the state’s total permits, maintaining its reputation as a steady, high‑demand market.

The counties with the greatest volume of new permits included:

Palm Beach County: 112 permits | $10.12M
Miami‑Dade County: 137 permits | $7.45M

Miami‑Dade pulled more permits, but Palm Beach posted a significantly higher total value—an interesting (and somewhat expected) contrast that hints at differing project scopes and homeowner budgets.

Tampa Area

329 permits | $26.87M total value | $81,676 average value

Tampa held a solid mid‑range position with 329 permits, representing about 16% of statewide activity. The region’s average value was slightly higher than Southwest and Southeast, suggesting a healthy mix of mid‑ to upper‑range residential projects.

Tampa’s leading counties for total new permits included:

Hillsborough County: 117 permits | $10.88M
Sumter County: 70 permits | $3.15M

Hillsborough continues to anchor the region, while Sumter’s activity—though smaller—remains consistent.

Orlando Area

319 permits | $25.01M total value | $78,415 average value

Orlando contributed just under 16% of statewide permits, landing close to Tampa in both volume and value. The region’s average value sits comfortably in the mid‑range.

The counties carried the greatest amount of new swimming pool construction for the one-month period include:

Orange County: 83 permits | $6.62M
Lake County: 84 permits | $5.34M

Orange and Lake were nearly neck‑and‑neck in permit volume, with Orange edging ahead in total value.

Jacksonville Area

208 permits | $19.83M total value | $95,317 average value

Jacksonville may have had the lowest permit volume of the five regions, but it posted the highest average value statewide at $95,317 per project. That’s nearly $15,000 above the next‑highest region.

As per usual, the bulk of new construction could be found in the following two counties:

Duval County: 41 permits | $3.67M
St. Johns County: 84 permits | $8.68M

St. Johns County continues to be a powerhouse for higher‑value residential construction, and May’s pool permit data reinforces that trend.

Key Takeaways

1. Southwest Florida is the volume leader—by a mile.

With more than a third of all statewide permits, this region remains the most active pool construction market in Florida.

2. Jacksonville leads in average value.

Fewer projects, but bigger budgets. This is a region where premium pool construction is thriving.

3. The statewide rebound is a positive sign.

A 10% MoM increase after a 20% decline in March suggests stabilization and renewed consumer confidence.

4. Monthly data is a pulse check—not a crystal ball.

The monthly figures are invaluable for benchmarking, but it is important to remember that they are just one piece of the broader market picture. Quarterly and annual trends remain essential for strategic planning.

5. Regional differences matter.

From high‑volume Southwest to high‑value Jacksonville, Florida’s pool market is anything but uniform. Understanding your region’s dynamics is key to forecasting demand and aligning resources.

Permit data may not be the most glamorous part of the construction world, but it’s one of the most revealing. It tells us where homeowners are investing, how markets are shifting, and where opportunities are emerging. The figures for last month show a market that’s regaining momentum, with strong regional performance and healthy construction values. Whether you are a builder, supplier, or industry analyst, the latest data offers both reassurance and insight—proof that even in a fluctuating market, Florida’s appetite for backyard oases remains strong.

Texas New Swimming Pool Construction Report – May 2026

Posted on June 10, 2026 by Erika Carruth

According to the latest HBW construction data, May 2026 was a strong month for new swimming pool construction across the Lone Star State. Combined from the four major metro areas (Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio) there were 482 new swimming pool construction permits added to the HBW database, representing a total construction value of approximately $35.4 million. That’s an 18% jump from April’s totals, a month-over-month increase that would make even the most seasoned market analyst raise an eyebrow.

For this reason, let’s take a moment to break down where Texans are digging, building, and splashing the most:

Houston

Last month, Houston led the pack, pulling in the greatest number of new swimming pool permits last month:

Total Permits: 187
Total Value: $14,466,500
Average Value: $77,361

County Spotlight: Harris County (111 permits) | Total Value: $7,971,500

Houston accounts for 38.8% of all new pool permits statewide, making it the undisputed leader for May. With an average value north of $77K, the market is exhibiting strong mid-to-high-tier residential investment. Harris County alone represents nearly 60% of Houston’s pool activity, reinforcing its role as the region’s construction engine.

Dallas

Dallas wasn’t far behind Houston in total permits, and it actually surpassed Houston in average construction value:

Total Permits: 178
Total Value: $14,157,687
Average Value: $79,538 (highest among all metros)

Top Counties: Tarrant County (57 permits) | Total Value: $5,232,494; Collin County (44 permits) |Total Value: $3,370,998

Dallas represents 36.9% of all statewide permits, making it a close second to Houston, but the real headline here is the average value, which led all metros at just under $80K; this suggests a strong appetite for premium pool builds—think custom features, upgraded materials, and maybe even a tanning ledge or two.

Austin

Austin may not match Houston or Dallas in volume, but it continues to punch above its weight in construction value:

Total Permits: 68
Total Value: $4,545,792
Average Value: $66,850

County Spotlight: Travis County (62 permits) | Total Value: $4,211,868

Austin accounts for 14.1% of statewide permits, and Travis County alone represents a remarkable 91% of the metro’s pool activity. The average value is solid, reflecting a market that favors quality over quantity—very on-brand for Austin.

San Antonio

San Antonio rounds out the list with the lowest permit volume and the lowest average value, maintaining its standing as a more modest market:

Total Permits: 49
Total Value: $2,240,000
Average Value: $45,714 (lowest among all metros)

County Spotlight: Bexar County (37 permits) | Total Value: $1,715,000

San Antonio represents just over 10% of statewide pool permits. With the lowest average value, this market appears to be driven by more budget-conscious builds—likely standard residential pools without extensive customization.

The data for last month paints a fairly clear picture – Texas pool construction is heating up faster than a concrete deck in August. Here’s a few takeaways for industry pros:

Demand is rising statewide, with an 18% month-over-month increase signaling strong consumer confidence (and seasonal demand).
Houston and Dallas remain the dominant markets, both in volume and total value.
Dallas leads in premium builds, making it a prime target for high-end contractors and specialty pool designers.
Austin’s concentrated activity in Travis County suggests a highly focused market with consistent demand.
San Antonio offers opportunities for volume-based builders, especially those specializing in cost-efficient designs.

From pool builders to suppliers, and everyone in between, the latest data serves as a valuable compass for navigating the evolving construction landscape of the Lone Star State. And if the current trend continues, Texas may soon need as many pool cleaners as it has barbecue joints. (Okay, maybe not that many—but you get the idea.)

Texas New Home Construction Overview — May 2026

Posted on June 5, 2026 by Erika Carruth

As reported earlier this week on the HBW blog, Texas home construction in May 2026 was anything but sleepy. According to the latest HBW residential construction data, more than 5,950 new residential construction permits were added across the four major metros of Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio, representing over $1.9 billion in total construction value. Today, we will be using the same construction data reports from HBW to drill a bit deeper — county by county, permit by permit — to understand where the growth is concentrated, how values compare, and what construction professionals should be paying attention to as they plan their next moves.

Across the four major metros the new residential construction permit count was as follows:

Total permits: 5,952
Total construction value: $1.92B+
Average value (combined): ~$323K

But the real story is in the regional differences — and Texas rarely disappoints when it comes to regional personality. Here is a look at what was happening on a regional level last month:

Houston: The Permit Powerhouse

Houston once again leads the state in sheer volume, pulling 2,637 permits — approximately 44% of all new Texas residential permits for the month.

Key Stats

Total Permits: 2,637
Total Value: $816,294,246
Average Value: $309,554

County Concentrations

Harris County: 957 permits | $331,392,339 in value | Represents 36% of all Houston-area permits
Montgomery County: 802 permits | $208,287,937 in value | Represents more than 30% of Houston-area permits

Houston continues to be the gravitational center of Texas homebuilding. Harris and Montgomery alone account for two-thirds of the metro’s activity. The average value sits slightly below the statewide average, reflecting Houston’s continued dominance in volume-driven, mid-range residential construction.

Dallas: High Value, High Velocity

Dallas pulled 2,028 permits, securing the second-highest volume statewide — about 34% of all Texas permits.

Key Stats

Total Permits: 2,028
Total Value: $694,539,774
Average Value: $342,475

County Concentrations

Tarrant County: 784 permits | $279,518,825 in value | 39% of Dallas-area permits
Collin County: 595 permits | $187,870,427 in value | 29% of Dallas-area permits

Dallas continues to flex its higher-value market profile. With an average construction value of $342K, it outpaces Houston and San Antonio and comes close to Austin’s premium pricing.

Austin: Fewer Permits, Premium Pricing

Austin issued 802 permits, but what it lacks in volume, it makes up for in value.

Key Stats

Total Permits: 802
Total Value: $277,289,763
Average Value: $345,748 (highest among all metros)

County Concentrations

Travis County: 389 permits | $129,956,263 in value | 48% of Austin-area permits
Williamson County: 287 permits | $106,588,500 in value | 36% of Austin-area permits

Austin continues to be the luxury sibling of the Texas metros. With the highest average value statewide, the region remains a magnet for higher-end residential construction.

San Antonio: Steady, Strong, and Value-Conscious

San Antonio rounds out the list with 485 permits, representing about 8% of statewide activity.

Key Stats

Total Permits: 485
Total Value: $133,041,880
Average Value: $274,313 (lowest among the four metros)

County Concentration

Bexar County: 300 permits | $83,648,980 in value | 62% of San Antonio-area permits

San Antonio remains the most value-conscious market, with the lowest average construction value. But don’t mistake “value-conscious” for “slow.” The metro continues to show consistent, stable growth — the kind that keeps trades busy and supply houses humming.

Statewide Insights & Takeaways

1. Houston dominates in volume — nearly half of all Texas permits – If you are a supplier, subcontractor, or service provider, Houston is the market where your phone is most likely to ring.

2. Austin leads in average value – High-end builds, custom homes, and premium materials continue to define the region.

3. Dallas strikes the balance between volume and value – A strong mix of mid- and upper-tier construction makes Dallas a strategic market for diversified builders.

4. San Antonio remains the most affordable market – Lower average values make it attractive for first-time buyers and production builders.

5. County-level concentration is evident – Across all metros, a small number of counties account for the majority of activity. This is gold for business development — fewer counties to target, more opportunities per square mile.

What This Means for Construction Professionals

You might consider shaping your next quarter’s strategy around the counties showing the strongest momentum—places like Harris, Montgomery, Tarrant, Travis, and Bexar, which currently appear to be carrying much of the month’s activity. It may also be worthwhile to keep an eye on how pricing trends shift by metro, since Austin and Dallas continue to support higher-value construction while Houston and San Antonio lean toward more mid‑range projects. And because monthly permit data often serves as an early indicator of what’s coming down the pipeline, treating these numbers as a kind of forward-looking radar could help you anticipate where demand may surface next, giving you a head start on positioning your services and outreach accordingly. In other words, HBW’s data for May isn’t just a snapshot. It’s a roadmap.

And in Texas, that roadmap is wide open, well-paved, and — based on these numbers — getting new subdivisions added every week.

Texas Top Home Builders – May 2026

Posted on June 3, 2026 by Erika Carruth

According to the latest HBW residential construction permit data, Texas posted more than 5,950 new residential construction permits last month—representing over $1.9 billion in total construction value. Once again, showing that home construction continues to be strong across the Lone Star State.

While statewide numbers paint the big picture, the insights we are reviewing today come from zooming into the four major metro markets—Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio—where competition is fierce, regional dynamics vary, and a handful of builders consistently dominate the leaderboard.

Here is a break down the top five builders in each region, highlighting the statewide heavyweights, and exploring where the same names keep showing up (spoiler: some builders are basically on tour).

Statewide Titans: The Top Builders Across All Four Metros

Before diving into each region, it’s worth acknowledging the three builders who continue to be strong leaders across the state:

D.R. Horton
Lennar Homes
Perry Homes

The three mega-builders appear in the top five across every metro area, and they consistently post the highest permit volumes statewide. If Texas homebuilding were a rodeo, these three would be the ones walking out with the biggest belt buckles.

Houston: The Permit Powerhouse

Houston remains the heavyweight of Texas residential construction, with 320 active builders pulling permits in May. The top five are as follows:

Rank	Builder	Total Permits	Total Value	Avg. Value
1	D.R. Horton	381	$100.36M	$263,410
2	Lennar Homes	272	$64.29M	$236,356
3	Perry Homes	196	$68.09M	$347,423
4	David Weekley Homes	169	$53.65M	$317,462
5	KB Homes	97	$22.10M	$227,826

D.R. Horton led the region with the highest permit count statewide (381 permits), while Perry Homes posted the highest average value among Houston’s top five, signaling a strong presence in higher‑end product. And out of the four major metros, Houston is the only market where David Weekley Homes cracks the top five—proof that the builder remains a regional force even if not a statewide volume leader.

Dallas: The Metroplex of Momentum

Dallas had more than 160 builders pull permits in May, and the top five reflect a mix of national giants and regionally strong players:

Rank	Builder	Total Permits	Total Value	Avg. Value
1	D.R. Horton	392	$102.23M	$260,783
2	Lennar Homes	125	$38.51M	$308,045
3	Meritage Homes	116	$33.97M	$292,814
4	Trophy Signature Homes	106	$41.43M	$390,874
5	Perry Homes	105	$31.21M	$297,246

D.R. Horton again took the crown with the highest permit count across all metros (392 permits). Trophy Signature Homes posted the highest average value in Dallas at nearly $391K—an impressive figure that positions them as a premium‑leaning competitor. And Perry Homes continues its statewide streak, landing in the top five here as well.

Austin: The Capital of High‑Value Construction

Austin’s market is smaller in volume but mighty in value, and with just over 70 builders pulling permits in May, the top five for total volume are as follows:

Rank	Builder	Total Permits	Total Value	Avg. Value
1	Lennar Homes	84	$20.54M	$244,526
2	Meritage Homes	59	$19.74M	$334,506
3	Taylor Morrison Homes	52	$20.50M	$394,229
4	D.R. Horton	47	$13.97M	$297,183
5	Perry Homes	46	$19.84M	$431,371

Perry Homes posted the highest average value not only in Austin but across all metros (out of the top five builders) at $431K—a clear indicator of their strong foothold in the higher‑end Central Texas market. Lennar Homes led Austin for total permits, showing strong mid‑market traction. Overall, Austin’s top builders skew toward higher average values, consistent with the region’s pricing trends.

San Antonio: The Steady, Competitive Market

In the San Antonio area, there were just over 70 builders on record and pulling permits in May, with a familiar set of names leading the pack:

Rank	Builder	Total Permits	Total Value	Avg. Value
1	Lennar Homes	123	$29.16M	$237,103
2	D.R. Horton	49	$12.16M	$248,192
3	KB Homes	42	$9.10M	$216,711
4	Perry Homes	27	$10.04M	$371,748
5	Continental Homes of Texas	21	$5.34M	$254,410

Lennar Homes dominated San Antonio last month with 123 permits—demonstrating strong regional performance. Perry Homes again posted a high average value, reinforcing its premium positioning, and Continental Homes of Texas makes a unique appearance here, rounding out the top five.

Market Takeaways

1. Texas remains a high‑velocity permit environment – Nearly 6,000 permits in a single month is no small feat, especially given ongoing labor and supply chain pressures.

2. The “Big Three” builders dominate statewide – Their presence across all metros gives them unmatched economies of scale and market influence.

3. Regional dynamics matter – The four major metros each show distinct market dynamics: Houston continues to lead the state in sheer permit volume, while Dallas balances strong volume with a notably high‑value product mix. Austin stands out for posting the highest average construction values, reflecting its premium‑leaning market, and San Antonio maintains a competitive mid‑market profile marked by steady, reliable growth.

4. Average value trends reveal strategic positioning – Builders like Perry Homes and Trophy Signature Homes are leaning into higher‑value segments, while D.R. Horton and Lennar maintain broad‑market dominance.

5. Permit data remains one of the most reliable indicators of market momentum – No matter your role in the construction industry, tracking monthly permit activity enables you to anticipate demand, price competitively, and identify emerging opportunities.

Month after month, Texas continues to be one of the most dynamic homebuilding markets in the country, and May 2026 was no exception. With strong statewide leaders, region‑specific standouts, and billions in construction value on the table, the Lone Star State shows no signs of slowing down.

Florida Residential Construction Snapshot – April 2026

Posted on May 29, 2026 by Erika Carruth

As noted in our most recent blog post, the residential construction market in Florida continued its energetic pace in April 2026, posting 6,385 new permits across the five major regions tracked by HBW. For those who live by permit data the way others live by weather forecasts, this month’s numbers offer a clear look at where demand is rising, where values are climbing, and how the state’s construction landscape continues to evolve.

Statewide, the total value of new residential construction reached $2.11 billion, with an average construction value of roughly $330,000 per home. As always, the story becomes far more interesting when we zoom in on the regional dynamics, so here is a closer look at activity, region-by-region:

Tampa

The Tampa area once again led Florida in total permit volume, recording 1,846 new residential construction permits for the month. With a total construction value of just over $590.9 million, the region posted an average value of $320,110—a solid mid‑range figure that reflects Tampa’s ongoing suburban expansion and steady demand for primary residences.

Pasco and Polk counties continue to anchor the region’s growth. Pasco contributed 415 permits valued at $171.6 million, while Polk slightly outpaced Pasco in volume with 552 permits totaling $171.3 million. If both of these counties were siblings, they would be the competitive duo racing each other from the first footing to the final inspection.

Southwest Florida

Southwest Florida came in just behind Tampa with 1,820 permits, making it the second‑highest region for new construction activity. The total value reached $522.8 million, with an average construction value of $287,247—the lowest average statewide. That doesn’t indicate weak demand; rather, it reflects a market focused on high‑volume, moderately priced builds, often driven by population inflows and ongoing redevelopment in coastal areas.

Manatee County led the region with 598 permits valued at $147.9 million, while Lee County followed with 562 permits totaling $163.4 million. Lee’s higher total value suggests a concentration of slightly higher‑end projects, even as the region overall remains one of Florida’s most active construction corridors.

Orlando

The Orlando region posted 1,196 permits in April, with a total construction value of $463.1 million and an impressive average value of $387,218. This places Orlando second statewide in average valuation, reflecting the region’s mix of master‑planned communities, luxury enclaves, and steady in‑migration.

Orange County led with 308 permits valued at $115.4 million, while Lake County followed closely with 290 permits totaling $90.3 million. Orlando’s balance of volume and value continues to make it one of the most strategically attractive markets for builders looking to expand without venturing into the ultra‑premium territory of Southeast Florida.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville recorded 875 permits in April, with a total construction value of $260.6 million and an average construction value of $297,826. The region remains a reliable performer—growing steadily, offering room for expansion, and maintaining valuations that appeal to both builders and buyers.

Duval County led with 313 permits valued at $63.1 million, while St. Johns County, though smaller in volume with 234 permits, posted a higher total value of $69.6 million. St. Johns continues to attract higher‑value projects, reinforcing its reputation as one of Northeast Florida’s most desirable residential markets.

Southeast Florida

Southeast Florida posted the lowest permit volume statewide with 648 permits, but what it lacks in quantity it more than makes up for in valuation. The region recorded a total construction value of $273.1 million, with an average value of $421,431—the highest in Florida.

Palm Beach County led the region with 241 permits valued at $114.4 million, while Miami‑Dade contributed 105 permits totaling $49.0 million. Land scarcity, luxury demand, and complex construction environments continue to push valuations upward, making Southeast Florida the go‑to region for high‑end builders and specialty contractors.

The most recent report for April reinforces several ongoing trends… Tampa and Southwest Florida remain the engines of volume, ideal for trades and suppliers who thrive on consistent, high‑throughput work. Southeast Florida continues to dominate the high‑value segment, offering strong margins for luxury builders and specialized trades. Orlando stands out as a balanced, resilient market with both strong volume and strong valuations, while Jacksonville offers predictable growth and room for expansion without the congestion or land constraints of other regions.

For construction professionals, permit data is more than a monthly snapshot—it is a strategic tool. It reveals where demand is accelerating, where competition is intensifying, and where opportunities for expansion may be emerging. When paired with HBW’s historical archives, it becomes even more powerful, allowing builders to track long‑term shifts, anticipate market cycles, and make informed decisions about labor, marketing, and regional investment.

Florida’s Leading Home Builders in April 2026: Who’s Dominating the Permit Game?

Posted on May 27, 2026 by Erika Carruth

If April showers bring May flowers, then April permits bring… a whole lot of competitive energy to Florida’s residential construction market. According to the latest HBW residential construction permit data, the Sunshine State posted 6,385 new residential construction permits in April 2026 across its five major metro regions of Southwest, Tampa, Orlando, Southeast, and Jacksonville.

While hundreds of contractors contributed to that total, a select group of builders rose to the top—some by a comfortable margin, others by sheer consistency across multiple markets. For construction professionals, this kind of permit data is a real‑time pulse check on market momentum, competitive positioning, and pricing pressure.

For this reason, we are going to break down the leaders region by region, highlight the statewide heavyweights, and identify the builders who are leading the market in Florida, one permit at a time:

Southwest Florida

With more than 290 contractors active in April, Southwest Florida was buzzing, but three builders towered above the rest:

Lennar Homes – 294 permits | $60.2M total value | Avg. $204.8K
D.R. Horton – 266 permits | $50.9M total value | Avg. $191.3K
Pulte Homes – 220 permits | $48.9M total value | Avg. $222.2K
Taylor Morrison – 83 permits | $18.6M total value | Avg. $224.5K
BB Living Management – 61 permits | $10.2M total value | Avg. $167.6K

The southwestern region appears to be a three‑horse race, and the horses are named Lennar, Horton, and Pulte. Lennar leads in volume, Pulte leads in average value (out of top three), and Horton—well, Horton is ever-present, as can be expected.

Tampa

The 235 active contractors in the Tampa area produced a competitive top five, with Lennar and D.R. Horton once again battling for the crown.

Lennar Homes – 241 permits | $77.5M | Avg. $321.7K
D.R. Horton – 217 permits | $66.7M | Avg. $307.4K
The Villages of Lake Sumter – 112 permits | $19.6M | Avg. $175K
Homes By West Bay – 100 permits | Avg. $541.9K (highest avg. value in the region)
Pulte Homes – 69 permits | Avg. $387.4K

Homes By West Bay may not match the big national builders in volume, but their average value north of $540K is a statement piece. Tampa continues to be a market where both production builders and luxury‑leaning firms thrive.

Orlando

With 160+ contractors active, Orlando’s April leaderboard looked familiar—but with some interesting value dynamics.

Lennar Homes – 196 permits | $71.5M | Avg. $364.7K
Pulte Homes – 123 permits | Avg. $319.3K
D.R. Horton – 89 permits | Avg. $366.1K
KB Homes – 57 permits | Avg. $305.3K
Taylor Morrison – 50 permits | Avg. $370.2K (highest avg. value in the region)

Taylor Morrison may be fifth in volume, but they landed first in average value out of the top five builders—proof that Orlando’s market still rewards higher‑end product even in a competitive permit environment.

Southeast Florida

In Southeast Florida, 125+ contractors contributed to April’s totals, with a tight race among the top four builders:

D.R. Horton – 93 permits | Avg. $191.3K
Minto Communities – 89 permits | Avg. $247.6K
Lennar Homes – 73 permits | Avg. $386.9K
GL Building Corporation – 71 permits | Avg. $403.9K (high avg. value in the region)
Pulte Homes – 39 permits | Avg. $492.3K (highest avg. value statewide among top fives)

In the southeastern region there appears to be a noteworthy split: D.R. Horton dominates in volume, but GL Building Corp and Pulte Homes dominate in value, signaling a bifurcated market where both entry‑level and luxury product are thriving.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville’s nearly 120 contractors produced a top five with a twist:

Pulte Homes – 77 permits | Avg. $309.3K
D.R. Horton – 67 permits | Avg. $343.7K
Dream Finders Construction – 49 permits | Avg. $291.3K
Dream Finders Homes – 48 permits | Avg. $186.5K
Meritage Homes – 47 permits | Avg. $165.3K

While Pulte officially leads, the combined Dream Finders entities (Construction + Homes) total 97 permits, making them the true volume leader in Jacksonville. Also worth noting: Lennar Homes pulled 40 permits—not enough for the top five, but enough to matter in the statewide rankings.

Statewide Leaders: The Big Three

When we zoom out across all five metro regions, three builders clearly dominate Florida’s April 2026 permit landscape:

1. Lennar Homes – Statewide Leader in Total Permits

Lennar (844 permits) leads in Southwest, Tampa, and Orlando, and places third in Southeast. Even without a top‑five placement in Jacksonville, their 40 permits there help secure their statewide #1 position.

2. D.R. Horton – A Close Second

Active and competitive in all five regions, D.R. Horton (732 permits) consistently places in the top three nearly everywhere. Their statewide volume is consistently heavy.

3. Pulte Homes – Strong and Steady Across the State

Pulte (528 permits) ranks in the top five in every region, including a #1 finish in Jacksonville. Their average values tend to run higher than their national‑builder peers, giving them a strong mix of volume and value.

Final Takeaways for Construction Professionals

Permit data isn’t merely a scoreboard—it is a strategic tool. Here’s what construction data reports for April 2026 tell us:

Florida’s market remains robust, with more than 6,300 new residential permits in a single month.
National builders dominate volume, but regional and semi‑custom builders continue to command higher average values.
Cross‑market consistency is rare, and the builders who achieve it (Horton, Lennar, Pulte) gain significant competitive leverage.
Jacksonville remains the wildcard, with Dream Finders showing how regional specialization can outperform national scale—at least locally.

In short: The Sunshine State’s residential construction market is as competitive, diverse, and fast‑moving as can be expected. Whether you are benchmarking pricing, scouting competitors, or planning your next land acquisition, the latest monthly permit data offers a clear snapshot of who is leading—and how they are doing it.

Texas Homebuilding Leaders: April 2026

Posted on May 22, 2026 by Erika Carruth

A Market Snapshot of the Top Builders Across Houston, Dallas, Austin & San Antonio

According to the latest HBW residential construction permit data (and as noted on the blog last week), Texas posted 5,627 new residential construction permits in April 2026, representing more than $1.8 billion in total construction value. That’s not just healthy—that’s Texas‑sized healthy.

Today, we are zooming in on the top five home builders in each of the four major metro areas (Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio) to understand who is driving the market, where competition is heating up, and which builders are quietly (or not so quietly) dominating multiple regions.

As HBW subscribers are already aware, permit data is one of the most reliable early indicators of market momentum. It tells us who’s building, where they are building, and how aggressively they are positioning themselves in the market. For construction professionals, intel of this nature can be helpful in forecasting pricing, labor demand, supply chain pressure, and competitive dynamics.

So, let’s take a moment to look at the leaders in each major metro of the Lone Star State:

Houston: D.R. Horton Continues Its Reign

Houston saw 300+ active builders pulling permits in April, but the top five accounted for a commanding share of the market.

Rank	Builder	Permits	Total Value	Avg. Value
1	D.R. Horton	405	$108.4M	$267,626
2	Century Communities	171	$45.0M	$262,914
3	Lennar Homes	162	$41.5M	$256,016
4	Perry Homes	149	$48.2M	$323,592
5	David Weekley Homes	135	$38.1M	$282,391

Key Houston Takeaways

D.R. Horton didn’t just lead—they lapped the field with more than double the permits of the #2 builder.
Perry Homes posted the highest average value in the top five, signaling a strong presence in higher‑end product segments.
Lennar Homes and Century Communities continue to show consistent volume strength across Texas.

Dallas: High Volume, High Value

Dallas recorded nearly 195 active builders, and the top five included a bit of intrigue.

Rank	Builder	Permits	Total Value	Avg. Value
1	D.R. Horton	396	$101.8M	$257,033
2	Lennar Homes	202	$64.1M	$317,211
3	Permit Office Will Not Provide	127	$32.0M	$251,680
4	Trophy Signature Homes	123	$52.9M	$430,139
5	Bloomfield Homes	77	$34.2M	$443,944

About the anonymous #3 builder… The listing “Permit Office Will Not Provide” appears when a municipality does not release the builder name associated with a permit. This can happen due to a number of reasons including but not limited to: local privacy policies; incomplete or redacted submissions; system limitations in the jurisdiction’s reporting process. That being stated, even without the name, the volume and valuation data remain accurate, which still provides meaningful insight into market activity. In other words: the mystery builder is still shaping the competitive landscape, even if they are doing it incognito for this single-month view.

Other Dallas Notes

Trophy Signature Homes and Bloomfield Homes posted the highest average values in the region—well above $400K.
Perry Homes, while not in the top five, still logged 60 permits in the Dallas area, contributing to its strong statewide ranking.

Austin: A Tight Race Behind D.R. Horton

Austin had more than 75 active builders in April, and the top five were tightly clustered in volume.

Rank	Builder	Permits	Total Value	Avg. Value
1	D.R. Horton	82	$24.2M	$294,695
2	Perry Homes	56	$27.9M	$497,445
3	Meritage Homes	56	$16.1M	$286,739
4	Lennar Homes	55	$9.95M	$180,980
5	Pulte Homes	48	$14.8M	$308,368

Austin Insights

Perry Homes posted the highest average value of any top‑five builder in any Texas metro this month—nearly $500K per home.
D.R. Horton continues its statewide dominance, leading Austin as well.
Meritage and Lennar remain competitive, with only one permit separating them.

San Antonio: Lennar Homes Takes the Lead

San Antonio had more than 70 active builders on record last month, with Lennar Homes taking the top spot.

Rank	Builder	Permits	Total Value	Avg. Value
1	Lennar Homes	118	$24.6M	$208,709
2	Perry Homes	28	$9.53M	$340,475
3	KB Homes	28	$6.43M	$229,732
4	M/I Homes	27	$6.62M	$245,119
5	D.R. Horton	24	$6.19M	$257,758

San Antonio Highlights

Lennar Homes is the clear volume leader, pulling nearly as many permits as the next four builders combined.
Perry Homes again demonstrated strength in higher‑value product categories.
D.R. Horton, while #5 here, still maintains enough volume statewide to remain a top contender.

When combining permit totals across all four metros, a clear statewide hierarchy emerges.

Top Statewide Builders by Total Permits (April 2026)

D.R. Horton – 907 permits
Lennar Homes – 537 permits
Perry Homes – 293 permits

Statewide Observations

D.R. Horton continues to operate in a league of its own, leading in three of the four metros.
Lennar Homes displays exceptional balance, ranking in the top five in every region and taking the #1 spot in San Antonio.
Perry Homes stands out for consistently high average values and for placing in the top five in three metros, plus a strong showing in Dallas.

What This Means for the Market

Market concentration across Texas remains notably high, with a small group of national builders continuing to command a substantial share of overall activity, and the differences in average construction values further underscore how each builder positions itself within the market—Perry Homes and Bloomfield Homes, for example, are clearly leaning into higher‑end product segments, while Lennar Homes and D.R. Horton maintain strong momentum through volume‑driven strategies. At the same time, permit trends point to sustained demand for entry‑level and mid‑market housing, particularly in Houston and Dallas, where population growth and affordability pressures continue to shape buyer behavior and builder priorities.

For construction professionals, understanding who’s building (and how much) is essential for forecasting opportunities and preparing for market shifts. The data from April 2026 shows a Texas market that remains robust, competitive, and dominated by a few major players who continue to shape residential construction patterns across all four metros.