Last month is a perfect reminder to Texas builders of a timeless truth: even the strongest construction markets occasionally tap the brakes (and have their fair share of fluctuations). According to the latest HBW residential construction permit data, the Lone Star State posted 5,627 new residential construction permits in April, representing more than $1.8 billion in total construction value. That’s a 22 percent month‑over‑month decline from March—proof that even Texas can’t sprint every month of the year.

But don’t mistake a slowdown for a slump. When you dig into the regional data across Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio, you will find a market that is certainly robust, strategically shifting, and rich with insights for builders, developers, and anyone who enjoys a storyline built on the foundation of fresh permit data.

Statewide Snapshot: Where the Permits Landed

Before we zoom into each metro, here’s the big picture:

• Total Permits (April 2026): 5,627
• Total Construction Value: $1.8B+
• Largest Share of Permits: Houston (41%)
• Highest Average Value: Dallas ($356,260)
• Lowest Average Value: San Antonio ($262,666)

Houston and Dallas continue to dominate the state’s residential construction landscape, accounting for nearly 80 percent of all new permits pulled in April. Austin and San Antonio round out the remaining 20+ percent, with Austin maintaining its reputation for higher‑value builds and San Antonio continuing to offer more cost‑efficient construction opportunities.

While we could just stop there with that summary, we will instead continue because to better understand the totals, it is essential that we take a closer look at how each metro area performed last month:

Houston

Total Permits: 2,312 Total Value: $706,645,919 Average Value: $305,643

Houston once again claims the crown for highest volume of new residential permits, representing approximately 41 percent of all new home construction statewide. While the average value sits comfortably above $300K, Houston’s real story is in its county‑level distribution:

• Harris County: 648 permits | $234,196,826 total value
• Montgomery County: 839 permits | $210,281,894 total value

Montgomery County outpaced Harris in permit volume—a trend that reflects the northward migration of new development. Harris still leads in total value, but Montgomery’s growth trajectory is noteworthy.

Market Interpretation: Houston remains the state’s construction workhorse. High permit volume, strong suburban expansion, and steady average values make it a reliable indicator of broader market health.

Dallas

Total Permits: 2,167 Total Value: $772,016,171 Average Value: $356,260

Dallas may have come in second for total permits, but it leads the state in average construction value. If Houston is the workhorse, Dallas is the show horse—delivering higher‑value projects and a strong concentration of activity in its top counties:

• Tarrant County: 931 permits | $315,942,833 total value
• Collin County: 682 permits | $229,655,265 total value

Dallas accounts for more than 38 percent of all statewide permits, and its higher average value suggests a market leaning toward larger homes, more premium features, or simply higher land and labor costs.

Market Interpretation: Dallas continues to be the state’s leader in higher‑value residential construction. Builders targeting mid‑to‑upper‑tier buyers will find Dallas particularly attractive.

Austin

Total Permits: 700 Total Value: $229,487,578 Average Value: $327,839

Austin may not match Houston or Dallas in volume, but it consistently punches above its weight in value. With an average permit value of nearly $328K, Austin remains a magnet for higher‑end residential development.

County‑level activity for the areas holding the greatest concentration of new home construction is as follows:

• Travis County: 378 permits | $121,336,478 total value
• Williamson County: 221 permits | $74,154,100 total value

Austin represents more than 12 percent of all statewide permits, but its value profile keeps it firmly in the “premium market” category.

Market Interpretation: Austin continues to attract buyers seeking higher‑value homes, and builders who specialize in design‑forward or amenity‑rich construction may find strong demand.

San Antonio

Total Permits: 448 Total Value: $117,674,538 Average Value: $262,666

San Antonio rounds out the April report with the lowest permit volume and lowest average value among the four major metros. Still, with nearly half a billion dollars in annualized construction activity implied by April’s pace, the market remains healthy and active. Well more than half of all new permits originated from one major county:

• Bexar County: 298 permits | $77,518,338 total value

San Antonio accounts for 8 percent of statewide permits—small but steady.

Market Interpretation: San Antonio remains a value‑driven market, ideal for builders focused on affordability, volume production, and first‑time homebuyers.

Key Insights for Construction Professionals

1. Houston Leads in Volume, Dallas Leads in Value

Houston’s 2,312 permits make it the undisputed volume leader, while Dallas’s $356K average value sets the bar for higher‑end construction.

2. Montgomery and Tarrant Counties Are Hotbeds of Activity

Montgomery (Houston area) and Tarrant (Dallas area) posted the highest county‑level permit counts, signaling strong suburban expansion.

3. Austin Remains the High‑Value Niche Market

With an average value of $327K, Austin continues to attract buyers seeking more premium builds.

4. San Antonio Offers the Most Affordable Construction Environment

Its $262K average value makes it the most cost‑efficient metro for new residential development.

5. The 22% Month‑Over‑Month Decline Isn’t a Red Flag

The dip exhibited in April is more reflective of seasonal pacing and market recalibration than any structural slowdown.

While last month may have delivered fewer permits than March, Texas remains one of the most active and opportunity‑rich residential construction markets in the country. Whether you are a builder, supplier, developer, or simply someone who enjoys a good spreadsheet, the HBW data paints a clear picture: Texas continues to build, grow, and evolve—just at a slightly more relaxed April pace.

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.