Texas New Home Construction Surges in August 2026

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If you felt the ground rumbling in Texas last month, don’t worry—it wasn’t seismic activity. It was the sound of builders across the Lone Star State firing up their crews, sharpening their pencils, and pulling permits at a pace that would make even the most seasoned GC take a second look. According to the latest HBW residential construction data reports, Texas recorded 6,497 new permits in August 2026, representing more than $2.3 billion in total construction value. In comparison to July, new home construction has picked up at a notable pace, in the form of a 19% month‑over‑month increase.

Today, we are diving into the four major metros—Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio—to unpack where the action is hottest, which counties are driving the surge, and how construction values are stacking up. For builders, contractors, suppliers, and anyone who considers permit data a form of light reading, this is your August market pulse check.

Houston

For those following the HBW blog, it should come as no surprise that Houston held the greatest concentration of new home construction and led the pack last month.

  • Total Permits: 2,932
  • Total Construction Value: $936,411,768
  • Average Value of Construction: $319,376

Houston alone accounted for 45% of all new residential permits statewide, making it the undisputed epicenter of Texas homebuilding activity for the month. From a county perspective, there were two counties that carried more than 60 percent of all new construction in the area:

Montgomery County actually pulled more permits than Harris—nearly 33% of Houston’s total metro permits—a sign that suburban expansion continues to be the region’s growth engine. Harris County, meanwhile, delivered the highest total value, reflecting a mix of larger projects and higher‑end builds. Houston’s average value sits comfortably in the low to mid‑$300s, suggesting a balanced blend of production‑level homes and more customized builds. In short: Houston is busy, diversified, and still expanding outward like a contractor’s punch list on a Friday afternoon.

Dallas

Dallas landed second on the leaderboard in total permits but first in average construction value—because, well, it is Dallas.

  • Total Permits: 2,227
  • Total Construction Value: $921,710,188
  • Average Value: $413,880

The average value in Dallas is the highest among all four metros, signaling robust demand for larger homes, higher‑end finishes, or elevated land valuations across the region’s most competitive residential corridors. Dallas builders are clearly working on projects that require more than a starter‑home budget. From a county perspective, there were two counties where the majority of all new home construction took place last month:

Together, Tarrant and Collin counties represent 60% of Dallas’s total permit activity, with Tarrant leading both in volume and value. Collin County continues to be a magnet for new residential development, especially in fast‑growing communities where “new construction” is practically a neighborhood amenity. The combination of high permit volume and high average value in the Dallas area makes it the metro to watch for builders targeting premium markets.

Austin

Austin may not match Houston or Dallas in raw permit volume, but it continues to punch above its weight in construction value and consistency.

  • Total Permits: 840
  • Total Construction Value: $296,729,121
  • Average Value: $353,249

Austin’s average value is the second‑highest among the four metros, reflecting the region’s ongoing appetite for higher‑spec homes, modern designs, and the occasional project designed to meet the region’s preference for architecturally distinctive, showcase‑quality homes. Nearly all of the new home construction activity was concentrated in the following two counties last month:

Travis and Williamson counties together account for 90% of Austin’s total permit activity, showing a tight concentration of development in the core and northern suburban corridors. Williamson County nearly matches Travis in total value despite fewer permits, hinting at slightly higher average project sizes or more upscale builds. Austin remains a market where design trends matter, buyers are willing to invest, and builders can expect steady demand.

San Antonio

San Antonio rounds out the list with fewer permits holding the lowest average value of construction—and a clear concentration of activity.

  • Total Permits: 498
  • Total Construction Value: $156,254,306
  • Average Value: $313,764

San Antonio’s average value is the lowest of the metros reviewed but somewhat competitive considering that it landed just below Houston’s and above many national averages. From a county perspective, there was one county that carried the bulk of new construction activity:

Bexar County accounts for 57% of all San Antonio permits, making it the dominant force in the metro’s residential construction landscape. The remaining activity is dispersed across surrounding counties, but Bexar remains the anchor.

Statewide Trends and Takeaways

While the permit activity for August reflects a healthy 19 percent uptick from the previous month, it is best understood as a momentary snapshot rather than a sweeping trend; even so, it does illustrate steady buyer demand and ongoing confidence among Texas builders. Houston continues to dominate statewide, accounting for nearly half of all new permits and reinforcing its role as the state’s most active residential construction hub. Dallas, meanwhile, distinguishes itself through its elevated average construction value of $413,880, underscoring the metro’s position as a premium market—particularly across Tarrant and Collin counties. Austin remains a reliably high‑value environment as well, with an average of $353,249 that speaks to the region’s enduring appetite for quality design and modern residential amenities. And although San Antonio posted the lowest permit volume among the four metros, its solid average values demonstrate that builders there are still delivering substantial projects. Together, the patterns paint a picture of a statewide market that is active, diversified, and steadily progressing across all major regions.

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.

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