Lately new construction is actually giving buyers something they haven’t seen much of recently: a real chance to get the home they want and the price they need. More brand-new homes are available now, and builders are offering incentives that can make them more affordable than people expect.

This rare mix is giving buyers more leverage than usual this season. Here’s what makes this moment important—and why teaming up with a local agent can help you make the most of it.

1. More New Homes Are Available Now – and That May Not Last

There’s more new construction on the market than usual right now. For buyers, that translates to:

• More modern communities to fall in love with

• More homes that are ready for you to move right in

• More floor plans so you can find your perfect fit

• More stylish upgrades and features you’ll actually use

That variety might not stick around.

That variety might not stick around. Zonda’s data shows that even though it seems like new homes are popping up everywhere, builders are pulling back. Housing starts (when construction actually begins) have been slowly, steadily declining over the past few years — which helps avoid national overbuilding.

Here’s the real takeaway that can give you an edge: forecasts expect this slight downward trend to continue into next year (see graph below).

It means the current influx of new listings might be the biggest batch of fresh options you'll see for some time.

Today Redfin reports that about 1 in 3 homes on the market—27%—are new construction. That’s above the usual level but is the smallest share we’ve seen in four years, which fits what the chart shows.

If you want more options, now's the time to start looking.

If you’re wondering why builders are pulling back, it’s straightforward: there are already more new homes for sale than normal, so builders are trying to sell off the inventory they have instead of bringing even more new homes to market. That leads to the next point.

2. Builder Incentives Just Hit an All-Time High

Here’s the best part for buyers: builders are offering incentives we haven’t seen in years to keep current inventory moving, and many of those perks directly improve affordability. Right now, buyers are getting:

• Lower prices: Builders are cutting prices on new homes to make them more appealing.

• Help with closing costs: Many are covering part of your fees to make buying feel more doable upfront.

• Free upgrades: You can get nice extras like upgraded finishes, appliances, and designer touches without paying more.

• Lower mortgage rates: Some builders are even buying down your rate so your monthly payment is easier to manage.

You don’t need luck to get these perks. Most builders are offering incentives right now. In fact, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reports that 65% of builders are using some kind of sales incentive and:

““. . . 41% of builders reported cutting prices in November, a record high in the post-Covid period and the first time this measure has passed 40%.”
”

— National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB)

That’s a pretty big deal — it shows builders are open to negotiating these days.

If you check the graph, you’ll see incentives are usually used early in the year as buyer demand heats up heading into spring. Act now and you’ll have an advantage — this could be the best time to find more choices and better prices.

If you work closely with your agent and know what to ask for, you could score some of the best buyer perks we've seen in years. When every dollar matters, those incentives can make a real difference.

More choices and bigger savings — it's an offer you can't say no to.

Bottom Line

With builders currently offering big incentives and a wider variety of new homes, now could be one of the best times in years to buy a new build.

If you want to find which communities, builders, and incentives give you the best value right now, let’s connect. Having your own agent — not the builder’s rep — makes the buying and negotiating process much simpler.

Would you be interested in a brand-new home for less than you might expect?