New Construction Homes
in San Antonio TX
VA loans accepted. 15+ major builders. Four active corridors, from entry-level base prices under $200K to $800K+ in the Hill Country. Expert guidance from a 3× San Antonio Business Journal Top 25 Individual Agent (#13 in 2024, #14 in 2025, #20 in 2026), Real Producers Top 100 honoree, and Army veteran — voted Best Real Estate Agency in the San Antonio Current's 2026 Best of San Antonio Readers' Choice.
Christopher Beal, founder of Veteran Real Estate San Antonio: The Beal Group, has guided 325+ military families and civilian buyers through new builds and resale purchases across the metro growth corridors. Whether you are a veteran using zero-down VA financing, an active-duty family on PCS orders to Joint Base San Antonio, or a civilian buyer choosing between a resale listing and a brand-new home, the builder process requires a fundamentally different strategy than a traditional purchase. This guide covers the four growth corridors, the builders active in them, VA compatibility, build timelines, current incentives, and why the agent in the sales office is not working for you.
Active in SA
Corridors
on New Builds
Inventory Homes
Career Volume $125M+
What Should San Antonio Buyers Know About New Construction in 2026?
San Antonio has more than 15 major builders actively delivering new homes across four corridors in 2026, with advertised base prices ranging from under $200K in the South/Southwest corridor to $800K+ in the Northwest Hill Country. VA loans are accepted on new construction — veterans can purchase with zero down payment as long as the home meets VA minimum property requirements. Bring your own buyer's agent so that someone is negotiating upgrades, lot premiums, and contract terms on your behalf rather than the builder's. Buyer-agent compensation is negotiable and is not set by law; in many builder transactions the builder offers compensation, but you should confirm the arrangement in your written buyer representation agreement and in the purchase contract before you tour. Builders do not publish guaranteed construction schedules. Inventory and quick move-in homes can generally close sooner, while to-be-built homes vary materially by builder, community, permitting, materials, and weather — which is why buyers on fixed PCS timelines usually focus on quick move-ins. Veterans may be able to use builder incentives together with VA homebuyer assistance programs and the Serve & Save closing cost credit, which may reduce closing costs. Christopher Beal with Veteran Real Estate San Antonio: The Beal Group — with 325+ families served and $125M+ in career volume — follows active builder communities across the metro and can help match your budget, timeline, and installation assignment to the right corridor.
Key Takeaways
- 15+ major builders are actively delivering new homes across 4 San Antonio corridors in 2026, with advertised base prices ranging from under $200K in the South/Southwest corridor to $800K+ in the Northwest Hill Country.
- VA loans are accepted on new construction — veterans with full entitlement can purchase with zero down payment and no VA loan limit, subject to lender approval and appraised value.
- Builder incentives commonly take the form of closing cost credits, rate buydowns, and design center allowances — amounts vary by builder, lender, community, inventory, and contract date, and are never guaranteed.
- Buyer representation is negotiable, not automatic — compensation terms vary by builder and must be documented in your buyer representation agreement and purchase contract before you tour.
- Build timelines vary and are not guaranteed by builders — inventory and quick move-in homes generally close sooner than to-be-built homes, which vary by community, permitting, materials, and weather. PCS buyers on fixed report dates should focus on quick move-ins.
- Veterans may be able to combine builder incentives with VA benefits, TSAHC assistance, the Texas veteran property tax exemption, and the Serve & Save closing cost credit.
Why Do You Need Your Own Agent for New Construction?
The sales representative in the model home works for the builder — not for you. Their compensation is tied to protecting the builder's contract terms and profit margins. Buyer-agent compensation is negotiable and is not set by law — many builders offer to pay some or all of it, but the amount and who pays must be agreed in writing before you tour. Understanding the home buying process for new builds starts with this critical fact.
Going In Without Your Own Agent
Christopher Beal — Your Builder Buyer's Agent
Christopher Beal has negotiated new construction contracts with DR Horton, Lennar, Perry Homes, KB Home, Pulte, Meritage Homes, Ashton Woods, David Weekley, Chesmar Homes, Scott Felder, Highland Homes, M/I Homes, and LGI Homes across the San Antonio metro. That depth of experience means knowing which builders offer flexibility on lot premiums, which design studios allow credit reallocation, and which contract terms can be modified to protect you during construction delays or VA appraisal issues. First-time buyers especially benefit from experienced representation, as the new construction process involves more contract complexity than a standard resale purchase.
Critical — Register Your Agent on Day One
Most builders require your buyer's agent to accompany you on your first visit to register as your representative. If you walk into a model home without your agent and then try to add them later, many builders will not honor the registration — and you lose your representation. Contact Christopher before visiting any model home or builder sales office. A 10-minute call first protects your representation rights for the entire transaction.
Can Veterans Buy New Construction with Zero Down Payment?
Often yes — VA financing may be available on a new construction purchase when the property, the builder documentation, the lender, and the borrower all meet VA requirements, and eligible veterans may purchase with zero down payment. Veterans with full entitlement have no VA loan limit — the ceiling is what you can afford and what the appraisal supports. County limits apply only if your entitlement is reduced, in which case the 2026 figure for Bexar County is the FHFA baseline conforming limit of $832,750 for a one-unit property. Rates change daily and vary by lender, credit profile, and points, so compare same-day Loan Estimates. Loan approval subject to credit, income, entitlement, and VA property requirements.
Get VA Pre-Approved Before You Shop
VA pre-approval before visiting communities gives you accurate purchase power based on your BAH, income, and entitlement position. If you have full entitlement there is no VA loan limit — your purchase power is set by income, credit, and appraised value. If your entitlement is reduced because of an active or previously defaulted VA loan, the 2026 Bexar County conforming figure of $832,750 is used to calculate your remaining bonus entitlement and any required down payment. Builders take pre-approved buyers more seriously, and knowing your ceiling upfront prevents wasting time in communities above or below your range. Use a VA-experienced lender — not the builder's lender by default. Check your VA eligibility →
Confirm the Community and Builder Are VA-Compatible
Many major San Antonio builders (DR Horton, Lennar, Perry, Pulte, KB Home, Meritage) work with VA buyers and are generally familiar with VA Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs), though familiarity varies by community and sales team. However, some custom or semi-custom communities have base prices or construction specifications that create VA appraisal friction. An experienced buyer's agent can identify this before you spend time in a community that won't appraise at contract price under VA guidelines.
Understand the Builder Lender Incentive Tradeoff
Builders often offer closing cost credits, upgrade allowances, or rate buydowns tied to using their preferred lender. These can be worth a significant amount on larger builds. But builder lenders aren't always VA specialists, and their rates or fees may offset the incentive value. Have your VA lender and the builder's lender both quote the same scenario — then compare total cost, not just the incentive headline. Review the full closing costs breakdown to understand every line item before committing. VA Loan Guide →
VA Appraisal on New Construction
VA appraisals on new construction work differently than resale. A VA appraisal does not require a finished house — VA allows the appraisal to be completed from the builder's plans and specifications, or from a fully completed model home of the same plan type in the same market area. Your builder must hold a valid VA builder ID number before VA issues the Notice of Value, and a VA fee appraiser returns for a post-construction inspection. Expect a one-year builder warranty on VA Form 26-1859; where the local building authority does not perform construction inspections, VA requires both that warranty and enrollment in a 10-year insurance-backed protection plan.
Funding Fee Exemption — Verify Before Closing
You are exempt from the VA funding fee if you receive VA compensation for a service-connected disability, are eligible for compensation but take retirement or active-duty pay instead, receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation as a surviving spouse, hold a pre-closing proposed or memorandum rating, or are active duty with a documented Purple Heart by closing. A non-compensable rating alone does not exempt you. Confirm your exemption status on your COE before closing — it must be active at loan origination. On a new construction purchase at $400K+, this saves thousands out of pocket. If a rating decision is pending, coordinate timing with your lender before locking your rate. COE & Eligibility Guide →
Combining Benefits — VA, Assistance Programs, Builder Incentives and Serve & Save
Veterans purchasing new construction in San Antonio may be able to use VA loan benefits (zero down, no PMI) alongside TSAHC assistance, builder closing cost credits, and the Texas veteran property tax exemption, and the Serve & Save program, which reduces closing costs under its current written terms. These do not combine automatically: whether any two can be used together depends on builder, lender, VA and TSAHC or other program rules, applicable closing-cost limits, and your contract terms. On VA loans, sellers and builders can pay your closing costs with no VA-imposed cap. The separate 4% limit applies to concessions — funding-fee payment, prepaid taxes or insurance, buydown funding, and debt payoff — and is measured against the reasonable value shown on your Notice of Value, not the contract price. Market-rate discount points are not concessions; points beyond market rate are. Where programs can be used together they may reduce the cash needed at closing, but the amount depends on your entitlement, the builder's current offer, and the programs you actually qualify for — no savings figure can be promised in advance. Full Assistance Programs Guide → · Property Tax Exemption Guide →
Where Are the Best New Construction Corridors in San Antonio?
San Antonio's new construction market is organized around four primary growth corridors, each with distinct price points, active builders, school districts, and proximity to JBSA installations. The Northwest corridor anchors in the Texas Hill Country with premium pricing. The Northeast corridor near Randolph AFB is popular with Randolph-assigned families. The South/Southwest has the lowest published entry prices. The North/281 corridor delivers move-up and luxury builds.
Helotes · Boerne · Fair Oaks Ranch
The northwest corridor is San Antonio's premier Hill Country new construction zone — combining Texas Hill Country scenery with master-planned communities and strong resale values. Price points run from $280K to $900K+, with production builders in the Alamo Ranch and Potranco Road areas and semi-custom to luxury builders in Boerne and Fair Oaks Ranch. Communities in this corridor fall within Northside ISD and Boerne ISD boundaries — confirm the assigned campus with the district directly, because attendance zones are redrawn as new neighborhoods come online. Drive times to Lackland AFB and Camp Bullis vary widely by community and time of day — check your specific gate and shift against a live traffic estimate.
Schertz · Cibolo · Universal City
The northeast corridor is a highly active new construction area for military families assigned to Randolph AFB, and is among the closest new construction to the Randolph gates, with a broad selection of production homes in the $280K–$500K range. Drive times depend on your gate, route, and time of day. Schertz and Cibolo have seen sustained builder activity for over a decade, producing well-established neighborhoods, most of them within Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD — confirm the assigned campus with the district, as zones shift with new construction. Sales teams here commonly work with military and VA buyers, though VA familiarity varies by builder and community.
Stone Oak · Bulverde · Spring Branch
The far north corridor stretches from Stone Oak out through Bulverde and into Comal County — one of the fastest-growing areas in the state. Bulverde and Spring Branch offer large-lot new construction at relatively accessible price points ($320K–$650K) with Hill Country character. Stone Oak and the 281 corridor deliver luxury builds from $500K to $800K+. Communities here fall within Comal ISD and Comal ISD's Canyon Lake attendance areas — verify the assigned campus with the district before you contract. Camp Bullis is the nearer installation from this corridor; Fort Sam Houston is a longer drive. Check your specific gate against a live traffic estimate before committing to a community.
Castroville · Medina County · SW San Antonio
The south and southwest corridor has San Antonio's lowest published new construction base prices — with significant builder activity in Castroville, the Medina Valley area, and southwest San Antonio communities. Price points generally run $240K–$400K, making this corridor a common entry point for first-time buyers and VA buyers maximizing their benefit. Medina Valley ISD and Southwest ISD serve most of the area — confirm the assigned campus with the district, and Lackland AFB is the closest major installation to most communities in this corridor.
Which Builders Are Active in San Antonio for 2026?
San Antonio has 15+ major builders actively delivering new homes in 2026, and the best builder for you depends on your budget, preferred corridor, design priorities, and timeline. Each builder has a different product, price point, and process. Knowing who builds what — and where — is the first step in an efficient new construction search.
DR Horton
One of San Antonio's higher-volume builders by community count — more than 20 active communities. Communities are concentrated in Schertz, Cibolo, Castroville, and SW SA. Price range roughly $220K–$450K. Express Homes sub-brand targets entry-level buyers. Quick move-in inventory frequently available.
Lennar
Major presence across all four corridors. Known for "Everything's Included" pricing model — upgrades bundled rather than a la carte. Operates Lennar Mortgage, their in-house lender. Active in Schertz, Cibolo, NW SA, and Boerne-area communities. Price range $270K–$550K.
Perry Homes
Texas-based builder with strong Hill Country presence — nearly 50 communities across the greater San Antonio area. Boerne, Fair Oaks Ranch, Bulverde, Stone Oak corridor. Higher finish levels and more design flexibility than national production builders. Price range $350K–$750K+. Strong resale track record in NW corridor communities.
KB Home
National builder with a built-to-order model that allows significant personalization at the mid-range price point. Active in NW, NE, and North corridors. Price range $250K–$450K. Design studio sessions are offered for finish selection at this price band.
David Weekley
Houston-based builder with significant SA presence in the NW corridor and Far North. Known for design studios and personalization options above what DR Horton or Lennar offer. Price range $380K–$750K. Strong in Boerne, Fair Oaks Ranch, and Bulverde communities.
Chesmar Homes
Texas-based, known for quality construction and community design in the mid-to-upper price band. Active in NW San Antonio, Boerne corridor, and Far North communities. Price range $380K–$700K. Less volume than DR Horton or Lennar — more attention at the individual community level.
Scott Felder
Texas builder with a reputation for above-average standard finishes and strong community planning. Active in Boerne, Spring Branch, and select far north communities. Price range $380K–$660K. Popular with move-up buyers and Hill Country buyers wanting more design involvement than a production builder offers.
Pulte Homes
National builder active across the NE and Far North corridors. Pulte Financial Services is their in-house lender; compare their quote against an independent VA lender before accepting a lender-tied incentive. Advertised base prices change frequently by community — ask for the current price sheet rather than relying on a published range.
Highland Homes
Texas builder with strong presence in the NW Hill Country corridor. Known for energy efficiency and design quality in the $380K–$650K range. Fewer communities than DR Horton or Lennar but strong buyer satisfaction scores in existing neighborhoods.
Meritage Homes
National builder known for industry-leading energy efficiency standards and design-forward communities. Active in NW and NE corridors with communities like Thomas Pond (from the $340s) and Arcadia Ridge. Price range $310K–$500K.
Ashton Woods
Design-forward builder active across all four San Antonio corridors with communities in NW, NE, North, and South/SW. Price range $295K–$790K. Known for architectural variety and personalization options that set their communities apart visually.
LGI Homes
Focused on the entry-level and first-time buyer market — one of the lower published price bands in the metro (LGI does not publish base prices online — ask for a current price sheet). Active in SW San Antonio, Castroville corridor, and select NE communities. Known for low barrier-to-entry pricing and included features. High VA loan usage in their communities.
Builder Disclaimer
Builder community availability, pricing, and active locations change frequently. This is a general market overview — not a real-time inventory listing. Contact Christopher for current community availability, active incentive programs, and lot selection in your target corridor and price range.
How Do San Antonio Builders Compare on Price, Corridor, and VA Compatibility?
The table below compares major builders active in San Antonio by price range, primary corridors, product type, and VA loan familiarity. VA financing may be available with these builders when the property, the builder documentation, the lender, and the borrower meet VA requirements — confirm with the builder and your VA lender for the specific community and home. The VA-Friendly rating is an editorial impression of how often a sales team handles VA transactions; it is not a builder policy or a VA designation.
| Builder | Price Range | Primary Corridors | Product Type | VA-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DR Horton | $220K–$450K | NE, South/SW, NW | High Volume · Entry to Mid | |
| Lennar | $270K–$550K | All Four Corridors | High Volume · Everything's Included | |
| Perry Homes | $350K–$750K+ | NW, North, NE | Mid to Upper · Texas-Based | |
| KB Home | $250K–$450K | NW, NE, North | Mid-Range · Built to Order | |
| Pulte Homes | $270K–$550K | NE, North | High Volume · All Price Points | |
| Meritage Homes | $310K–$500K | NW, NE | Mid-Range · Energy Efficient | |
| Ashton Woods | $295K–$790K | NW, NE, North, South/SW | Mid to Upper · Design-Forward | |
| David Weekley | $380K–$750K | NW, North | Mid to Upper · Design Studio | |
| Chesmar Homes | $380K–$700K | NW, North | Mid to Upper · Texas-Based | |
| Scott Felder | $380K–$660K | NW, NE, North | Mid to Upper · Custom-Leaning | |
| Highland Homes | $380K–$650K | NW, North | Mid to Upper · Energy Efficient | |
| M/I Homes | $300K–$550K | NW, North, NE | Mid-Range · National Builder | |
| Starlight Homes | Entry-level | NE, South/SW | Entry-Level · Ashton Woods Brand | |
| LGI Homes | Entry-level | South/SW, NE | Entry-Level · Volume Builder | |
| Beazer Homes | Entry to mid | NW, NE | Entry to Mid · National Builder |
Builder pricing, community availability, and incentive programs change frequently, and builders do not publish guaranteed construction timelines. This table reflects general 2026 market positioning compiled from builders' own published community pages — it is not a real-time price or inventory list, and it is not a rating of construction quality. Verify current base pricing, availability, and incentives directly with the builder. Contact Christopher Beal for help comparing active communities.
What Builder Incentives Are Available on New Construction in 2026?
San Antonio builders are advertising incentive packages in 2026 that commonly include closing cost credits, interest rate buydowns, design center allowances, and lot premium reductions. Amounts are not fixed and are not guaranteed: they vary by builder, lender, community, home price, inventory position, contract date, and whether the home is inventory or build-to-order, and a builder can withdraw or change an offer at any time before contract. Inventory homes nearing completion often carry larger incentives because builders face carrying costs on unsold homes.
Common incentive types in the current San Antonio market:
Closing Cost Credits
Credits toward lender fees, title fees, escrow, prepaids, and discount points. The amount offered varies by builder, community, and inventory position. For VA buyers, these credits reduce cash needed at closing since VA loans already eliminate the down payment requirement.
Rate Buydowns
Temporary 2-1 or 3-2-1 buydowns that reduce your mortgage rate in the first two to three years. Some builders also offer permanent rate buydowns on inventory homes — particularly valuable in a higher-rate environment.
Design Center Credits
Allowances toward upgrades on build-to-order homes, covering flooring, countertops, cabinetry, and appliance upgrades. Allowance size varies by builder and plan. Upper-tier builders such as David Weekley, Perry Homes, and Chesmar generally offer more extensive design studio programs.
Lot Premium Reductions
Half-off or full waiver of lot premiums, particularly on inventory homes and less desirable lot positions. Lot premiums vary widely by community and lot position, and are one of the more negotiable line items on an inventory home.
Builders prefer incentives over base price cuts because concessions close deals without resetting neighborhood comparable sales — and buyers benefit because incentives solve specific affordability problems (cash to close, monthly payment, or upgrade quality) more effectively than a marginal price reduction. Veterans may be able to use builder incentives together with VA loan benefits, TSAHC Homes for Texas Heroes assistance, and the Serve & Save closing cost credit. Review the closing costs guide for a complete breakdown. Already own a home in San Antonio? Get a home valuation to understand your equity position before purchasing new construction.
Can Military Families Buy New Construction on a PCS Timeline?
Military families on PCS orders to Joint Base San Antonio need a home ready when their report date says, not when a builder decides to finish. The key decision point is your available window: 6+ months allows a production build; under 6 months, focus on inventory homes or quick move-ins; under 90 days, treat it like a resale. Whether you're on PCS orders or transitioning out at ETS, here's how to navigate it.
Assess Your Timeline First
The moment orders drop, calculate your available window before your report date. If you have 6+ months, a production build from a major builder may be feasible. Under 6 months — focus on inventory homes (already under construction) or quick move-ins. Under 90 days — treat it like a resale purchase and look at recently completed new construction that's sitting unsold.
VA Pre-Approval Before Anything
VA pre-approval with a military-experienced lender before any builder visits. Military income — BAH, BAS, special pays — all count toward qualifying income and must be documented correctly. An inexperienced lender may not know how to handle military LES documents, which creates delays at the worst time. VA Loan Guide →
Match Corridor to Installation
Choose your corridor based on your assigned installation's gate — not general "San Antonio" proximity. A home in Boerne is ideal for Camp Bullis but adds 45 minutes to a Randolph commute. Christopher coordinates virtual tours and remote community selection for buyers who haven't arrived in San Antonio yet. Military Relocation Guide →
Build in PCS Protections
Builder contracts are not written with military buyers in mind. Negotiate PCS contingency language — provisions that protect your earnest money if orders change, are rescinded, or your report date shifts. Not all builders will accept this language, but an experienced buyer's agent knows which builders have accommodated military contingencies and how to frame the request.
Remote Monitoring + Walkthroughs
If you're purchasing remotely from your current duty station, your agent handles frame walkthroughs, pre-drywall inspections, and pre-closing punch list reviews on your behalf. Video walkthroughs, photo documentation, and written reports keep you informed without requiring you to be physically present during the build process.
Remote Closing May Be Available
Texas permits remote online notarization (RON) for many real estate documents, and some buyers are able to close without travelling to San Antonio. Availability depends on the builder, the lender, the title company, and the documents involved, and some items may still require a wet-ink signature or in-person notarization. Confirm the closing method with all three parties early rather than assuming a fully remote close.
PCS New Construction Strategy Call
One of the first calls to make after receiving JBSA orders is a 20-minute PCS strategy session with Christopher — before you visit any model homes or contact any builder sales offices. That conversation covers your timeline, installation corridor, VA position, builder options, and whether a new build or resale makes more sense for your specific situation. Call or text (210) 882-8583 or use the contact form at veteranrealestatesa.com/contact.
New Construction FAQ
The questions buyers ask most about new construction in San Antonio.
What new construction homes are for sale in San Antonio TX in 2026?
Who are the best builders for new homes in the San Antonio area?
Can I use a VA loan on a new construction home in San Antonio?
Do I need my own agent when buying new construction? Isn't the builder's rep enough?
Should I use the builder's lender or my own VA lender?
How long does new construction take in San Antonio?
What new construction communities are closest to Randolph AFB?
Can I buy new construction remotely while still at my current duty station?
What builder incentives are available on new construction in San Antonio in 2026?
What is included in a new construction home vs. what costs extra?
Can I combine builder incentives with VA loan benefits and homebuyer assistance programs?
Does the Serve & Save program apply to new construction purchases?
What should I know about VA appraisals on new construction homes?
Buying new construction? Veterans and active-duty military purchasing through Christopher Beal may also qualify for the Serve & Save Program — under which eligible military and veteran clients may receive a credit that reduces closing costs under the current written program terms. The amount and the eligibility depend on verified service, the commission available in the transaction, lender and title approval, contract terms, and applicable closing-cost limits, so no specific amount can be promised in advance. Review the current program page and your final written disclosure. Learn how the program works →
Christopher Beal
Start Your New Build Search →Related Guides & Communities
Christopher Beal founded the agency voted Best Real Estate Agency in the San Antonio Current's 2026 Best of San Antonio Readers' Choice. He is a 3× San Antonio Business Journal Top 25 Individual Agent (#13 in 2024, #14 in 2025, #20 in 2026), Real Producers Top 100 honoree, 2× RateMyAgent Agent of the Year for San Antonio and Bexar County, Five Star Real Estate Agent 2026, Army veteran, VAREP member, and founder of Veteran Real Estate San Antonio: The Beal Group — specializing in new construction homes in San Antonio, best builders in San Antonio, first-time buyer programs, VA loans, and military relocation to JBSA — including Northwest Hill Country builds in Helotes and Boerne, Northeast builder corridors in Schertz and Cibolo, luxury new construction in Fair Oaks Ranch and Stone Oak, and production builds across the South and Southwest corridors. With 325+ families served, $125M+ in career volume, 370+ verified five-star reviews, and working relationships with builders across the San Antonio market — DR Horton, Lennar, Perry Homes, KB Home, Pulte, Meritage, Ashton Woods, David Weekley, Chesmar, Scott Felder, Highland, M/I Homes, Beazer, Starlight, and LGI — Christopher negotiates builder contracts, coordinates VA appraisals, and structures incentive packages that protect military and civilian buyers alike. Read the latest market insights on the Beal Group blog.
Ready to Find Your New Build in San Antonio?
Don't walk into a model home alone. Christopher Beal is a 3× SABJ Top 25 Individual Agent (#13 · #14 · #20), 2026 Real Producers Top 100 agent, VA loan specialist, and Army veteran who follows the active builder communities in San Antonio and negotiates on your behalf. Compensation is negotiable and agreed in writing before you tour — what is not negotiable is having someone on your side of the table. Selling your current home? Request a home valuation to start the process.