Major Homebuilders Are Quietly Reshaping San Antonio Real Estate

San Antonio’s housing market is changing—and most buyers don’t realize how quickly. Behind the scenes, a small group of major homebuilders is gaining unprecedented control over new residential construction. This shift is quietly influencing home prices, neighborhood design, buyer options, and long-term property values across the city.

At Garza Home Team at Keller Williams City View, we closely track construction data, permit activity, and builder trends because new construction plays a critical role in where the market is headed next. The numbers tell a clear story: San Antonio real estate is becoming increasingly concentrated in the hands of a few powerful builders.

New Construction in San Antonio Is More Concentrated Than Ever

In 2025, the City of San Antonio issued approximately 3,787 residential building permits within city limits. While that number alone may not seem alarming, the distribution behind it is.

Five major builders (Lennar, KB Home, DR Horton, Perry Homes, Century Communities) accounted for more than 50% of all residential permits, while the top 25 builders controlled an astonishing 94% of total market sales. Lennar Homes alone filed roughly 1,210 permits, representing about 32% of all new construction activity in the city.

This means that while hundreds of builders technically exist, the vast majority of homes being built—and sold—are coming from a very small group.

Why Builder Consolidation Is Happening

This trend is not unique to San Antonio, but it is especially pronounced here due to rapid population growth and strong housing demand. Large, publicly traded builders have significant advantages:

• Access to large land tracts

• Ability to absorb regulatory and development costs

• Faster construction timelines through standardized designs

• Strong relationships with lenders and municipalities

As a result, major builders can scale production quickly in high-growth corridors, while smaller local builders are often limited to custom homes, infill projects, or nonprofit development.

How This Impacts San Antonio Homebuyers

For buyers, builder consolidation creates both opportunity and challenge.

Opportunities:

Large builders can deliver entry-level and move-up homes at scale, helping keep inventory flowing in a fast-growing market. Master-planned communities often include amenities, new schools, and infrastructure that appeal to families relocating to San Antonio.

Concerns:

When fewer builders control supply, competition decreases. This can lead to:

• Less pricing flexibility

• Fewer floor plan and design options

• Builder-friendly contract terms

Buyers who understand this dynamic—and work with experienced local representation—are better positioned to negotiate incentives, upgrades, and long-term value.

What This Means for San Antonio Homeowners

Homeowners should also pay close attention to builder consolidation. When new construction is dominated by a handful of companies, neighborhoods tend to develop with consistent pricing and predictable supply levels.

This can benefit homeowners by:

• Supporting stable appreciation

• Reducing extreme price volatility

• Increasing demand for resale homes in established neighborhoods

As large builders focus on outer growth areas, resale homes closer to job centers, medical hubs, and urban amenities often become even more desirable.

Long-Term Benefits for San Antonio Real Estate

San Antonio remains one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in Texas, with the broader San Antonio–New Braunfels region exceeding 18,000 housing starts annually. Builder consolidation, while complex, contributes to the city’s ability to meet housing demand without severe supply shortages.

For San Antonio real estate overall, this results in:

• Continued market stability

• Strong buyer demand across price points

• Infrastructure and neighborhood expansion

• Long-term confidence for investors and homeowners

The key is understanding where consolidation helps—and where strategic guidance is essential.

Why Local Expertise Matters More Than Ever

In a market increasingly shaped by major builders, buyers and sellers need more than surface-level data. They need neighborhood-level insight, builder-specific knowledge, and a clear understanding of how today’s construction trends affect tomorrow’s property values.

At Garza Home Team at Keller Williams City View, we help clients navigate both new construction and resale opportunities with transparency and strategy—so decisions are based on long-term benefit, not just what’s being built the fastest.

The Bottom Line for San Antonio

Major builders are reshaping San Antonio’s housing landscape. This consolidation is influencing affordability, design, inventory, and equity growth across the city. For buyers, homeowners, and investors alike, understanding who controls new construction is no longer optional—it’s essential.

San Antonio’s growth remains strong. Those who understand how the market is evolving will be best positioned to benefit from it.