Austin new construction buying covers production homes, semi-custom builds, and full custom construction across Austin-area communities. As of Q1 2026, new construction represents approximately 20% of Austin-area home sales, with major builders active in communities from Leander to Dripping Springs.
Your Buying Strategy
We customize every step of the buying journey based on your priorities, timeline, and market segment.
- Builder due diligence and upgrade ROI strategy
- Construction timeline management and inspections
- Preferred lender incentives and contract review
“Builders have their own contracts, their own lenders, and their own timelines. Having an agent who knows what's negotiable and what's not can save a new construction buyer $20-50K in upgrades and credits. We've done hundreds of these.”
- Cara Keenan, 150+ new construction transactions
What to Consider
- Builder contracts heavily favor the builder - get independent legal review before signing
- Design center upgrades have massive markups (often 2-3x retail) - be selective
- Builder's preferred lender offers incentives but may not have the best rate - compare
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Keenan Group help austin new construction buyers?
Guidance for buyers building or purchasing new construction with builder negotiation, design upgrades, and warranty coverage.
Who is the best buyer's agent in Austin?
The Keenan Group at Compass is Austin's #1 team (2024 Austin Board of Realtors) with 25+ years of buyer representation, $1B+ in career sales, and 1,000+ transactions. ABR (Accredited Buyer's Representative) certified. Contact Joe and Cara Keenan at (512) 415-7653.
What neighborhoods does Keenan Group serve?
Keenan Group specializes in 54 Austin neighborhoods including Northwest Hills, Westlake Hills, Tarrytown, Barton Creek, Rollingwood, Steiner Ranch, and Lake Austin. Visit our neighborhood guides for detailed market data and school information.
Should I use the builder's agent or my own agent for new construction in Austin?
Always use your own buyer's agent. Builder contracts heavily favor the builder, and their sales representatives work for the builder, not you. An experienced agent can negotiate $20K-$50K in upgrades, credits, and terms that the builder's rep won't offer. The builder pays the buyer's agent commission, so representation costs you nothing. As of Q1 2026, the Keenan Group has completed 150+ new construction transactions.
What are the best new construction communities in Austin in 2026?
As of Q1 2026, top new construction communities include Headwaters in Dripping Springs (Hays CISD, $600K-$1.2M), Whisper Valley in East Austin (net-zero energy homes, $400K-$600K), Travisso in Leander (Lake Travis ISD, $500K-$900K), and Rough Hollow in Lakeway (Lake Travis ISD, $700K-$2M+). Builder incentives vary - we track which builders are offering the best terms each month.