The Dallas area has emerged as the leader in new residential construction activity across the United States, according to a recent analysis by ConsumerAffairs. This marks a significant shift as Dallas overtakes Houston, which previously held the top spot.
During the first two months of 2026, Dallas recorded 11,327 new residential building permits, the second-highest in the country, and 3,009 new-construction home sales, also ranking second nationally. These figures propelled Dallas to the No. 1 position in the ConsumerAffairs ranking, up from second place in 2025.
The report, which analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey and Zillow sales data, highlighted a surge in new-construction sales as a key factor in Dallas’s rise. Additionally, a change in the Dallas residential code in 2025, allowing buildings with up to eight dwelling units to be constructed under residential-based codes, has been cited as a contributing factor. This change reduced the complexity and cost associated with developing smaller-scale residential projects.
Texas Metros Dominate Rankings
Texas cities featured prominently in the top 10 of the ConsumerAffairs rankings, with Houston, Austin, and San Antonio joining Dallas. Houston, which now ranks second, issued 9,239 new building permits and recorded the highest number of new-construction home sales in the country at 3,535 during the same period.
Austin and San Antonio also made the list, ranking seventh and tenth respectively, showcasing the strength of Texas’s housing market.
Market Trends in Dallas-Fort Worth
The broader Dallas-Fort Worth area has shown increased activity in the new-home market this spring. According to the latest HomesUSA.com New Home Sales Report, new home sales in the region rose to 1,947 in April, up from 1,724 in March. Pending sales also saw an increase, indicating a positive trend in buyer activity.
However, the Dallas-Fort Worth area still faces challenges with higher inventory and longer selling times. In April, new homes in the region spent an average of 148.80 days on the market, slightly down from 149.48 days in March, but still the longest among major Texas markets.
Despite these challenges, Texas remains a powerhouse in residential construction. The state led the nation in single-family building permits during the first quarter of 2026, with 35,231 permits issued, although this was an 8.3% decrease from the same period in 2025. Dallas-Fort Worth ranked second nationally for single-family markets with 9,503 permits, despite a 14% decline from the previous year. The metro also saw a significant increase in multifamily permits, up 65% year over year, ranking third nationally.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
