Finding a brand-new home under $300,000 might sound impossible in 2025, but buyers who know where to look can still discover move-in ready options across the country. Despite elevated mortgage rates and construction costs, builders have responded aggressively—25% of all new homes sold in October 2025 were priced under $300k, up sharply from just 14% the year before.
This guide highlights specific U.S. cities and communities where new construction is currently available under $300,000, with concrete price ranges and real examples. We’re focusing on move-in ready or under-construction homes listed between $220,000 and $300,000—not fixer-uppers or manufactured-only options.
Here’s what you’ll discover: where to find homes in this price range, what you actually get for the money, and how to shop smart and move quickly in today’s competitive market. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a budget-conscious mover, this information will help you identify prospective properties consumers are actively purchasing right now.
Where to Find New Homes Under $300k in 2025
Many large coastal metros have moved well beyond the $300k threshold for most new builds. California’s median new home price is expected to hit $909,400 by late 2025, making sub-$300k options virtually nonexistent there. However, buyers can still find affordable home options in selected Sun Belt and Midwest markets where builders are actively delivering entry-level inventory.
The key is focusing on metros where new construction homes represent a significant share of available listings and where wages align with housing costs. Here are the regions offering the strongest opportunities:
Dallas–Fort Worth suburbs (Heartland, Forney, Princeton): Starting prices from the mid-$250s for single-family homes in communities with easy access to major employment centers
Houston-area towns (Alvin, Conroe, Waller, Hockley): New homes beginning in the low-$230s, with plenty of 3-4 bedroom options under $300k
Charlotte-area bedroom communities (Gastonia, Monroe): Townhomes and starter single-family homes from about $275,000–$285,000
Colorado Springs outskirts: Entry-level detached homes priced roughly $260,000–$295,000 on the city’s eastern edge
Greenville, South Carolina: Modern townhomes starting around $240,000 in a growing job market
Note that prices and availability change monthly. Always verify current pricing with builders or local MLS data, and prioritize listings updated after January 2025 when beginning your search.
Featured New Home Communities Under $300k
Let’s take a quick tour of real communities around the U.S. where base prices on select floor plans are at or below $300,000 as of 2025. Each example includes the approximate starting price, general location, and type of homes offered.
Cavastead Townhomes (Raleigh, NC): The Poplar townhome floor plan starts at $269,990 in this ideally located community near Research Triangle tech employers. Efficient modern layouts make this a popular choice for young professionals.
Tanglewood Townes (Greenville, SC): The Newton three-bedroom townhome begins at $239,990, offering modern upgrades and family-friendly design in a market balancing Southeast livability with strong job expansion.
Salerno Heritage Collection (Round Rock, TX): Plan 1360 is listed at $293,995 for a compact single-family home in the greater Austin tech corridor—a rare find in this high-demand area.
Dukes Ridge (Charlotte, NC): The Lucas Townhomes start at $284,900, featuring efficient designs and contemporary finishes amid Charlotte’s urban vitality and robust construction pipeline.
Hermitage Townhomes (Nashville, TN): A 1,209-square-foot townhome with two bedrooms and 2.5 baths is available under construction at $299,990, defying typical Nashville premiums.
Cottages at Clear Creek (Springdale, AR): The RC Keswick cottage lists at $264,500 in Northwest Arkansas, anchored by major employers like Walmart and Tyson Foods.
Taylor Creek Village (McAllen, TX): The Allamanda three-bedroom home starts at $267,990, emphasizing modern finishes in one of the most affordable warm-climate markets on the list.
Many of these communities include amenities like pools, playgrounds, walking trails, or clubhouses—even at sub-$300k price points. The quality of life in these neighborhoods often surprises buyers who assume they’ll need to sacrifice convenience for affordability.
Example: Sub-$300k New Homes Near Dallas–Fort Worth
DFW remains one of the strongest U.S. new home markets, with more than 100 active communities and strong migration inflows. A subset of those communities still offer base prices under $300k, particularly in suburban areas east and south of Dallas.
Heartland and Forney areas feature builders advertising base prices starting in the high-$200s for 3-bedroom single-family homes, making these popular searches for budget-conscious families
Typical floor plans range from about 1,400 to 2,000 square feet, often with 2–3 baths, attached 2-car garages, and open-concept living spaces with modern windows and finishes
Princeton and nearby towns offer similar pricing with slightly larger lots, though availability changes quickly as these communities sell through phases
Commute times into central Dallas run approximately 30–50 minutes depending on traffic, with access to major highways like I-20 or US-175
Starting prices in the $255,000–$285,000 range are still available, though buyers should expect competition and act quickly when they find homes matching their criteria. For those interested in exploring similar opportunities in other North Texas areas, consider reviewing Fort Worth houses for sale, top listings, and market insights.
Example: Sub-$300k New Homes Around Houston
Houston’s outlying towns and master-planned communities—such as those in Alvin, Hockley, Waller, and Conroe—feature several new home neighborhoods priced under $300k. The Texas market continues to deliver value for buyers willing to explore beyond the city center.
Alvin-area communities offer homes starting around $245,000–$260,000, with 3–4 bedroom single-family homes on modest lots plus nearby parks and shopping for everyday convenience
Northwest corridor options near Hockley feature open-concept homes beginning around the low-$230s, though larger 4-bedroom plans may edge toward $280,000–$295,000
Waller and surrounding towns provide similar pricing with a more peaceful setting, ideal for buyers prioritizing space over urban proximity
Community amenities often include resort-style pools, playgrounds, dog parks, and quick access to freeways like SH-99 and US-290
Commute times into Houston remain manageable at 45–60 minutes, making these neighborhoods viable for professionals working in the city
TX builders frequently offer closing cost incentives and rate buydowns, making the total cost of purchasing even more attractive
Example: Sub-$300k New Homes in the Carolinas and Mountain West
While central Charlotte and central Colorado Springs are increasingly expensive, buyers can still find new homes under $300k in nearby outlying communities that offer excellent value.
Gaston County (Charlotte area): Townhomes and smaller single-family homes start around $275,000–$285,000, with some builders offering move-in ready specs at competitive prices
Union County (Charlotte area): Similar pricing with slightly more rural character and access to good schools—a strong draw for families
Colorado Springs eastern edge: Entry-level detached homes or duplexes are listed around $260,000–$295,000 with 2–3 bedrooms and mountain views
Trade-offs are worth considering: Buyers in these markets may accept slightly longer commutes (20–40 minutes) in exchange for trail access, quieter suburban neighborhoods, and more space
The Charlotte market in particular benefits from a robust construction pipeline, meaning buyers have multiple communities to explore and compare.
What You Get in a New Home Under $300k
Sub-$300k new homes typically focus on efficient design and value—smaller footprints, simplified elevation styles, and more limited customization—while still offering modern interiors that many resale properties can’t match. Here’s what buyers can realistically expect:
Living space: About 1,200–2,000 square feet, usually 2–4 bedrooms and 2–3 baths, with layouts optimized for everyday life
Floor plans: Open-concept kitchen/living areas are standard, along with attached 1–2 car garages and covered patios in warmer climates
Finishes: Expect quartz or laminate counters, LVP or carpet flooring, energy-efficient windows and doors, and standard appliance packages—all deemed reliable and attractive by today’s buyers
Lot sizes: Generally modest at 0.10–0.20 acres, especially in master-planned communities, which reduces maintenance and keeps the overall price accessible
Upgrade options: Many builders keep base prices low with streamlined floor plans and pre-selected finish packages, while offering optional upgrades (extended patios, upgraded kitchens) that may push final pricing above $300k
Warranties: New construction homes typically include builder warranties covering major systems, providing security that older resale homes cannot offer
How Builders Keep New Homes Under the $300k Mark
Builders balance construction costs, land prices, and buyer expectations carefully to deliver homes below $300,000. Understanding their strategies can help you find the best opportunities and negotiate effectively.
Standardized plans and elevations: Builders use the same floor plans across dozens of lots, reducing design costs and streamlining the build process
Value-engineered materials: Standard-size windows and doors, efficient framing techniques, and pre-selected finishes all reduce expenses without compromising quality
Strategic land purchases: Building on smaller or more remote lots where land is more affordable keeps the overall price down
Early-phase pricing: Many sub-$300k homes are located in early phases of large master-planned communities, where pricing is lower than future phases once amenities and demand ramp up
Limited structural options: Some homes stay under $300k by eliminating options like 3rd garage bays or complex bump-outs, while still allowing cosmetic personalization via color packages and fixtures
Non commercial approach: Builders focused on entry-level buyers prioritize volume over profit margin per home, making affordability a core part of their business metric
Tips for Buying a New Home Under $300k in Today’s Market
Speed, preparation, and flexibility are essential when shopping for homes under 300k. These properties tend to sell quickly, especially in fast-growing suburbs where inventory can’t keep pace with demand.
Get pre-approved before visiting communities: Many builders in 2025 require proof of financing or pre-qualification to hold a lot or contract—arriving prepared gives you a chance to jump on opportunities
Widen your search radius: Look 20–40 minutes from major job centers to find more sub-$300k options in smaller towns or exurbs along major highways
Ask about quick move-in homes: Builders often have recently completed specs with price reductions that offer immediate value
Explore closing cost incentives: When using preferred lenders, builders frequently offer thousands in closing cost assistance or rate buydowns
Look for remaining spec homes from prior phases: These are sometimes priced aggressively as builders clear inventory to begin new phases
Compare total monthly costs: HOA dues, tax rates, and estimated utility bills matter—a slightly higher purchase price with lower monthly costs can sometimes be better long-term value
Check multiple listings on builder site pages: Availability changes weekly, so toggle between communities and return frequently to discover new options
Consider consumers personal priorities carefully: Making the right decision means balancing commute times, schools, and neighborhood character against price
Is a New Home Under $300k Right for You?
Sub-$300k new construction works best for first-time buyers, downsizers, and anyone prioritizing budget and predictable maintenance over sheer square footage. If you’re interested in avoiding the repair risks and disclosure uncertainties of older resale homes, a new build offers a complete package with modern features and warranty protection.
The trade-offs are real: smaller lots, potentially longer commutes, and locations in exurban areas rather than established city neighborhoods. But for many buyers, the opportunity to own a brand-new home with contemporary design, energy-efficient features, and a peaceful setting outweighs these considerations.
Before you begin touring communities, consider these steps:
Create a must-have vs. nice-to-have list: Identify your requirements for bedrooms, commute time, schools, and yard size so you can quickly decide when a sub-$300k home meets your core needs
Identify 2–3 target metros: Focus your search on markets where new construction is thriving in your price range
Check current listings and builder websites: Information changes rapidly, so finding the latest available inventory is critical
Schedule model-home tours within the next few weeks: Sub-$300k options remain widely available in 2025, but the sale pace is brisk in popular communities
The market data is clear: builders are more motivated sellers than existing homeowners right now, and they’re delivering low-priced inventory that simply doesn’t exist in the resale segment. If you’re ready to explore what’s possible, there’s no better time to take action and live in a new home that fits your budget.
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