Southeast Texas sees boom in new home construction as industry ranks 2nd fastest-growing

Local News Southeast Texas sees boom in new home construction as industry ranks 2nd fastest-growing Residential construction is booming in Southeast Texas, driven by new industrial jobs and younger buyers. Despite high demand, developers face labor shortages. To stream 12NewsNow on your phone, you need the 12NewsNow app. Download the 12NewsNow app More Videos Next up in 5 Example video title will go here for this video Next up in 5 Example video title will go here for this video BEAUMONT, Texas — New homes are popping up across Southeast Texas, as residential construction becomes one of the region’s fastest-growing industries, according to recent Texas labor market data. Local developers and realtors say the growth is fueled by new industrial plants bringing jobs, and new buyers, to the area. Jennifer Garcia, a realtor with Advantage Real Estate, said new construction is gaining momentum after several years dominated by home flips. “Looking at the data in the MLS, I think 2023 to 2024 we didn't have as many new builds,” Garcia said. “There was a lot more flip houses going on. And then looking back at 2026 we're starting to see a lot more new builds.” Garcia said the price gap between new and existing homes is also encouraging buyers to choose new construction. “Your median sales price on a new build is $355K, whereas your median price for a not new build is $335K so for $20,000 more, if you could have a brand new house, I think that gives people incentive to go with the ne...