How New Construction Is Impacting Home Sellers in San Antonio (And How to Compete)

by Tre Serrano

San Antonio's real estate market is seeing a huge surge in new construction homes, especially across booming suburbs like Alamo Ranch, Cibolo, Schertz, and New Braunfels. While new builds offer buyers shiny upgrades, incentives, and builder promotions, they’re creating a unique challenge for homeowners trying to sell existing homes in 2025.

If you're a seller in San Antonio right now, understanding how this new construction wave affects you—and how to compete—can make a huge difference in how quickly and successfully you sell.

🏗 Why New Construction Is Booming in San Antonio

Affordable land still available around the metro
Large national and local builders actively developing subdivisions
Military relocations and corporate job growth fueling demand
Incentives like rate buydowns, closing cost assistance, and appliance packages attracting buyers

With new neighborhoods popping up across Comal, Bexar, and Guadalupe counties, many buyers are drawn to brand-new homes with warranties, modern floorplans, and builder perks.

🔎 The Challenge for Existing Home Sellers

For sellers listing resale homes (even just 5-10 years old), you’re now competing directly with builder promotions, model home tours, and move-in-ready features.

Buyers walk into a brand-new home with:

Energy-efficient features
Open floorplans
Modern finishes
Builder-paid incentives

This can make even well-maintained resale homes feel outdated in comparison — unless sellers are strategic.

💡 How San Antonio Sellers Can Compete (And Win)

1️⃣ Highlight What New Builds Can’t Offer

Mature landscaping
Established communities with lower HOA dues
Larger lot sizes
Custom features and upgrades that builders charge extra for

2️⃣ Price Strategically, But Don’t Panic

You don’t need to match builder pricing—but you do need to price based on current buyer expectations.
A well-priced, move-in ready resale home can often beat new builds on overall value.

3️⃣ Invest in Targeted Updates

Minor cosmetic updates can go a long way (paint, lighting, kitchen hardware, landscaping).
Consider small refreshes that bring your home closer to “model home” condition.

4️⃣ Market Like a Pro

Professional photography, video tours, and online exposure are critical.
Work with a local real estate team who knows how to position your home against builder competition.

🔮 The Opportunity for San Antonio Sellers

While new construction presents challenges, resale homes are still in demand—especially in well-located, established neighborhoods close to:

Joint Base San Antonio (military buyers)
Downtown employment hubs
Top-rated schools in NEISD, Comal ISD, and Boerne ISD
Growing suburban towns like Bulverde, Spring Branch, and Helotes

Sellers who price properly and present their homes well are still selling quickly and capturing strong equity gains from the past several years of appreciation.

📬 Brought to you by CallTheCavalryGroup.com – Helping San Antonio sellers compete and win in a changing market.