The Greenville-Anderson-Greer metropolitan area has been identified as the second-best metro in the nation for purchasing a newly built home, according to a report published on Monday, August 31, 2026. This ranking places the Greer area prominently among the top 100 largest U.S. metros, highlighting favorable conditions for new housing development.
The report, the second annual Top Metros for New Construction, indicates that newly built homes in the Greenville-Anderson-Greer area are priced 1.6 percent below the median cost of existing homes. This competitive pricing is a key factor in the region’s high ranking, which assesses markets based on builder-friendly conditions, ample availability, and strong demand.
Charleston-North Charleston secured the top position in the national ranking, achieving an overall score of 84.7 out of 100. In that metro, the median newly built home is priced 12.2 percent below the median existing home, with new-build listings averaging $443,273 compared to $504,832 for existing homes. Columbia, South Carolina, also made the top 10, ranking tenth with new home prices 3 percent below existing home prices.
A senior economist involved in the report noted that new construction is crucial for expanding housing supply, and that opportunities are not uniform across the country. The findings suggest that Southern metros, including those in Upstate South Carolina, are not only increasing home construction but are also fostering environments where new homes can compete on price with existing properties. Eight of the top 10 markets identified in the report are located in the South.
Officials associated with the report emphasized that local building conditions significantly influence the availability and affordability of new homes. Factors such as more permissive zoning, less restrictive building codes, and lower land costs contribute to builders’ ability to deliver new housing in the Southern region. The report underscores that when communities facilitate construction, buyers benefit from a wider range of options.
