Building in South Austin · Free New Construction Guide

Buying new construction in South Austin? Read this first.

From your first model-home visit to your eleven-month warranty walk — builder contracts, what a new build really costs, and the tax districts most buyers miss, from 78744's new-build frontier to the rest of South Austin. Grab the free New Construction Guide.

Instant PDF No spam, ever Local South Austin agent (78748)
Free PDF The Complete New Construction Guide by Holley Homes Realty — cover
What's inside

Everything you need to buy new construction in South Austin with confidence

01

Why New Construction

The real appeal of building — and the whole picture most buyers only half-see.

02

The Builder Isn't Your Agent

Who actually represents you, and why registering me before your first visit matters.

03

Touring the Smart Way

What to ask before you sign — and why the model home isn't the house you're buying.

04

Builder, Lot & Plan

Production vs. custom, how to vet a builder, lot premiums, and spec vs. build-to-order.

05

The Contract & the Money

Builder contracts, incentives, the design center, and what a new build really costs.

06

Watching It Get Built

The real timeline, slab to systems to handoff, and how to stay involved.

07

Inspections

Why a brand-new home still needs its own inspection — and what inspectors find.

08

Walkthrough, Closing & Warranty

The final walkthrough, closing on a new build, and your warranty decoded — plus four printable checklists.

What buying new construction in South Austin looks like

South Austin's new builds sit right next to established neighborhoods

  • 78744 is the new-construction frontier — where much of South Austin's fresh building is happening.
  • New builds sit among older, established streets, so lot, layout, and what's being built nearby all matter more here.
  • MUD, PID, and HOA districts show up on many new builds — and your tax bill can jump in year two if you don't see it coming.
  • The builder's rep works for the builder; registering me on your first visit keeps someone working only for you.
  • The Guide covers the process; I cover South Austin block by block — together that's the full picture before you sign.
One thing to keep with you
"Fall in love with the floor plan. Stay skeptical of the finishes."
— From The Complete New Construction Guide
175+
Closed deals
10 yrs
Serving Central Texas
78748
Where I live & work
Free
No-obligation guide
What clients say

People who trusted the process

★★★★★

"As first-time homebuyers deciding on a new build, we're so fortunate to have had Brandon. He always knew what to ask the builder — even when we had no idea what to ask — checked in regularly, and handled all the details so we felt supported the whole way. Can't recommend him highly enough!"

M
Megan McLane
New-build buyer · Google review
★★★★★

"Brandon helped us buy a home and we had an amazing experience with Holley Homes Realty! He navigated us through the entire process, and we felt lucky to have him on our side while dealing with our builder."

H
Hannah Guillen
New-construction buyer · Google review
★★★★★

"From the moment we spotted the 'For Sale' sign on our dream property to closing day, Brandon was incredible. He tackled every challenge with solutions, made sure we understood each step, and always kept things moving. Everyone was aligned to make the deal happen — and they delivered. Highly recommend!"

B
Blake Stowe
Google review
Brandon Holley, Broker/Owner, Holley Homes Realty
Your local South Austin new-construction expert

Meet Brandon Holley

Broker / Owner · Holley Homes Realty

South Austin is close to my heart — it's where I live, in 78748, and a market I know block by block. Over the past 10 years and 175+ closed deals across Central Texas, I've watched this side of town add new-construction communities right alongside its established, tree-lined neighborhoods.

This guide is everything I'd tell you if you were sitting across from me, deciding whether to buy new construction in South Austin — and how to read the contract behind the model.

"My job is to make this feel clear, not complicated. No pressure, just good information so you can decide what's right for you."
Common questions

New construction in South Austin: quick answers

Do I need my own agent to buy new construction?+
Yes — and it's the single most important thing to get right. The builder's sales rep works for the builder, not for you. If you register me on your very first visit, it keeps your representation and costs you nothing — the builder pays agent compensation out of a budget that exists whether you bring someone or not. Walk in alone and you may lose that option.
What does a new build actually cost in South Austin?+
More than the base price on the sign. Between design-center upgrades, lot premiums, and any MUD/PID/HOA district costs, the real number can climb fast. The guide breaks down what a new build actually costs so you're comparing real totals, not sticker prices.
What are builder incentives, and can I negotiate?+
Builders protect the base price to defend the value of every home behind yours, so they'd rather give you incentives — rate buydowns, closing costs, design-center dollars — than a discount. The guide explains how incentives really work and what each one actually requires of you, so we can negotiate from the right side.
Does a brand-new home really need an inspection?+
Yes. New doesn't mean flawless — the guide covers why a new build still needs its own independent inspections (not just the city's) and what inspectors actually find. It's one of the easiest ways to protect a very large purchase.
Where is the new construction in South Austin?+
A lot of it is concentrated in 78744, with pockets across the other South Austin ZIPs. Each sits differently against the established neighborhoods around it — the guide helps you compare, and I'll walk the actual lots with you.
Is this guide really free?+
Yes — completely free and no obligation. Enter your name and email and the PDF is sent to you right away. It's simply the best way I know to be helpful before you ever decide whether to work with me.

NEXT STEP

Looking at a new build in South Austin?

Most of the new construction here is in a couple of ZIPs. Tell me which community and I'll give you a straight read.

A real reply from me, usually the same day

Ask how a new build compares to an older home two streets over

Find out what the lot premium is actually buying you

It costs you nothing to have me represent you, and the builder expects it