Denton County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States, and the new construction market along the Northlake corridor is the primary engine driving that growth. In summer 2026, the landscape is evolving rapidly: a major new community has received city approval, an established community has released rare estate-sized lots, and the largest master-planned development in the county's history is delivering its first homes. For buyers evaluating new construction in North Texas, understanding these shifts is essential to making a well-timed, well-informed decision.
As the Broker of Covenant Heritage Realty, with offices in Northlake, I track every phase release, builder incentive, and development approval across Denton County. Here's a comprehensive look at the new construction growth happening right now, and what it means for your buying strategy.
Landmark by Hillwood: Phase 1 Move-Ins Have Begun
The single biggest new construction story in Denton County in 2026 is Landmark by Hillwood. This 3,200-acre, $10 billion master-planned community at I-35W and Robson Ranch Road is the largest development in the county's history, and Phase 1 is no longer theoretical, model homes opened in spring 2026 and the first families are moving in this summer.
Phase 1 includes 747 single-family lots with nine builders competing for early sales. Pricing starts in the high $300,000s, which represents some of the most competitive new construction pricing in the immediate I-35W corridor. The builders include a mix of national and regional names, giving buyers a range of floor plans, construction styles, and price points within a single community.
Landmark Phase 1 at a Glance
At full buildout over a projected 40-year timeline, Landmark will include approximately 6,000 single-family homes, 3,000 multifamily units, and roughly 900 acres of commercial and retail space. An H-E-B grocery store has been announced as a future retail anchor, which is a significant signal of the developer's confidence in the area's long-term growth trajectory.
What this means for buyers: If you're evaluating new construction in the I-35W corridor, Landmark's Phase 1 pricing represents an early-mover opportunity. Communities in their first phase typically offer the most competitive base pricing, the widest lot selection, and the strongest builder incentive packages. As subsequent phases release, base prices historically increase. That said, Phase 1 buyers should expect the normal growing pains of a new community, limited existing amenities, ongoing construction activity, and a neighborhood still taking shape.
Forestar's 281-Acre Community: A New Player Near Northlake
In March 2026, Forestar, a subsidiary of D.R. Horton, received city approval for a 281-acre master-planned community on the east side of FM 156, south of Downe Road, near Northlake. The plans call for up to 843 single-family homes on lots at least 30 feet wide, with approximately 158 acres designated for open space and floodplain preservation.
This development is still in its earliest stages, no builders have been announced, no model homes are open, and construction timelines haven't been published. But the approval itself is significant for three reasons:
1. It signals continued national-builder confidence in Northlake
When a D.R. Horton subsidiary invests in 281 acres near your community, it's a data point that supports long-term value. National builders conduct extensive market analysis before committing to land purchases, and Forestar's investment confirms that the demand projections for this corridor remain strong.
2. It expands the buyer's options within the Northlake area
When this community eventually opens, it will give buyers another set of builders, floor plans, and price points to evaluate within the Northlake ecosystem. More competition among builders typically benefits buyers through better pricing, more incentive options, and greater floor plan variety.
3. It reinforces the corridor's growth trajectory
Between Landmark, Pecan Square, Harvest, Canyon Falls, and now Forestar's planned community, the concentration of new construction investment along the I-35W and FM 407 corridors is creating a self-reinforcing cycle. More rooftops attract more retail, which attracts more services, which attracts more buyers. Communities positioned within this cycle tend to maintain stronger long-term property values.
What buyers should know: This community won't impact your immediate buying options. But it's a strong signal that the Northlake corridor's growth story is far from over. If you're purchasing in an existing community like Pecan Square, Harvest, or Canyon Falls, this kind of adjacent development strengthens the case for long-term value appreciation.
Pecan Square: Estate Lots and Mid-Phase Activity
Pecan Square, the Hillwood-developed community that put Northlake on the map, remains one of the most active new construction communities in Denton County. The community is in its mid-phase buildout with an eventual total of approximately 3,100 homes, and the current activity offers opportunities across multiple price points.
Pecan Square Current Builder Activity
One notable development: Pecan Square released rare half-acre estate homesites in 2025, with pricing from the high $800,000s to over $1,000,000. In a master-planned community this close to the metroplex, half-acre lots are uncommon. For buyers who want the space and privacy of a larger homesite with the amenities and social infrastructure of a planned community, this is one of the few opportunities in Denton County.
Standard homesite pricing in Pecan Square ranges from the low $400,000s to well over $1 million, with most single-family homes closing in the $500,000 to $800,000 range. Five active builders create meaningful incentive leverage, buyers who evaluate builders side by side within the same community consistently achieve better outcomes than those who sign with the first builder they visit.
Canyon Falls: New Sections Pre-Selling
Canyon Falls, the 1,242-acre master-planned community spanning Argyle, Flower Mound, and Northlake, is seeing activity in new sections as of summer 2026. Multiple builders are pre-selling in fresh phases, offering buyers the chance to select homesites in sections that haven't been available before.
Active builders include Ashton Woods, Coventry Homes, Drees Custom Homes, Belclaire Homes, American Legend Homes, Chesmar Homes, and Windmiller Homes, with pricing in the upper $500,000s to $800,000s across most offerings. Homes in Canyon Falls range from approximately 2,700 to over 5,000 square feet, and the community's location straddling three towns gives buyers access to multiple school districts and lifestyle contexts.
What's strategically important: Canyon Falls is a mature community, meaning the infrastructure, roads, and common areas are well-established. New sections in an established community offer a rare combination: you get the certainty of a proven neighborhood with the freshness of a new-build home. For buyers who want new construction without the uncertainty of an unproven community, Canyon Falls' new sections are worth serious evaluation.
Harvest: Nearing Buildout with New Retail
Harvest, the 1,200-acre Hillwood community spanning Argyle and Northlake, is approaching buildout but remains active with available new construction and quick move-in homes. The community has grown to serve over 4,000 planned homes, with builders including CB JENI Homes, D.R. Horton, Bloomfield Homes, Highland Homes, Toll Brothers, Drees Homes, and Taylor Morrison.
Pricing ranges from the $350,000s for townhomes by CB JENI to over $1.3 million for estate homes, making Harvest one of the most price-diverse master-planned communities in the corridor. This diversity is a strategic advantage for buyers who want the Harvest lifestyle but need flexibility in their budget.
The most significant recent development at Harvest is the opening of Harvest Town Center. Tom Thumb, a 63,000-square-foot grocery store, opened in March 2026, marking the first full-service grocery option in the immediate Harvest/Pecan Square corridor. Chick-fil-A, McDonald's, and Chase Bank are open. Chuy's Tex-Mex is under construction with an expected opening in late summer 2026.
Why this matters for new construction buyers: The arrival of retail infrastructure is one of the strongest indicators of long-term community stability. When commercial operators commit to a location, they're making a bet on sustained population growth and purchasing power. For homeowners, that translates to convenience from day one and support for property values over time.
The Builder Incentive Landscape: Summer 2026
Across Denton County's new construction communities, builder incentives in summer 2026 are among the most competitive they've been in recent years. Builders are responding to stabilizing inventory levels and competitive market conditions by offering meaningful packages to attract qualified buyers. Here's what the landscape looks like:
Rate Buydowns
Many builders are offering temporary 2-1 buydowns, reducing the interest rate by 2% in year one and 1% in year two, or permanent buydowns through discount points. Some builders are advertising rates in the low 5% range compared to prevailing resale mortgage rates above 6%. On a $600,000 home, that difference can mean $300 to $500 per month in savings during the buydown period.
Closing Cost Credits
Closing cost contributions typically range from $5,000 to $15,000, with some builders offering up to $10,000 or more toward buyer closing costs. These credits are especially valuable for buyers who want to preserve cash for design center upgrades or moving expenses.
Total Incentive Packages
When combining rate buydowns, closing cost credits, and design center incentives, some builders are offering total packages valued at $10,000 to $35,000, with select situations reaching higher. The key is evaluating the net value of the incentive package, not the headline number. A $20,000 design center credit on a home that's priced $15,000 above market value is not a real incentive, it's a pricing adjustment disguised as a gift.
What I tell my clients: Builder incentives are valuable, but they should never be the primary reason you choose a community or a builder. Start with location, schools, commute, floor plan, and long-term value. Then, once you've narrowed your options, use the incentive packages as a tiebreaker. The best incentive is a home you love at a price that makes strategic sense for your financial future.
Quick Move-In Homes: When Speed Matters
For relocating families on compressed timelines, quick move-in homes, completed or near-completed inventory homes available for closing within 30 to 60 days, are an important part of the new construction landscape. Several builders across Pecan Square, Harvest, and Canyon Falls maintain standing inventory or homes nearing completion.
Quick move-in homes offer significant advantages for relocating families:
- Compressed timeline — no 6-to-12-month wait for construction, critical for families coordinating a PCS move or job start date
- What you see is what you get — the home is built or nearly built, eliminating the uncertainty of floor plan visualization and design center decisions
- Potential incentive advantages — builders often offer additional incentives on standing inventory to free up capital for new contracts
The trade-off is limited customization. You're choosing from available inventory rather than selecting your lot, floor plan, and finishes from scratch. For buyers with flexibility on layout and design, quick move-in homes can represent strong value. For buyers with specific requirements, ground-up construction offers more control.
The Northlake Tax Advantage: Why It Matters More Than Ever
All of this new construction growth is happening in a town with one of the most compelling financial advantages in North Texas. Northlake maintains a property tax rate of $0.295 per $100 of assessed valuation, which town officials have noted as the lowest tax rate among home-rule municipalities in North Texas.
To put that in perspective for new construction buyers, here's how the tax rate translates to annual savings at different price points:
Estimated Annual Tax Savings at Northlake's Rate vs. $0.50/$100
Over a 30-year mortgage, the cumulative savings on a $600,000 home can exceed $36,000. That's real money that directly impacts your family's long-term financial position. When comparing communities across Denton County, the tax rate should be part of every cost-of-ownership analysis, not an afterthought.
How to Approach the Summer 2026 Market Strategically
With Landmark delivering its first homes, Forestar breaking new ground, Pecan Square releasing estate lots, Canyon Falls opening new sections, and Harvest filling in its final inventory, summer 2026 offers one of the widest selections of new construction options Denton County has seen in years. More options, however, also means more complexity. Here's how I recommend approaching the market:
1. Define your non-negotiables before you tour
School district, commute time, budget ceiling, and timeline are the four filters that should narrow your options before you visit a single model home. Without these, the sheer number of builders and communities becomes overwhelming. With them, you can eliminate 70% of options in an afternoon.
2. Compare total cost of ownership, not just base price
Two homes with identical base prices can have dramatically different monthly costs when you factor in property taxes, HOA dues, MUD or PID assessments, and insurance. Northlake's low tax rate is a meaningful advantage, but it's one piece of the full financial picture. I provide a complete cost analysis for every home my clients consider.
3. Don't skip the builder contract review
Builder purchase agreements are drafted by the builder's attorneys and are not Texas TREC contracts. They contain specific provisions regarding construction timelines, change order processes, warranty limitations, and dispute resolution that differ significantly from resale transactions. Having a Broker review your builder contract before you sign is one of the most important steps in protecting your investment.
4. Schedule pre-drywall and pre-closing inspections
Builder warranties are valuable, but they don't replace independent oversight. A pre-drywall inspection catches structural and systems issues before walls close. A pre-closing inspection identifies finish and systems issues before you take ownership. Both are essential steps in protecting your investment, and as a Broker, I attend every inspection with my clients.
5. Think about resale from day one
Every new construction decision you make, lot selection, floor plan, orientation, upgrade choices, affects not just your enjoyment of the home but its future resale performance. Homes on premium lots, with popular floor plans, and in communities with strong amenity packages consistently outperform. I help my clients evaluate these factors before they commit.
The Bottom Line
Denton County's new construction market in summer 2026 is more dynamic than it's been in years. Landmark is delivering homes, Forestar is planning a major new community, Pecan Square is expanding with estate lots, and Canyon Falls is opening fresh sections. Builder incentives are competitive, quick move-in options exist for families on tight timelines, and Northlake's tax advantage makes the financial case stronger than ever.
But more options also means more decisions, and the buyers who make the best choices are the ones who approach the market with a clear strategy, a complete understanding of total cost, and a Broker who can guide them through the complexities of new construction contracts, inspections, and negotiations.
Whether you're evaluating your first model home visit or deciding between three communities you've already toured, I'll help you cut through the noise and make a decision that protects your equity and supports your family's next chapter.
Ready to explore your new construction options? Schedule a consultation.
Theresa De La Rosa
Broker · New Construction Specialist
Covenant Heritage Realty, LLC
Theresa is the Broker of Covenant Heritage Realty, serving sellers, buyers, and military families throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and Central Florida. With 18+ years of experience and deep expertise in Northlake and Denton County communities, she provides strategic, data-driven real estate guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is now a good time to buy new construction in Denton County?
Summer 2026 offers a favorable environment for new construction buyers. Builder incentives are competitive, with rate buydowns and closing cost credits available across most major communities. The wider selection of communities and builders means more options to evaluate, and Northlake's low property tax rate of $0.295 per $100 of assessed valuation provides a long-term financial advantage. Whether it's the right time for you depends on your personal timeline, budget, and readiness to make a decision, which is exactly what I help clients evaluate.
How does Landmark compare to Pecan Square?
Both are Hillwood-developed communities in the Northlake corridor, but they serve different stages. Pecan Square is an established community with mature amenities, a proven social calendar, and five active builders. Landmark is brand new, with Phase 1 move-ins just beginning and aggressive early-phase pricing starting in the high $300,000s. Pecan Square offers certainty; Landmark offers early-mover pricing. The right choice depends on your risk tolerance, timeline, and whether you value established infrastructure or the opportunity to be part of a community from the ground up.
Can I use a VA loan on new construction in North Texas?
Yes, VA loans can be used for new construction purchases in Texas. However, the process involves additional considerations, including VA appraisal requirements for new construction, builder eligibility for VA financing, and potential timeline differences compared to conventional financing. As the wife of a U.S. Marine veteran, I have specific experience guiding military families through VA new construction purchases and can help navigate the unique requirements.
What does a new construction home typically cost in Denton County right now?
Base pricing across Denton County's major communities starts in the high $300,000s at Landmark Phase 1 and ranges up to over $1 million for estate homes at Pecan Square and Creek Meadows West. Most single-family homes in established communities like Pecan Square, Harvest, and Canyon Falls close in the $500,000 to $800,000 range. Final pricing depends on lot selection, floor plan, structural options, and design center selections. I provide complete cost analyses so there are no surprises.
How long does it take to build a new construction home in North Texas?
Typical construction timelines from contract signing to closing range from 6 to 12 months, depending on the builder, community, and complexity of the floor plan. Quick move-in homes, completed or near-complete inventory homes, can close in 30 to 60 days. For relocating families on compressed timelines, quick move-in inventory is often the most practical path, and I maintain current awareness of available inventory across all active communities in the corridor.