Public home builders are extremely influential across the country, building thousands of homes each year and expanding into many of the nation's largest housing markets. But local and regional builders are still playing a key role in the industry too.
In fact, in many major metro areas, privately owned builders give homebuyers more choices when it comes to floor plans, neighborhoods, and personalized homebuying experiences.
Large builders benefit from significant resources, including access to capital, established supply chains, and the ability to build at scale. Those advantages have helped them capture a larger share of new-home sales over the past two decades.
Even so, local private builders remain competitive in several major markets. In some areas, privately owned builders account for a substantial share of new-home closings, demonstrating that buyers continue to value the unique offerings these companies provide. For homebuyers, that competition can be a good thing. More builder options often mean a wider variety of home styles, community features, and price points.
Markets Where Private Builders Stand Out
The presence of private builders varies considerably from city to city.
“Where you shop for a new home can have a big impact on the types of builders you'll encounter,” says Ali Wolf, chief economist at NewHomeSource. “Some markets are heavily influenced by local and regional builders that have deep roots in their communities, while others are dominated by large national builders.”
Boise, for example, stands out as one of the strongest markets for private builders, with the majority of new-home activity coming from independently owned companies. Other markets, including Provo and several fast-growing Sunbelt communities, also show strong private builder participation.
By contrast, larger production hubs such as Las Vegas, Dallas, and Phoenix tend to be dominated by public builders, whose scale and resources help them compete in high-volume markets.
Differences by Builder Type
Whether you're considering a home from a national builder or a local company, understanding the market can help you make a more informed decision.
Private builders may offer advantages such as:
Greater flexibility with home designs and finishes
Strong knowledge of local neighborhoods and market conditions
More personalized customer service throughout the building process
Public builders may offer:
Larger selections of communities
Streamlined buying processes
Access to buyer incentives and financing programs
Consistent home designs across multiple markets
Neither option is inherently better. The right choice depends on your priorities, budget, timeline, and desired location.
More Choices Can Mean More Opportunities
As housing markets continue to evolve, the balance between national and local builders remains an important trend to watch. While large builders account for a significant portion of new-home sales nationwide, many privately owned builders continue to compete successfully, particularly in select high-growth markets.
For buyers, that means one thing: choice.
Whether you're relocating, purchasing your first home, or searching for your next community, exploring both national and local builders can help you uncover opportunities you might otherwise miss. Taking the time to compare builders, tour communities, and understand what's available in your market can lead to a better homebuying experience and potentially the perfect place to call home.
