🧱Who’s Building New Construction Homes in Hampton Roads? Top 10 Builders by Homes Built🏡
Who's building new construction homes in Hampton Roads?
The new construction landscape in Hampton Roads has transformed dramatically over the past 25 years. What was once a region dominated by local builders now features a strong mix of national and regional powerhouses reshaping how—and where—we build.
🛠️ Today, major national builders like Ryan Homes, DR Horton, and Lennar have firmly planted roots across Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Suffolk, and beyond. These companies lead the charge in large-scale community development, streamlined home sales, and buyer incentives that appeal to a wide range of budgets and lifestyles
🏡 But they’re not alone. Hampton Roads is also home to standout regional and custom builders like:
- Napolitano Homes – Known for family-friendly communities and smooth building processes
- Chesapeake Homes, Dragas Homes, and HHHunt Homes – Offering diverse floor plans and locations across the region
🏡 Why 2025 Is a Buyer-Friendly Year
Inventory Surge: Nearly 1,000 more new homes on the market vs. last year
Incentives Are Back: Builders are offering closing cost help, rate buydowns, and upgrades
Narrowed Price Gap: New construction costs only ~$90K more than resale, down from $100K
🏗️ Top 10 New Construction Builders in Hampton Roads (2024 Data)
| Ranking | Builder | # Homes Sold | Avg. $ Home | # Communities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ryan Homes / NVR (#4 nationally) | 718 | $407,091 | 27 |
| 2 | Dragas Companies | 164 | $392,621 | 6 |
| 3 | Chesapeake Homes | 162 | $713,935 | 7 |
| 4 | Napolitano Homes | 101 | $471,421 | 5 |
| 5 | D.R. Horton (#1 nationally) | 95 | $504,009 | 13 |
| 6 | HHHunt Homes (#100 nationally) | 60 | $465,731 | 4 |
| 7 | Franciscus Homes | 60 | $320,577 | 2 |
| 8 | Wetherington Homes | 58 | $447,827 | 17 |
| 9 | Corinth Residential | 55 | $553,360 | 2 |
| 10 | Lennar (#2 nationally) | 50 | $449,367 | 2 |
Builder Highlights & Active Communities
-
Ryan Homes / NVR (#4 nationally): Ryan homes is the single largest builder in Hampton Roads selling 718 homes last year in 27 communities. It has 27% market share but that share dropped significantly from 49% last year.
🔗 Ryan Homes Hampton Roads communities -
Dragas Companies: A long-standing local builder recognized for strong attention to detail and community integration. Several neighborhoods currently open.
🔗 Dragas Companies communities -
Chesapeake Homes: Specializes in upscale homes with premium finishes. Currently offering new builds in luxury subdivisions.
🔗 Chesapeake Homes communities -
Napolitano Homes: Offers mid-range, quality-built homes. Currently active in a handful of townhome and single-family communities. Recently acquired by Eastwood Homes ranked #58 nationally.
🔗 Napolitano Homes communities -
D.R. Horton (#1 nationally): America's largest homebuilder, offering a range of floor plans from entry-level to luxury. Multiple new communities now open in the region.
🔗 D.R. Horton Hampton Roads communities -
HHHunt Hampton Roads (#100 nationally): Known in Mid-Atlantic for award-winning customer experience and quality. Building in Suffolk and Chesapeake.
🔗 HHHunt Homes Hampton Roads communities -
Franciscus Homes: Boutique local builder offering personalized service with limited, focused communities.
🔗 Franciscus Homes communities -
Wetherington Homes: Builds semi-custom, energy-efficient homes with flexible floor plans. Currently active in various neighborhood developments.
🔗 Wetherington Homes communities -
Corinth Residential: Known for high-end, custom-style homes. Present in luxury enclaves with select inventory available.
🔗 Corinth Residential communities -
Lennar (#2 nationally): A major national player focused on active-adult and family-friendly communities. Now selling in Williamsburg and Virginia Beach.
🔗 Lennar Hampton Roads communities
🎁 Builder Incentives in 2025
Examples of Common Incentives Offered to Buyers:
| Incentive Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Closing Cost Assistance | Builders covering 2–6% of costs |
| Rate Buydowns | Temporary interest rate reductions |
| Upgrade Credits | Reduced costs for appliances, flooring, or finishes |
| HOA Fee Waivers | HOA fees covered for a certain period of time |
🤝 Why You Need a Buyer's Agent in New Construction
The builder’s agent works for the builder—your buyer’s agent works for you. Don't shop for new construction without professional representation.
| Benefit | Why It Matters |
| Contract Protection | Negotiate fair terms and spot builder-friendly clauses |
| Maximize Incentives | Get extras that aren’t advertised |
| Manage Construction | Align home sale and new build timelines |
| Ensure Quality | Recommend inspectors at key stages |
| Clarify Costs | Avoid surprise fees and expenses |
Note: Cost to You? Usually 0 or very littler as many builders often pay your agent’s commission.
🔎 Shop by City: New Construction Listings
🏡 New Construction FAQ: What Buyers Are Asking in 2025
1. “Is it true that national builders are dominating Hampton Roads now?” Yes—builders like Ryan Homes, DR Horton, and Lennar have taken the lead in large-scale developments across Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Suffolk. But don’t count out regional stars like Napolitano, Dragas, and Chesapeake Homes—they’re still delivering quality and community-focused builds.
2. “What kind of incentives are builders offering this year?” 2025 is a buyer’s market for new construction. Builders are offering closing cost help, temporary rate buydowns, upgrade credits, and even HOA fee waivers. Lennar, for example, is rolling out incentives not seen since the Great Financial Crisis.
3. “How much more does new construction cost compared to resale?” The price gap has narrowed! On average, new construction costs about $90K more than resale homes—down from $100K last year. With incentives and lower maintenance, many buyers find the value worth it.
4. “Do I really need a buyer’s agent if I’m buying new?” Absolutely. The builder’s agent works for the builder—your buyer’s agent works for you. From negotiating incentives to spotting hidden fees and managing timelines, having your own representation is key. And in most cases, it costs you nothing because the builder pays your agent’s commission.
5. “Which builders are most active in my city?” It depends! Ryan Homes leads overall with 27 communities, but builders like Chesapeake Homes and Napolitano are strong in specific cities. Check the Hampton Roads Real Estate Ramblings blog’s “Shop by City” section (https://www.hamptonroadsrealestateramblings.com/2025/06/whos-building-what-top-new-construction.html) to explore active listings in Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach.
📅 Ready to Build Your Dream Home?
2025 is shaping up to be an incredible year to buy new construction in Hampton Roads—but the right representation makes all the difference.
We'll talk goals, neighborhoods, budgets, and builder options—so you can move forward with confidence and clarity.
🏗️ Exploring New Construction in Hampton Roads?
From national giants like Ryan Homes and Lennar to local standouts like Napolitano and Dragas, 2025 is packed with builder incentives and fresh inventory. I’ll help you compare communities, decode builder perks, and find the right fit for your goals. 🏘️
📅 Schedule Your New Home Build Strategy CallThanks for Reading,
Liz Schuyler is a top Virginia Beach REALTOR® with RE/MAX Allegiance, licensed since 2001 and trusted across Hampton Roads. With 350+ homes sold, she helps clients Sell, Move, and Invest with confidence and strategy.
🏡 Think You Can’t Afford to Buy a Home? Think Again.
Many buyers think they need $20,000 saved up to buy—but that’s simply not true. Down payment assistance programs are available right here in our area, and some offer up to $40,000 in support for eligible buyers 💰
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or returning to the market, programs exist to help you bridge the gap to homeownership. Many opportunities are often first come, first served, so timing is everything ⏳.
✅ No 20% down required
✅ Programs for 1st time & repeat buyers
✅ Real help is just a click away
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