Just 4.9% of St. Louis Home Sales Are New Construction: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

Just 4.9% of all homes sold in the St. Louis metropolitan area between October 2025 and September 2026 were newly built properties, according to data provided by MORE, REALTORS®. That means out of 35,349 closed sales during this period, only 1,749 were new construction homes.

This small share of the market has real implications for both buyers and sellers. For buyers, the limited number of new homes means fewer options if you are set on something brand new. Sellers of existing homes, on the other hand, are competing in a market where new builds are a minority, but they are also facing a significant price gap.

New Construction Carries a Premium

The numbers show that new construction is not only rare, but it is also much more expensive than buying an existing home. The median price of a new home in the St. Louis area was $423,553, compared to $284,500 for an existing home. That is a difference of 48.9%. On a price per square foot basis, new homes came in at $244, while existing homes averaged $168 per square foot.

For buyers, this price difference is a key consideration. A new home may offer the latest features and energy efficiency, but it comes at a significant cost. For sellers of existing homes, this gap can be reassuring. Even though new homes are more expensive, the vast majority of buyers are still purchasing existing homes, likely due to affordability.

It is also worth noting that new homes spent much longer on the market, averaging 109.5 days compared to just 36.3 days for existing homes. This longer timeline is partly because new homes are often listed before they are finished, but it is still a factor for both buyers and sellers to keep in mind.

Where Are New Homes Being Built?

New construction is not evenly distributed across the St. Louis area. Some communities and counties stand out for having a much higher share of new home sales. Here is a look at where new homes made up the largest portion of the market:

• Foristell: 44.8% of all sales were new homes (91 new home sales)
• Moscow Mills: 37.0% (68 new home sales)
• Hillsboro: 29.9% (85 new home sales)
• Washington: 23.8% (86 new home sales)
• O’Fallon: 9.9% (171 new home sales)
• Wentzville: 13.0% (115 new home sales)
• St Peters: 6.7% (69 new home sales)
• St Louis: 1.0% (69 new home sales)

At the county level, Warren County, Missouri, led the way with 21.0% of its sales being new construction. Lincoln County followed at 14.7%, Franklin County at 11.3%, Jefferson County at 9.7%, and St Charles County at 9.3%. On the Illinois side, Monroe County had 5.8%, St Clair County 3.3%, and Madison County 3.1%.

What This Means for Buyers, Sellers, and Agents

The data makes it clear that while new construction is a visible part of the St. Louis real estate market, it is a small slice compared to existing homes. Buyers looking for a brand new property face higher prices and longer wait times, but may find more options in certain counties and communities. Sellers of existing homes can take some comfort in knowing that most buyers are still choosing previously owned properties, often for reasons of affordability and location.

For real estate agents, understanding these trends is essential for advising clients. Whether working with buyers who want new construction or sellers considering how to price their existing home, the numbers from MORE, REALTORS offer a clear picture of where the opportunities and challenges lie in today’s market.