New Construction Homes in Central Texas: Finding the Perfect Home UNDER $400K

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Inside a Troy, TX New Construction Home in Turtle Creek Subdivision
• Exploring Little River Academy Home for Sale (Temple ISD)
• Nolanville Home For Sale in Bella Charca Community
• Comparing the Three Options: How to Choose
• Checklist for Touring New Construction Homes in Central Texas
• What to Expect with Builders and Negotiation
• Final Thoughts
• FAQs
• Closing note

Introduction

Homes priced around $400,000 in Central Texas deliver surprising variety. From luxury-focused finish packages to generous half-acre lots outside small towns, the phrase new construction homes in Central Texas covers very different experiences depending on location, builder, and lot size. I show how the same price point can translate into a higher-end interior, larger outdoor acreage, or a mix of both. This article breaks down three representative new construction homes in Central Texas so you can compare features, layout, and lifestyle trade offs before you start touring properties.

EXPLORE HOMES FOR SALE IN CENTRAL TEXAS

Inside a Troy, TX New Construction Home in Turtle Creek Subdivision

Troy’s Turtle Creek subdivision leans toward a slightly more upscale presentation among the examples I saw. At roughly $399,000, this 4 bed, 2.5 bath house built in 2025 at about 2,100 square feet showcases what a buyer gets when a builder prioritizes finishes and a cohesive design language.

The living spaces in this model favor warm tones and durability. You’ll notice  wood-look ceramic tile used throughout the main areas, which looks like hardwood but holds up better and is an upgrade above luxury vinyl plank. The builder includes hardware on cabinets, soft-close drawers, thicker stone counters (granite in this model, often quartz in others), and stainless appliances. These are consistent hallmarks when a builder presents themselves as a more luxury-oriented option among production builders.

What stands out at this price point in Turtle Creek is attention to small but meaningful upgrades. Light fixtures, crown molding, beamed or accent ceilings in living areas, and included blinds make the home feel move-in ready with fewer immediate decisions to make. The kitchen features a tan tile backsplash and substantial counter space, useful if you cook often or like to entertain.

Floor plan highlights:

• Split bedroom plan: secondary bedrooms grouped on one side, primary suite on the other for privacy.
• Primary suite: two closets, dual vanities, a soaking tub, and a large walk-in shower with dual heads.
• Utility and storage: linen closets, built-in laundry inside the home, and a two-car garage.

Outdoors, this home sits on a typical suburban lot with full four-sided brick (masonry) and full privacy fencing. The property includes an irrigation system front and back, so yard care is less hands-on right after move-in. The covered patio is modest but functional for a grill and a small seating area.

The trade off here is lot size. If your priority is high-end interior finishes, you will pay for that in the square footage and materials rather than acreage. For buyers who value turnkey finishes and smaller yard upkeep, this is a great example of new construction homes in Central Texas that feel polished at the roughly $400,000 price.

VIEW MORE HOMES FOR SALE IN TROY, TX

Exploring Little River Academy Home for Sale (Temple ISD)

Moving slightly into a more rural setting, the Little River Academy area (technically in Temple for this listing) shifts the value proposition. This 4 bed, 3 bath, roughly 2,100 square foot home is listed around $415,000 and sits on a 0.52 acre lot. The result is substantially more outdoor space for nearly the same interior square footage you saw in Troy.

Key considerations when evaluating this option:

• Tax rate difference: Because this property is in City of Temple boundaries while still in Academy ISD, the tax rate here is higher—around 2.6%—compared to properties that sit inside Academy city limits where rates can sit under 2%. That matters when you compare monthly carrying costs across neighborhoods.
• Lot and yard: The half-acre lot gives you room for outbuildings, a large garden, playgrounds, or simply more privacy. Many buyers relocating from denser areas find this scale attractive.
• Builder type and finish level: This is a production builder home with vinyl plank flooring in main areas, carpet in bedrooms, painted cabinets (a different aesthetic than stained cabinetry), and standard stainless appliances. The interior leans cooler in tone with light gray walls and crown molding throughout.

Functionally, this model offers a valuable layout feature that many homebuyers request: a front-facing bedroom with an attached full bath. That makes the house particularly flexible for multi-generational living or long-term guests. All bedrooms include ceiling fans and walk-in closets. The primary suite includes dual vanities, a soaking tub and a separate walk-in shower.

Outside you get a very different experience than the Turtle Creek property. This house does not include full sod and irrigation out back; the irrigation stops roughly five feet off the patio. That means if you want a fully turfed backyard you will need to budget for additional landscaping. On the plus side, larger lots in these areas often use septic systems, which is normal and not a negative for most buyers; it is simply a maintenance item to understand and plan for.

If your priority is more property for play, storage, or privacy, many buyers will accept fewer interior upgrades to gain acreage. This listing is an excellent example of that trade off among new construction homes in Central Texas.

VIEW MORE HOMES FOR SALE IN LITTLE RIVER ACADEMY, TX

Nolanville Home For Sale in Bella Charca Community

The third option sits in Nolanville’s Bella Charca community and is another example of how different builders prioritize different features. This model is ~2,100 square feet, 4 bed, 3 bath, and priced at $399,000 after a significant reduction from $464,000. That price movement can create immediate equity opportunity for buyers who move quickly.

The Nolanville home highlights the popularity of certain trends among builders targeting buyers who want a modern, open-concept living experience. The kitchen is a focal point with two-toned cabinets, quartz counters, and a large island that houses the microwave and dishwasher—an efficient use of space for entertaining.

Notable features in this plan:

• Open living space: long foyer leading into a large combined kitchen and living area with heavy, quality patio doors that open wide to connect indoors and outdoors.
• Three full baths: This is a differentiator for its class and floor plan; one guest bedroom includes a private full bath—great for host guests or multi-generational usage.
• Design details: herringbone tile in the shower, a standalone soaking tub in the primary bath, electric fireplace, and well-planned laundry with folding space.

The backyard feels larger than you might expect for a neighborhood lot, and this property does include full sod and irrigation. The house also includes full four-sided brick and privacy fencing. Keep in mind the builder does not include blinds as standard here, but ceiling fans come installed in bedrooms. The heavy patio door and attention to backsplash and tile choices are examples of where builder design choices can make a home feel more custom even in a production plan.

Because this listing has a price reduction and incentives, it can be the best value of the three if you want a strong interior and immediate purchasing leverage. It demonstrates how timing, incentives, and builder motivations affect what the same price point will buy you across the region.

VIEW MORE HOMES FOR SALE IN NOLANVILLE, TX

Comparing the Three Options: How to Choose

All three homes are close in square footage and price yet deliver very different experiences. To decide which path makes sense for you, ask yourself these questions:

1. Do you prefer higher-end finishes that reduce near-term renovation decisions, or do you want more outdoor space for long-term projects?
2. Does lower property tax matter more than stepping into a slightly higher-tier interior package?
3. Will a septic system be acceptable for the lifestyle you want or do you prefer municipal sewer connections?
4. How important is a separate guest suite with its own full bath for your family or hosting needs?

At roughly the same price, a house in Turtle Creek trades yard for finishes and turnkey details. The Little River Academy option trades some interior bells for a half acre and rural feel. Nolanville’s Bella Charca model can offer immediate opportunity through price reductions and builder incentives while delivering strong interior details like two-tone cabinets and wide-opening patio doors.

Checklist for Touring New Construction Homes in Central Texas

When you go inspect new construction homes in Central Texas, bring this checklist so you compare apples to apples:

• Included appliances and features: Verify if the microwave, stove and dishwasher are included and whether blinds are standard.
• Flooring type: Note ceramic tile versus luxury vinyl plank and where carpet is installed.
• Irrigation and sod: Confirm if the yard is fully sodded and irrigated or if the irrigation stops before the back of the lot.
• Garage orientation: Side entry versus front entry can affect driveway parking and curb appeal.
• Tax rate and school district: Understand how municipal boundaries interact with school districts to affect taxes.
• Warranty and punch-list: New construction comes with builder warranties and a final walk-through to mark paint and minor fixes.

What to Expect with Builders and Negotiation

Production builders differ from semi-custom and custom builders. Production builders offer consistent floor plans and faster completion while semi-custom builders may include more finish options or design centers. Many production builders will include standard packages but not extras like refrigerators or premium landscaping. Price reductions and incentives are common tools builders use to move inventory. If a property has a recent price drop and incentives, you may be able to capture instant value.

Always confirm which items are standard and which are upgrades. Examples of commonly included items are built-in microwaves, ranges, and dishwashers. Fridges typically are not included. Some builders include blinds and some do not. Knowing these details before you compare two houses at the same price will help you evaluate true value.

Final Thoughts

New construction homes in Central Texas deliver strong value and impressive variation at the $400,000 price point. Whether you prioritize a polished interior with upgraded finishes, a half-acre for outdoor living, or a best-value option with builder incentives, there are quality choices in Troy, Little River Academy, and Nolanville. Keep the checklist above handy when touring, ask about tax and utility differences, and think through lifestyle priorities so you land on the right trade off.

Each of these areas has its own flavor: Turtle Creek for elevated interior finishes, Little River Academy for acreage and rural views, and Bella Charca in Nolanville for modern design trends and potential pricing advantage. New construction homes in Central Texas are flexible enough to match different priorities, and understanding where value lies will help you pick the right house and neighborhood.

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FAQs

How do municipal boundaries affect taxes and schools when comparing new construction homes in Central Texas?

City boundaries and school districts do not always line up. A home can be in a particular school district while technically falling inside a neighboring city's limits. That difference can change property tax rates significantly. Always check both the school district and the city tax rate when comparing properties to get an accurate monthly cost.

What comes standard in a new construction home and what is usually an upgrade?

Commonly included items are the built-in microwave, stove, and dishwasher. Fridges are rarely included. Flooring packages vary; ceramic tile or vinyl plank may be standard with carpet in bedrooms. Upgrades often include thicker countertops, upgraded tile patterns, designer lighting, and four-sided masonry. Always get a written list of standard inclusions.

Should I be concerned about septic systems on larger lots?

Septic systems are common for larger lots in rural Central Texas and are not inherently problematic. They require routine maintenance and occasional pumping, which is an additional ownership consideration compared to municipal sewer. Inspect and understand the septic design and maintenance history when evaluating a home with septic.

Are irrigation and sod standard with new construction homes in Central Texas?

It depends on the builder and the community. Some builders include full sod and irrigation front and back; others only extend irrigation a few feet past the patio or leave landscaping as buyer responsibility. Confirm this up front if yard maintenance or immediate outdoor usability is important to you.

How do builder incentives and price drops affect the value of new construction homes in Central Texas?

Incentives and price drops can create instant equity or help cover closing costs, rates buy-downs, or upgrades. They are a common negotiating tool when builders need to move inventory. Compare the final purchase price, net incentives, and standard inclusions to determine the real value.

Which neighborhoods are best for families relocating to Central Texas?

Consider school district ratings, commute times, available lot sizes, and neighborhood amenities. Troy and Nolanville offer accessible suburban options, while areas like Little River Academy give more rural acreage. Align neighborhood selection with priorities like schooling, yard size, and commute to work.

How many options will $400,000 buy in terms of finishes and lot size?

At $400,000 in Central Texas, you will find a spectrum: upgraded finishes with smaller yards, larger lot homes with simpler finishes, and properties with aggressive builder incentives that push value in favor of the buyer. Define what matters most and compare listings within that frame.

Closing note

Comparing new construction homes in Central Texas at around $400,000 reveals a range of trade offs: finishes versus acreage, higher tax areas versus lower taxes, and incentives versus standard inclusions. Use the layout and checklist above when touring and prioritize the features that matter most for your lifestyle. The right mix is out there—know what you want and you will find it. If you’re ready to buy or need help finding the right home, call or text me at (254) 598-001 0  or book a Zoom call.

READ MORE: Questions to Ask When Buying a House in Central Texas: A Practical Guide for Confident Homebuyers