Who Is the #1 Home Builder in the US? 2026 Rankings and What Sets Them Apart
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When you’re looking to buy a new home in the US, you’re not just choosing a house-you’re choosing a builder. And not all builders are created equal. Some churn out thousands of homes a year with tight margins and minimal customization. Others focus on craftsmanship, energy efficiency, and long-term value. So who’s actually #1?
The #1 Home Builder in the US Is D.R. Horton
D.R. Horton is the largest home builder in the United States by volume. In 2025, they delivered over 82,000 new homes across 120 markets. That’s more than the next two competitors combined. They’re not flashy. They don’t build luxury estates in Malibu. Instead, they focus on affordable, scalable homes in growing suburbs-places like Phoenix, Atlanta, and Raleigh. Their model is simple: buy land in bulk, use standardized floor plans, and build fast. That’s how they keep prices low and volume high.
They’ve been the top builder since 2002. Not because they’re perfect, but because they understand the market. Most first-time buyers and move-up families aren’t looking for custom stone fireplaces. They’re looking for a three-bedroom, two-bath home with a garage, under $400,000. D.R. Horton delivers that consistently, in communities with schools, parks, and easy highway access.
How They Compare to the Rest
Here’s how the top five builders stack up in 2025:
| Rank | Builder | Homes Delivered | Average Price | Primary Markets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | D.R. Horton | 82,000+ | $385,000 | Texas, Florida, Arizona, Georgia |
| 2 | Lennar | 61,000+ | $415,000 | California, Colorado, Nevada, North Carolina |
| 3 | PulteGroup | 45,000+ | $430,000 | Florida, Michigan, Ohio, Virginia |
| 4 | Taylor Morrison | 38,000+ | $445,000 | Arizona, Texas, Washington, Oregon |
| 5 | Meritage Homes | 27,000+ | $460,000 | Arizona, Texas, California, Colorado |
D.R. Horton leads by volume, but Lennar and PulteGroup are catching up in high-demand states. Taylor Morrison and Meritage Homes focus more on energy efficiency and smart home features, which explains their higher average prices. If you’re buying in California or Colorado, you’re more likely to see Meritage’s solar-ready homes or Taylor Morrison’s low-VOC finishes. But if you’re buying in Texas or Georgia, D.R. Horton is probably the only builder you’ll see.
What Makes D.R. Horton the Leader?
It’s not just about numbers. D.R. Horton controls its own land acquisition, lumber supply, and even some of its insulation and drywall production. That vertical integration lets them cut costs and avoid delays. When other builders are waiting for lumber shipments from Canada, D.R. Horton’s own mills keep things moving.
They also use a digital platform called MyD.R. Horton that lets buyers track progress in real time. You can see when the foundation is poured, when the roof goes on, and when the HVAC is installed-all from your phone. That transparency reduces stress for buyers and cuts down on service calls after move-in.
They’ve also invested heavily in modular construction. In some markets, up to 40% of their homes are built in factories and then trucked to the lot. This cuts build time from 6 months to under 3 months. It’s not luxury, but it’s reliable. And for families who need to move quickly because of a job transfer or school enrollment, that matters.
Who Should Buy From D.R. Horton?
If you’re a first-time buyer, a young family, or someone relocating for work, D.R. Horton is a smart choice. Their homes come with standard features that matter: 90%+ efficient furnaces, LED lighting, granite countertops, and 2x6 exterior walls for better insulation. They don’t throw in fancy finishes like quartz countertops or walk-in showers in every model-but they do offer upgrades at fair prices.
They also have a strong warranty program. Most of their homes come with a 1-year workmanship warranty, a 2-year systems warranty (plumbing, electrical, HVAC), and a 10-year structural warranty. That’s industry standard, but they actually honor it. There are thousands of online reviews where buyers say, “They fixed my leaky faucet in two days, no hassle.”
Who Should Avoid Them?
If you want a one-of-a-kind home with custom floor plans, high-end finishes, or historic details, D.R. Horton isn’t for you. Their designs are practical, not unique. You won’t find exposed brick, vaulted ceilings, or artisan tile work in their standard models.
They also tend to build in newer subdivisions that lack mature trees and established neighborhoods. If you love walking to a coffee shop or a library, you might feel isolated in one of their developments. That’s not their fault-it’s the nature of building at scale in suburban growth corridors.
And while their prices are competitive, they’re not always the cheapest. In some markets, local builders or smaller developers offer similar homes for less because they don’t have corporate overhead. But those builders rarely offer the same level of warranty support or digital tracking.
What’s Changing in 2026?
D.R. Horton is now building more energy-efficient homes to meet new federal standards. Starting in 2026, all new homes built by major builders must meet a 20% improvement in energy efficiency over the 2021 code. D.R. Horton is ahead of the curve-they’ve been installing heat pump HVAC systems and solar-ready roofs in over 60% of their new homes since 2024.
They’re also testing tiny home communities in Florida and Arizona for retirees and remote workers. These are 600-800 sq. ft. homes on small lots, with shared community spaces. It’s a new direction for them, but it shows they’re not just resting on their volume.
Meanwhile, Lennar is pushing hard into AI-driven design tools that let buyers customize layouts in real time using a tablet. Taylor Morrison is rolling out net-zero homes in every major market. The competition is getting smarter. But D.R. Horton still has the scale, the supply chain, and the buyer trust to stay on top.
Final Thoughts
The #1 home builder in the US isn’t the most glamorous. It’s not the most innovative. But it’s the most consistent. D.R. Horton understands what most American families need: a safe, solid, affordable home built on time, with clear communication and solid support after move-in.
If you’re looking for a new home and you’re not chasing luxury, D.R. Horton is still the safest bet. Visit their website, pick a market, and walk through one of their model homes. You’ll see exactly what you’re getting-and why they’ve held the top spot for over two decades.
Is D.R. Horton the same as DR Horton?
Yes, D.R. Horton and DR Horton refer to the same company. The official name is D.R. Horton, Inc., named after its founder, Donald R. Horton. People often drop the period and write it as DR Horton, but both spellings point to the same builder. Their website, branding, and legal documents always use D.R. Horton with the periods.
Are D.R. Horton homes good quality?
D.R. Horton homes are built to meet or exceed local building codes. They’re not custom-built with premium materials, but they’re solidly constructed. Most homes use 2x6 exterior walls, energy-efficient windows, and quality insulation. Their warranty program is reliable, and customer service reviews are generally positive. If you’re looking for a no-frills, dependable home, they deliver.
Can you negotiate price with D.R. Horton?
You can’t usually negotiate the base price on a standard model, but you can get upgrades for free or at a discount. During slower sales periods (like late fall or winter), they often offer free upgrades like upgraded flooring, countertops, or lighting packages. Some buyers also get help with closing costs or rate buydowns. Always ask what incentives are available.
Do D.R. Horton homes appreciate in value?
Yes, but not always as fast as custom or luxury homes. D.R. Horton homes tend to appreciate steadily in growing markets like Texas and Florida because of high demand. In slower markets, they may take longer to gain value. The key is location. A D.R. Horton home in a well-planned community with good schools and low crime will hold its value better than one in a remote, underdeveloped area.
What’s the average wait time to build a D.R. Horton home?
From ground-breaking to move-in, most D.R. Horton homes take 3 to 5 months. In high-demand areas like Phoenix or Austin, it can be as short as 2.5 months thanks to modular construction. In colder regions or during supply chain delays, it might stretch to 6 months. Always ask for a written timeline when you sign your contract.
If you’re considering a new build, don’t just pick the biggest name. Visit multiple builders. Compare floor plans. Ask about energy ratings and warranty details. But if you want a reliable, affordable home built by the company that’s delivered more new homes than anyone else in the country, D.R. Horton is still the clear leader.
