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Meritage Homes signals shift toward first-time move-up buyers

In Q2 2026, adjusted EPS came in at $1.42, while net orders fell 9% as demand weakened.

Reported · Written up by our desk · Residential

HousingWire reports that Meritage Homes exceeded expectations in Q2 2026 with adjusted earnings per share of $1.42, citing solid execution that included lower direct construction costs and a reduced spec inventory.

Even as operational progress continued, demand weakened, with net orders down 9%.

Beyond the quarter, management said the company’s long-term growth strategy will gradually shift toward first-time move-up buyers, with roughly one-third of future business expected to serve that segment beginning around 2028 and beyond.

The outlet notes that HousingWire views the pivot as a strategic reset, tied to the view that affordability challenges for entry-level buyers are more structural than cyclical, implying a potentially different market several years out for homebuilders competing in lower-price tiers.

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