Quick Answer: Mandeville and the surrounding Northshore are seeing a robust start to 2026. Major national builders like DSLD and D.R. Horton are actively opening new phases in Covington, Madisonville, and Slidell. While these large-scale developments offer competitive pricing and modern energy efficiency, many buyers also find value in the custom "infill" builds found in more established St. Tammany neighborhoods.
While large-scale subdivisions are currently rare in Mandeville, this has preserved the area’s custom charm. For those wanting a new build, the best path forward is partnering with a local custom builder who can secure infill lots or private land—a specialty of ours.
While prices vary by community, current inventory on our New Construction Listings page lists ranges from roughly $215,000 for entry-level builds to over $1.5M for luxury custom estates in Old Mandeville.
1. Where the Action Is: Active 2026 Subdivisions
If you’ve seen the recent Instagram ads for DSLD, they are focusing heavily on a few high-growth corridors. Here is the February 2026 status of those developments:
Covington Highlights: Balsam Manor (off Helenbirg Rd) and Oak Alley Meadows (off Hwy 190) remain top choices for proximity to downtown. For those looking for a "Grand Opening" opportunity, Tantela Lakes recently launched with prices starting in the low $300s. Alexander Ridge is another offering from DSLD. This one is a little further out in Covington, but gives you that rural, secluded feeling.
Madisonville Movement: Deer Crossing (off Hwy 1077) is the primary focus for buyers seeking the Madisonville lifestyle with a smaller, more manageable home footprint.
The Slidell Super-Site: Lakeshore Villages continues as one of the parish's largest active projects, offering a resort-style pool and a wide variety of floor plans. If you need to be close to New Orleans, Lakeshore Villages is hard to beat for convenience. It’s located right off the Twin Spans, which makes the commute into the city much smoother than coming from further inland.
Lacombe: If Lacombe’s quiet, rustic charm is more your style, you have to check out Tribute at Tamanend. Located just off Hwy 434, this D.R. Horton community offers new construction starting in the high $250s. It’s a peaceful, wooded retreat situated just a stone's throw from Northshore Technical Community College, making it a fantastic "middle ground" for anyone who needs to be between Mandeville/Covington and Slidell but craves more privacy.
The Resident Perspective: Driving the "Scenic Route"
I have recently shown houses in the DSLD Spring Lakes community, which is located just north of Goodbee near the Coquille recreation area. While this area has added more convenience options—like new grocery stores and dining—it still maintains a quiet, scenic feel compared to the busier hubs of Mandeville or Covington. If you enjoy a peaceful drive home after a long day, this corridor is worth a look.
2. Large Builder vs. Custom Builders: What Others Won't Tell You
A common question from my clients is whether to go with a high-volume national builder or a local custom outfit.
The National Choice: Builders like DSLD provide "affordable quality" and financing incentives that are often difficult for smaller builders to match.
The Boutique Alternative: If you want a unique aesthetic, keep an eye on custom infill builders south of I-12 or developments where lots often back up to woods or water.
My Personal Experience: My husband and I purchased our first new home from DSLD in the Maison Trace subdivision. For us, the decision came down to the "cost of ownership" over the first five years. We realized that the warranties—covering everything from the foundation and windows to the appliances - offered a peace of mind that an older home couldn't provide. While we were living a bit further out, the simpler transaction and lack of "unknown" repairs made it the right move for us at the time.
3. Planning Ahead: The 2026 Forecast
New communities are already surfacing for the second half of the year. Level Homes has announced "Nature Walk" in Covington, which will feature nature-focused designs just off the I-12 corridor.
Helpful Local Resources:
4. The Path to a New Build: What to Expect
If you’ve never bought new construction before, the process can be very streamlined, especially with large builders. Having been through it myself, I can tell you that knowing the "next step" makes all the difference.
Here is the typical 2026 roadmap for a production build:
1. The Pre-Approval & Selection: Before you fall in love with a floor plan, you'll need a solid pre-approval. Once that's in hand, you'll pick your neighborhood and your favorite "Model" or style of home.
2. Personalization & Amenities: This is the fun part! You’ll sit down to choose your "extras"—think flooring upgrades, granite or quartz countertops, and cabinet colors.
Pro-Tip: If the home you want is already under construction (often called an "Inventory" or "Spec" home), many of these selections may have already been made to keep the project on schedule. If you want full control over personalization, look for a "dirt start" where construction hasn't begun yet.
3. The Paperwork & Deposit: Once you’ve settled on the style and the "extras," you’ll sign your purchase agreement and put down your initial deposit. This locks in your price and your homesite.
4. The Construction Phases: You’ll see your home go from a slab of concrete to a framed house, followed by mechanicals (plumbing/electric), drywall, and finally, the finishing touches like paint and trim.
5. Inspections & Walk-Throughs: You’ll typically have a "pre-closing" walk-through. This is where you and the builder's rep walk the house together to ensure everything is up to standard and to learn how your new smart-home features work.
6. Closing Day: You sign the final papers, get the keys, and officially become a Northshore homeowner!
Note: Keep in mind that every builder has their own rhythm. While this was my experience with a large-scale builder, the process for a smaller or custom builder will look a bit different, usually with more back-and-forth on design and a more flexible timeline.
Final Thoughts from a Local Realtor
Living in a new construction home is about more than just picking a floor plan; it’s about understanding the long-term lifestyle trade-offs. I often tell my clients that while the "weekend projects" of an older home can be fun, the warranty-backed peace of mind of a new build is invaluable for busy families.
Whether you're looking for a custom build or a community like Lakeshore Villages, start with our New Construction page to see what's available today.
Alex Lacy | Broker & Owner
Alex Lacy is the licensed Real Estate Broker and Owner of Nola Northshore Real Estate, bringing over a decade of hands-on experience to the Louisiana market. Specializing in Mandeville, Covington, Madisonville, Slidell, Abita Springs, and the Greater New Orleans area, Alex combines data-driven market analysis with deep community roots.
How We Help: At Nola Northshore, we move beyond the transaction. Whether you are navigating your first home purchase, selling a luxury estate, or analyzing investment potential, we provide clarity in a complex market. We are committed to Fair Housing and ethical representation for every client.
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Email: Alex@nnsrealestate.com