Why Now Is a Smart Time To Buy a Newly Built Home in Sarasota or Lakewood Ranch
Darren Dowling
Darren Dowling
Are you searching for a new home in Sarasota or Lakewood Ranch? If you’re hoping for better home prices or lower mortgage rates, new construction homes might be your best bet in today’s market. While many buyers focus only on resale properties, skipping newly built homes means missing out on a significant portion of the market—especially here in Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte Counties.
According to recent data from the Census Bureau and National Association of Realtors (NAR), about 1 in 5 homes currently on the market is a newly built property. That’s a big opportunity, especially in communities like Lakewood Ranch, Parrish, North Port, and Wellen Park, where new developments are booming.
Builders across Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte Counties are actively selling inventory—and they’re offering deals to attract buyers.
According to the National Association of Home Builders, nearly 40% of builders have recently reduced prices to stay competitive. That’s great news for local buyers.
In areas like Downtown Sarasota, Palmer Ranch, and East Manatee County, builders are being flexible and realistic about what today’s buyers can afford. That means:
Price reductions
Closing cost assistance
Upgrade incentives
Work with a local real estate agent to find out which builders are offering the best deals in your target neighborhoods.
Data from Realtor.com shows, in 2023 and 2024, buyers of newly built homes got a mortgage rate around half a percent lower compared to those who bought existing homes (see graph below):
Here’s something that surprises many buyers: Builders can offer you a lower mortgage rate than what you’d get buying a resale home.
That’s because many builders partner with preferred lenders and offer rate buydowns—essentially helping you lower your interest rate, especially in master-planned communities throughout Lakewood Ranch, West Villages, and North Port.
Data from Realtor.com showed that buyers of new construction homes in 2023 and 2024 received mortgage rates about 0.5% lower than those who bought existing homes. That kind of discount can save you hundreds per month and thousands over the life of the loan.
Buying a new home often means choosing your own finishes, layout, and location within the community. Whether you want to be close to Siesta Key, have a view of the Myakka River, or be in a gated community in Lakewood Ranch, new builds offer more control over your lifestyle and future resale value.
If you haven’t yet explored new builds in the Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Manatee, or Charlotte County markets, now is the time.
More inventory means more options
Builder incentives can save you money
Lower mortgage rates could make owning more affordable
Let’s talk about your goals and see if a new construction home is the right move for you. There are some exciting opportunities out there—you just have to know where to look.
Ready to tour new builds in Sarasota or Lakewood Ranch? Contact us today!
With more inventory, competitive pricing, and builder incentives, new construction homes in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and nearby counties may offer better value than y… Read more
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