New construction is a major part of the real estate market throughout Sarasota and Manatee County, with options ranging from large master-planned communities and gated neighborhoods to maintenance-free homes and villas, 55+ communities, townhomes, luxury homes and custom residences.
The amount and type of new construction available varies considerably by location. Lakewood Ranch and Parrish offer some of the area’s largest concentrations of new home communities, while buyers can also find significant new development throughout Bradenton, Palmetto, Sarasota, Nokomis, Venice and North Port.
Buying new construction can be exciting, but there is much more to the process than selecting a floor plan. Buyers may need to compare builders and communities, understand lot premiums and upgrades, review HOA and CDD expenses, evaluate builder incentives, make design-center selections, monitor construction and complete final walkthroughs before closing.
The Wendy Lynn Group has extensive experience helping buyers purchase new construction throughout Sarasota and Manatee County. Wendy has worked with many of the area’s major builders and has represented buyers through the process from the initial community visit and negotiations through design selections, construction updates and the final walkthrough.
How to Search for New Construction Homes
You can search for new construction throughout Sarasota and Manatee County by city, ZIP code or county using our property search:
- Visit the Properties Search page.
- Enter a city, ZIP code or county in the location field.
- Click Advanced Search.
- Select General Features.
- Select Property Condition.
- Choose New Construction.
You can also browse current new construction listings for Sarasota and Manatee County below.
New Homes for Sale in Sarasota County
New Homes for Sale in Manatee County
Explore New Construction by Area
New construction opportunities are spread throughout Southwest Florida, but each area offers something different. Some locations have numerous master-planned communities and builders to choose from, while established coastal and barrier-island communities may have only occasional new or replacement homes.
| Area | New Construction Overview |
|---|---|
| Lakewood Ranch | One of the area’s largest concentrations of new construction, with master-planned villages, gated neighborhoods, golf communities, 55+ options, luxury homes, villas and single-family homes. |
| Parrish | A rapidly growing part of Manatee County with numerous new communities, large master plans and homes available across a wide range of styles and price points. |
| Bradenton | New construction ranges from communities east of I-75 to smaller developments and infill opportunities closer to established parts of Bradenton. |
| Palmetto | A growing selection of newer communities with convenient access to Bradenton, Parrish and the I-75 corridor. |
| Ellenton | New construction inventory is generally more limited than Parrish or Lakewood Ranch but can be found throughout the surrounding north Manatee County area. |
| Sarasota | Buyers can find everything from new gated and planned communities to townhomes, condominiums, luxury homes and infill construction. |
| Downtown Sarasota | New construction is primarily focused on condominium and luxury residential development, with availability varying as new projects are completed. |
| Golden Gate Point | A highly established waterfront location where new construction tends to consist of luxury condominium redevelopment rather than large new-home communities. |
| Palmer Ranch | A well-established master-planned area where newer construction may be available within select communities and remaining development opportunities. |
| Nokomis | A strong new-construction market with several newer planned communities and convenient access to Venice, Sarasota, I-75 and Gulf beaches. |
| Venice | A broad selection of newer communities including gated, golf, 55+, maintenance-free and master-planned neighborhoods. |
| North Port | New homes can be found in planned communities as well as on individual residential lots throughout the city. |
| Osprey | New construction is more limited than in Venice, Nokomis or Sarasota but can include smaller developments and higher-end opportunities. |
| Englewood | Buyers may find new homes in both planned communities and scattered residential locations throughout the greater Englewood area. |
| Myakka City | More rural in character, with new construction often consisting of custom homes, larger homesites and individually built properties rather than large subdivisions. |
| University Park | A largely established area where new construction opportunities are considerably more limited than in nearby Lakewood Ranch and east Manatee County. |
| West of the Trail | New construction typically consists of luxury infill homes and redevelopment on individual homesites within established Sarasota neighborhoods. |
| Bird Key | New construction is generally luxury custom or replacement-home construction on established homesites rather than traditional new-home developments. |
| Siesta Key | New inventory tends to consist of custom homes, luxury redevelopment and occasional condominium opportunities. |
| Lido Key | Primarily an established coastal market where new construction may include luxury homes and condominium redevelopment. |
| Longboat Key | New construction is generally limited and tends toward luxury residential and condominium development. |
| Casey Key | A highly established luxury market where new construction generally means custom waterfront homes or replacement residences on existing homesites. |
| Anna Maria Island | New construction is limited by the island’s established development pattern and usually consists of individual new or replacement homes. |
| Bradenton Beach | Primarily an established barrier-island market where occasional new homes or redevelopment opportunities may become available. |
| Holmes Beach | New construction generally consists of individual homes and redevelopment rather than large builder communities. |
| Cortez | A smaller established coastal community where new construction opportunities are relatively uncommon. |
| Terra Ceia | A more rural and established area where occasional custom-home or individual new-construction opportunities may be available. |
| South Hillsborough County | Communities including areas around Wimauma, Riverview, Apollo Beach, Ruskin and Sun City Center offer additional new-construction choices north of Manatee County. |
New construction availability changes frequently. Some areas may have numerous active communities while others may have only occasional new or recently completed homes for sale.
Ways to Buy a New Construction Home
Not every new construction purchase involves choosing a floor plan and waiting a year for a home to be built. Buyers typically encounter several different types of opportunities.
Quick Move-In Homes
Quick move-in, inventory or spec homes are already completed or under construction. The builder has generally selected many or all of the finishes, making these homes attractive to buyers who want something new without waiting through the entire building process.
Homes Already Under Construction
Builders frequently begin homes before they have a buyer. Depending on the stage of construction, there may still be opportunities to make certain selections, although structural choices and many finishes may already be determined.
Building From the Ground Up
When building from the beginning, buyers may have the opportunity to choose a homesite, floor plan, structural options and interior finishes. The number of choices depends on the builder, community and stage of development.
Do You Need a Realtor When Buying New Construction?
One of the most important things for buyers to understand is that the sales representative in the model center represents the builder. Buyers can have their own real estate professional helping them through the process.
It is best to involve your Realtor before your first visit or registration with a builder, since builder policies regarding buyer-agent representation can vary.
Wendy has represented many buyers purchasing new construction throughout Sarasota and Manatee County and understands that the job extends far beyond simply finding the community.
Buyer representation during a new construction purchase may include help with:
- Comparing builders and communities.
- Evaluating floor plans and homesites.
- Reviewing available builder incentives.
- Negotiating with the builder’s sales representative when opportunities exist.
- Understanding lot premiums and upgrade costs.
- Comparing HOA and CDD expenses.
- Discussing resale considerations.
- Helping with design-center and finish selections.
- Monitoring construction progress.
- Providing updates and photographs for out-of-town buyers.
- Helping prepare for the final walkthrough and closing.
Wendy has even gone through the new construction process personally, giving her the perspective of both a Realtor representing new-home buyers and a homeowner who has made the same types of decisions involving floor plans, finishes, upgrades and construction.
Choosing a Homesite and Understanding Lot Premiums
The advertised base price of a new home is only part of the equation. The homesite itself can significantly affect the final price.
Choosing a Homesite and Understanding Lot Premiums
The advertised base price of a new home is only part of the equation. The homesite itself can significantly affect the final price.
Builders may charge additional premiums for features such as:
- Pond or lake views.
- Preserve views.
- Golf course locations.
- Oversized homesites.
- Cul-de-sac locations.
- Corner lots.
- Pie-shaped lots.
- Additional privacy.
Water and preserve homesites are especially popular throughout many newer Sarasota and Manatee County communities. Buyers who are interested specifically in Gulf, bay, canal, river or other waterfront property can also explore our Waterfront Homes for Sale in Sarasota & Manatee County page.
A more expensive homesite may be worthwhile to one buyer and unnecessary to another. It is also important to think beyond today’s premium and consider how the location of the home could affect future resale value.
The New Construction Design Center
For buyers building from the ground up, the design-center appointment can be one of the most exciting parts of the process — and one of the easiest places for the budget to grow.
Depending on the builder, buyers may select flooring, cabinets, countertops, backsplashes, plumbing fixtures, lighting, paint, hardware and other finishes.
Wendy has accompanied buyers through the selection process and has also been through the design-center experience while building her own home. Having another set of experienced eyes can be helpful when trying to balance personal preferences, budget and future resale appeal.
It is important to separate upgrades that are difficult or expensive to add later from cosmetic features that can easily be changed after closing.
Understanding Builder Incentives
Builders may offer incentives such as closing-cost contributions, financing incentives, interest-rate programs, design-center credits or discounts on certain inventory homes. These programs can change frequently and may be tied to using a builder’s preferred lender or title company.
An incentive does not automatically make one home the better value. Buyers should consider the complete cost of the property, including the base price, lot premium, structural options, design upgrades, financing terms, HOA fees and any CDD assessment.
HOA and CDD Fees in New Construction Communities
Many new construction communities have a homeowners association, and some also have a Community Development District, commonly referred to as a CDD.
These costs vary considerably from one neighborhood to another. In return, communities may provide amenities and services such as gated entrances, pools, fitness centers, clubhouses, landscaping, pickleball and tennis courts, playgrounds, dog parks, lifestyle directors and community events.
Comparing communities based only on the home’s purchase price can therefore be misleading. Buyers should also understand the recurring costs and what is included for those fees.
Should You Inspect a Brand-New Home?
New does not mean that a buyer should automatically skip an independent home inspection. A newly constructed home contains thousands of components installed by numerous trades throughout the construction process.
Depending on the situation, buyers may choose to have inspections performed at various stages of construction or before the final walkthrough and closing.
The builder will also typically provide information regarding warranties and procedures for submitting warranty items after the buyer takes possession.
Buying New Construction From Out of State
Many Sarasota and Manatee County new construction buyers are purchasing from outside Florida and cannot be present throughout the building process.
Wendy has worked with out-of-town buyers who needed someone locally to check on their home as construction progressed. That can include visiting the property, providing photographs or updates and helping buyers stay informed as their new home moves toward completion.
Having a local point of contact can be especially valuable when you’re hundreds or thousands of miles away from the home you’re building.
The Final Walkthrough
As closing approaches, buyers generally have an opportunity to walk through the completed home with the builder and identify items requiring attention.
This is the time to look carefully at the finished property, review outstanding items and make sure questions are addressed before taking possession.
After spending months watching a home go from an empty homesite to a finished residence, the final walkthrough is exciting — but it is still an important part of the purchase process and should not be rushed.
New Construction or Resale?
New construction offers obvious advantages, including new systems, current finishes, modern floor plans and the opportunity in some cases to personalize the home. But resale homes can offer advantages of their own, including established landscaping, mature neighborhoods, completed pools and improvements that a previous owner has already paid for.
For many buyers, the best approach is to compare both. Looking at new construction and resale homes side by side can help determine where you are getting the best combination of location, features, lifestyle and overall value.
Thinking About Buying a New Construction Home?
With so many builders, communities, floor plans and incentives throughout Sarasota and Manatee County, new construction can become overwhelming surprisingly quickly.
The Wendy Lynn Group can help you compare your options and represent your interests throughout the process — from choosing an area and visiting builders to selecting a homesite, reviewing incentives, making design choices, following construction progress and completing the final walkthrough.
Whether you’re searching for a quick move-in home or planning to build from the ground up, having someone familiar with the local new construction process can make it much easier to understand your choices and make informed decisions along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Construction Homes
Where is most new construction located in Sarasota and Manatee County?
Some of the largest concentrations of new construction can be found in Lakewood Ranch, Parrish, Bradenton, Palmetto, Venice, Nokomis and North Port. Sarasota also offers new communities, infill construction, condominiums and luxury development. Availability varies as communities build out and new projects open.
Do I need a Realtor when buying from a home builder?
A builder’s sales representative works for the builder. Buyers can have their own real estate professional represent them during a new construction purchase. Because builder registration policies vary, it is best to involve your Realtor before visiting or registering with a builder for the first time.
Can you negotiate the price of a new construction home?
It depends on the builder, community, inventory and current market conditions. Builders may sometimes negotiate price, but incentives, closing costs, financing programs, upgrades or inventory-home discounts may also be part of the overall negotiation.
What is a quick move-in home?
A quick move-in home is a new home that is already completed or under construction. Because many selections have already been made, it can provide a faster path to closing than building a home from the beginning.
Do all new construction communities have CDD fees?
No. Some communities have CDD assessments and others do not. HOA fees and CDD expenses should be reviewed individually for each community a buyer is considering.
Should I get a home inspection on new construction?
Many buyers choose to have a newly constructed home independently inspected. The timing and number of inspections can vary depending on whether the home is being built from the ground up or is already completed.
How long does it take to build a new home in Florida?
Construction timelines vary by builder, floor plan, permitting, availability of materials, weather and the stage of construction when the buyer enters into the contract. Builders should provide an estimated timeline, but buyers should be prepared for that estimate to change during construction.
Can a Realtor help if I am building a home while living out of state?
Yes. Local representation can be particularly helpful for buyers who cannot regularly visit the property. Wendy has assisted out-of-state new construction buyers by checking on construction progress, providing updates and helping them stay informed as their homes are being built.
