What Are New Build Homes?
In a hot real estate market, new homes compete with already available homes for buyers’ attention. New build homes, also known as new construction homes, are houses that will be lived in for the first time by the people who purchase them.
This could happen when someone buys a plot of land and hires a team to construct a personalized home, or it could be part of a new neighborhood development. There are also different levels of customization to keep in mind, and as a general rule, the more say a buyer has in the process, the more it will cost.
Benefits of a New Build Home
New construction homes are made to comply with the latest building codes and regulations, and they will need less maintenance than older homes because there are fewer unknowns in the history of the house. This means you’re much less likely to purchase a new home and have to deal with a sudden expensive repair, and if you do, it may be covered by a home builder warranty for the first couple of years.
New build homes in Austin also tend to have more modern and updated features, more energy-efficient appliances and lighting, and certain options can allow you to have more say in the design to make your home the perfect fit for you and your family.
New Construction Terms to Know
- Production home: These are areas where developers build a lot of new homes next to each other. Buyers can usually pick what floor plan would best suit their needs and budget.
- Built on spec: This new home is already complete and ready to buy. These tend to be ready faster than the other options.
- Semi-custom: As the name suggests, you have a bit of say when it comes to the design. It’s a great in-between option and allows you to pick the home’s materials and finishes without touching major things like the floor plan.
- Fully-custom: This is the most expensive option because going this route means the buyer works with a team to create a one-of-a-kind design and floor plan. You are involved in virtually every decision.
New Building Trends
Home trends come and go, but purchasing a new build home is one way to ensure you’ll be moving into a modern space. Some of these trends even make your life easier, like the popularity of adding more technological features. Here are some 2022 home trends:
- Flexible spaces
While open floor plans have been a popular design trend for a while, many experts at Architectural Digest feel that the pandemic has created a need for flex spaces within the home. Open floor plans will likely stay popular because they’re a great way to maximize light and living space. That said, more people are interested in an additional room or home office space to have flexibility if their needs change.
- Smart homes
Home tech is becoming increasingly popular. According to Statista, the number of smart homes is expected to pass the 350 million mark by 2023. This includes features such as smart locks, voice-operated devices, smart thermostats, motorized curtains and blinds, smart leak sensors, cameras and security devices, and more. The trend is to make your home connected, efficient, and optimized.
- Modern materials
- Purchasing an older home can come with the need to swap out and update the materials in your home, but that’s not a problem with new builds. You’ll likely find more sleek and trendy features like marble or granite countertops over tile, vaulted or smooth ceilings instead of popcorn, bronze and graphite light fixtures instead of brass, and other stylish details. These keep you from feeling the need to update your space right away.
- Outdoor oasis
- Another trend accelerated by the pandemic is people wanting a space at home to be able to take a mini-vacation outside. This has led to people requesting their builders or developers pay special attention to their outdoor spaces. Forbes reported that outdoor kitchens have seen an increase in desirability since 2020.
- Indoor and outdoor connections
- According to The National Association of Homebuilders, buyers are placing increased importance on the way their space flows. This means that we’ll continue to see features that embrace nature, like well-placed skylights, large backdoors with abundant light, and landscape design that works with the space.
- Pet-friendly features
- As offices closed during the pandemic, many Americans adopted a pet. As The Washington Post reported, millions of people added a pet to their family. That means more people are focused on features like a fenced backyard, built-in eating nooks, and even dog-friendly pet stations with showers or tubs.
- Eco-Friendly design
- The desire for an eco-friendly home is only growing. This design trend is so popular in Austin that an entire community has embraced it in the planning process. According to KXAN, Whisper Valley will use geothermal energy, solar energy, and smart home technology to be more eco-friendly. Examples include LED lighting, smart thermostats, and electric appliances instead of gas.
Austin Development Trends
As low inventory continues to trend, the need for homes has only grown. The Austin area has seen new developments and communities pop up quickly, and they have some features in common aimed at attracting residents. Some of the most popular neighborhoods are master communities with resort-style amenities like those at Rough Hollow and nature trails and a focus on the outdoors like you’ll find at Belterra. Working with an experienced agent is a great way to start the process of moving into a development community or looking into a new build home.