New construction homes in Tampa Bay are one of the best opportunities for buyers who want a modern floor plan, current building codes, and a warranty that covers the first few years of ownership. But buying from a builder is a completely different process than buying a resale home - and the mistakes I see buyers make with new construction are some of the most expensive ones in real estate. I'm Barrett Henry with REMAX Collective, and I've represented buyers in new construction communities across Riverview, Wesley Chapel, Wimauma, Zephyrhills, and throughout the greater Tampa Bay area. This guide walks you through everything: how the process works, which builders are active in the area, what upgrades are worth paying for, and why you absolutely need your own agent when buying new construction.
If you're a first-time buyer considering new construction, start with my first-time home buyer guide to understand financing basics. And if you see CDD fees listed on a community's fact sheet and aren't sure what they mean, read my complete CDD fee guide before you sign anything.
Quick Overview: Major Builders in Tampa Bay
| Builder | Active Areas | Price Range | Typical Home Sizes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lennar | Riverview, Wesley Chapel, Wimauma, Zephyrhills | $220K-$450K | 1,400-3,200 sq ft |
| DR Horton | Riverview, Zephyrhills, Plant City, Wimauma | $200K-$380K | 1,200-2,800 sq ft |
| Ryan Homes | Riverview, Wesley Chapel, Land O' Lakes | $230K-$400K | 1,500-3,000 sq ft |
| Taylor Morrison | Riverview, Wesley Chapel, Sarasota corridor | $280K-$550K | 1,800-3,500 sq ft |
| Meritage Homes | Riverview, Wesley Chapel, Wimauma | $250K-$480K | 1,600-3,200 sq ft |
| M/I Homes | Riverview, FishHawk, Wesley Chapel | $300K-$500K | 1,800-3,400 sq ft |
| Homes by WestBay | Wesley Chapel, Wiregrass area | $280K-$550K | 1,800-3,600 sq ft |
| Pulte Homes | Riverview, Wesley Chapel, Land O' Lakes | $250K-$450K | 1,500-3,100 sq ft |
Prices reflect the Tampa Bay market as of mid-2019. Builder pricing changes frequently based on phase releases, incentives, and lot availability.
Why Buy New Construction Instead of a Resale Home?
The decision between new construction and resale comes down to priorities. Neither option is universally better - it depends on your budget, timeline, and what you value most. Here's why many of my Tampa Bay buyers choose new construction:
- Everything is new. No worn-out roof, no 15-year-old HVAC, no mystery plumbing issues. Major systems carry manufacturer warranties, and the builder provides a structural warranty.
- Modern floor plans. Open concepts, larger owner's suites, bigger closets, and kitchen islands are standard in most new builds. Resale homes from the 1990s and earlier tend to have compartmentalized layouts.
- Energy efficiency. New homes are built to current Florida energy codes. Better insulation, impact-rated windows, and high-efficiency HVAC systems mean lower utility bills - often $50-$100/month less than comparable older homes.
- Current building codes. Post-2002 Florida building codes are significantly stronger than what existed before. New construction meets the latest wind and structural requirements.
- Customization. If you buy early in the build process, you can choose your lot, floor plan, exterior colors, flooring, countertops, cabinets, and fixtures.
- Builder incentives. Builders frequently offer closing cost credits, rate buydowns, or free upgrades - especially toward the end of a quarter or when closing out a phase.
The trade-off? New construction communities are almost always farther from downtown Tampa. You'll typically find them in Riverview, Wimauma, Wesley Chapel, and Zephyrhills - areas where developers can buy large parcels of undeveloped land. If walkability or proximity to urban amenities matters to you, resale in an established neighborhood might be the better call.
Major Builders Active in Tampa Bay
I work with all of the major national and regional builders in the Tampa Bay area. Here's an honest breakdown of each based on what I've seen in the homes they deliver and the feedback I get from buyers after move-in.
Lennar
Lennar is the most active builder in Tampa Bay right now. Their "Everything's Included" model means most upgrades (granite counters, stainless appliances, etc.) come standard, which simplifies the buying process. You won't spend hours in a design center choosing options. The downside: less customization. Lennar communities are widespread across Riverview, Wesley Chapel, and Wimauma. Their price points tend to be competitive, especially for entry-level buyers.
DR Horton
DR Horton is the largest homebuilder in the country by volume, and they're very active in the Tampa Bay market. They build at the most affordable price points - often starting in the low $200s. Their Express Homes line targets first-time buyers with smaller floor plans and fewer upgrade options. Build quality is standard production-grade. If budget is your primary driver, DR Horton is usually worth a look.
Ryan Homes
Ryan Homes offers solid entry-level to mid-range homes. Their NVR mortgage arm (NVHomes) often provides aggressive financing incentives - sometimes $10K-$15K in closing cost credits if you use their preferred lender. That's a significant number for a first-time buyer. Floor plans are straightforward and functional.
Taylor Morrison
Taylor Morrison positions itself as a step above the volume builders. Their finishes tend to be higher quality, the design centers offer more options, and the floor plans are thoughtfully laid out. You'll pay more - their homes start higher than Lennar or DR Horton - but many buyers feel the difference in quality is worth the premium. Active in Riverview and Wesley Chapel.
Meritage Homes
Meritage markets heavily on energy efficiency, and their homes deliver on that promise. They use spray foam insulation, ENERGY STAR-rated appliances, and high-performance HVAC systems. If low utility costs matter to you, Meritage is worth a close look. They build in the mid-range price points across Riverview and Wesley Chapel.
New Construction Hotspots in Tampa Bay
If you're looking for new construction, these are the areas where you'll find the most options right now:
Riverview
Riverview has more new construction communities than anywhere else in Hillsborough County. Developments along Balm Road, Big Bend Road, and the US-301 corridor offer homes from the low $200s into the $400s. CDD fees are common here. Commute to downtown Tampa runs 30-45 minutes depending on your specific location and traffic. Riverview's growth has been explosive, and the infrastructure is still catching up.
Wesley Chapel
Wesley Chapel is the Pasco County equivalent of Riverview - massive growth, new communities everywhere, and a wide range of price points. The area around the Wiregrass Mall and along SR-54/56 has become a commercial hub with strong amenities. Wesley Chapel tends to price slightly higher than Riverview, but the newer schools and retail development attract a lot of families.
Wimauma
Wimauma is where you'll find the lowest new construction prices in the Tampa Bay metro. Communities here are farther south, which means longer commutes. But if you work remotely or don't need to be in Tampa daily, Wimauma gives you a newer home for significantly less. Builders like Lennar and DR Horton are building aggressively in this area.
Zephyrhills and East Pasco
Zephyrhills is an emerging market for new construction. Lower land costs translate to lower home prices, and several builders have opened communities here. The trade-off is distance - you're 40-50 minutes from Tampa. But property taxes in Pasco are generally lower than Hillsborough, and the rural character appeals to buyers who want space and quiet.
The New Construction Buying Process: Step by Step
Buying new construction follows a different timeline and process than a resale purchase. Here's how it typically works in the Tampa Bay market:
- Get pre-approved for financing. Do this before visiting any model homes. Builders want to know you're a qualified buyer before they invest time with you.
- Visit communities with your agent. Walk the models, review floor plans, and ask about lot availability. Your agent (that's me) should be with you on your first visit - more on why below.
- Select your lot and floor plan. Lot premiums vary. Corner lots, conservation lots, and pond lots cost more. The lot you choose also determines your home's orientation and backyard size.
- Visit the design center. This is where you choose your upgrades - countertops, cabinets, flooring, fixtures, and more. Budget carefully. It's easy to add $30K-$50K in upgrades.
- Sign the builder's purchase contract. This is not the standard Florida real estate contract. Builder contracts are written by the builder's attorneys to protect the builder. Your agent should review every clause.
- Construction begins. Typical build times in Tampa Bay run 4-8 months depending on the builder, floor plan, and permitting timelines.
- Schedule a pre-drywall inspection. Before the drywall goes up, hire an independent inspector to check framing, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC rough-ins. This is critical - once the walls are closed, you can't see what's behind them.
- Final walkthrough. You'll walk the completed home with the builder's representative and create a punch list of items that need correction before closing.
- Closing. Builder closings typically happen at the builder's preferred title company. Expect the process to be similar to a resale closing, but the builder controls the timeline.
Builder Contracts vs. Standard Florida Contracts
This is one of the most important things to understand about new construction: the builder's purchase agreement is not the standard Florida AS-IS or FAR/BAR contract you'd use in a resale transaction. Builder contracts are drafted by the builder's legal team, and they heavily favor the builder. Here's what to watch for:
- Limited contingencies. Most builder contracts have no inspection contingency and a restricted financing contingency. If you can't close, your earnest money may be at risk.
- Builder controls the closing date. The builder picks the closing date, and it can shift. Build delays are common, and the contract usually gives the builder significant leeway to extend the timeline.
- Escalation clauses. Some contracts allow the builder to increase the price if material costs rise during construction. Read the fine print.
- Earnest money terms. Builder earnest money deposits are often larger than resale deposits - typically 3%-5% of the purchase price. Understand the refund conditions before you sign.
- Builder's preferred lender and title company. Builders will push you to use their in-house lender and title company. You're not required to, but the builder's incentives often only apply if you do. Weigh the incentive value against the lender's rates and fees.
I tell every buyer: read the contract carefully and don't assume it works like a standard resale contract. Having your own agent review the builder's agreement before you sign is one of the smartest things you can do.
Why You Need Your OWN Agent for New Construction
This is the point I make to every single buyer who tells me they're "just going to check out some model homes this weekend." The sales representatives in the model home work for the builder, not for you. They're friendly and knowledgeable, but their job is to sell the builder's homes at the highest possible price with the fewest concessions. That's not a criticism - it's their role.
Here's what your own buyer's agent does that the builder's rep won't:
- Reviews the builder contract and explains clauses that could cost you money
- Negotiates incentives beyond what the builder advertises - closing costs, upgrades, rate buydowns
- Advises on which upgrades add resale value and which are overpriced at the design center
- Recommends an independent inspector for both pre-drywall and final inspections
- Monitors the build process and communicates with the builder's construction manager on your behalf
- Compares the builder's pricing to what you'd get in a resale home for the same money
And here's the key: bringing your own agent costs you nothing extra. The builder pays the buyer agent's commission, and it's already factored into the base price. If you show up without an agent, the builder simply keeps that commission. You don't save money - you lose representation.
Important: Most builders require your agent to be present on your first visit to the community and to register you. If you visit alone first, some builders will refuse to pay a buyer agent commission later. Always bring your agent on the first visit.
Upgrades: What's Worth It and What's a Waste
The design center is where builders make a huge portion of their profit margin. Everything looks beautiful in the showroom, and it's easy to spend $40K-$60K on upgrades before you realize what happened. Here's my honest breakdown based on what I've seen hold value at resale:
Worth the Money
- Kitchen countertop upgrades (granite/quartz). Buyers expect stone countertops. The builder's upgrade price is usually reasonable compared to doing it after the fact.
- Flooring upgrades in main living areas. Tile or luxury vinyl plank throughout the first floor. Upgrading from carpet to hard flooring in living areas pays for itself at resale.
- Additional electrical outlets and pre-wiring. Adding outlets, USB ports, and pre-wiring for ceiling fans or surround sound is cheap during construction and very expensive after drywall.
- Covered lanai or extended pation. Outdoor living space is a major selling point in Florida. A covered lanai upgrade during construction costs far less than adding one later.
- Lot premium for a desirable lot. Conservation, pond, or cul-de-sac lots hold their premium at resale. A good lot is the one upgrade you truly can't add later.
Skip or Do Later
- Cabinet hardware. Builder markup is extreme. Buy hardware from Amazon or a home improvement store and install yourself for a fraction of the cost.
- Light fixtures. Same story. Builder-grade fixtures are overpriced. Swap them out after closing for far less.
- Blinds and window treatments. Builders charge 3x-4x what you'd pay through an independent installer or a home improvement store.
- Landscaping beyond basic. The builder's landscaping packages are overpriced. Hire a local landscaper after closing and get more for less.
- Appliance upgrades. Unless you want a built-in refrigerator or professional-grade range, you can usually find better deals during appliance sales at Lowe's or Home Depot.
CDD Fees in New Construction Communities
Almost every new construction community in the Tampa Bay area has a Community Development District (CDD). CDD fees fund the infrastructure the developer built - roads, water management, parks, and amenities - through bond assessments that appear on your property tax bill. In the Tampa Bay market, CDD fees typically range from $1,200 to $3,600 per year ($100-$300 per month).
This is a significant ongoing cost that many buyers don't account for. A $250K new construction home with a $2,400/year CDD fee and a $1,200/year HOA fee adds $300/month to your housing costs on top of your mortgage, taxes, and insurance. I've seen buyers get pre-approved for a certain price and then realize they can't comfortably afford the home once CDD and HOA fees are factored in.
