Do I need a real estate agent to buy new construction in Tampa Bay?

You are not legally required to use a buyer's agent for new construction, but it is strongly advisable. The builder's sales representative works for the builder, not for you. A buyer's agent costs you nothing -- the builder has already priced agent commission into the sale price -- and an experienced agent will help you evaluate upgrade pricing, negotiate incentives, understand CDD and HOA structures, and manage the closing process. Bring your agent to your first visit or register them before first contact with the builder's sales team.

Which builder has the best quality in Tampa Bay?

Regional builders Homes by WestBay, Cardel Homes, and David Weekley Homes consistently earn above-average quality ratings in Tampa Bay. Among national builders, Meritage Homes' energy efficiency standards and M/I Homes' 10-year structural warranty are notable differentiators. Toll Brothers targets the luxury segment with higher standard specifications. Large volume builders like Lennar and DR Horton build at competitive price points with more variable quality. An independent pre-closing inspection is always recommended regardless of builder.

Where is the most new construction happening in Hillsborough County?

The most active new construction corridors in Hillsborough County are Riverview (US-301 and Big Bend Road corridors), Wimauma (Valencia Del Sol and Southshore Bay), and Apollo Beach (Waterset). FishHawk Ranch has limited remaining inventory as it approaches buildout.

Can I negotiate the price on new construction in Tampa Bay?

Builders rarely discount base prices directly in active-selling communities. However, negotiation on incentives is common: closing cost contributions, mortgage rate buydowns, lot premium reductions, upgrade credits, and move-in packages are all negotiable. Quick-move-in spec homes are more negotiable than to-be-built homes, as the builder is motivated to close quickly.

What are CDD fees and do all new construction communities have them?

Community Development District (CDD) fees fund the infrastructure and amenities in larger planned communities and are assessed annually through the property tax bill. Not all new construction communities have CDD fees. Communities with CDD fees include Waterset in Apollo Beach, Valencia Del Sol in Wimauma, and several Riverview communities. CDD fees typically add $1,500 to $4,000 per year to the annual cost of ownership.

How long does new construction take in Tampa Bay?

A to-be-built home typically takes 6 to 12 months from contract to closing. Quick-move-in spec homes can close in 30 to 60 days. Supply chain improvements since COVID-era delays have brought build times closer to historical norms. Buyers who need to be in a home by a specific date should factor build timeline uncertainty into their planning.

Should I use the builder's lender or find my own?

Get a quote from the builder's preferred lender and compare it against at least two outside lenders on the same day for the same loan type and term. Builder incentives tied to using their lender are sometimes meaningful and sometimes modest. Never use the builder's lender without comparison shopping -- the builder's incentive may or may not be the best deal available.

Which builders are active in FishHawk Ranch?

Builders who have been active in FishHawk Ranch include David Weekley Homes (Encore 55-plus and other product), Park Square Homes, and Homes by WestBay. As FishHawk Ranch approaches buildout, resale inventory has become the primary market mechanism, though some builder inventory in specific sections remains.

What is the price range for new construction in Riverview, FL?

Entry-level townhomes in Riverview start in the low $200,000s to low $300,000s. Mid-range single-family homes run $300,000 to $500,000. Upper-middle and move-up product runs $450,000 to $700,000-plus. Riverview encompasses many separate communities with different builder mixes, price points, CDD structures, and school feeder zones -- it requires community-by-community analysis rather than being treated as a single market.

Do new construction homes in Tampa Bay come with warranties?

Yes. Most major builders provide limited warranties: typically 1 year for workmanship and materials, 2 years for mechanical systems, and 10 years for structural defects. M/I Homes offers a 10-year structural warranty as a standard feature. A thorough pre-closing inspection by a buyer-hired inspector is the best protection against discovering issues after closing.

How do I compare builders side by side in Tampa Bay?

Compare beyond base price: evaluate design center upgrade pricing for the features you want, CDD and HOA fees, lot premiums, builder incentives and their conditions, warranty coverage, build timeline, and the specific community's schools, amenities, and resale comp history. Barrett Henry provides structured builder comparisons for buyers cross-shopping multiple builders and communities.

Tampa Bay Home Builders Guide - Barrett Henry Real Estate

Tampa Bay Home Builders Guide: New Construction by Builder and Community

Tampa Bay is one of the most active new construction markets in the United States, with more than a dozen major national and regional builders currently selling homes across Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Hernando counties. New construction in the Tampa Bay area ranges from entry-level townhomes in the low $200,000s in outer Riverview and Wimauma to luxury custom estates above $2 million in master-planned communities and coastal settings. Choosing a builder is as important as choosing a community, because builder quality, included features, warranty programs, and customer experience vary significantly across the market.

Barrett Henry has worked with buyers purchasing new construction from virtually every major builder active in the Tampa Bay area. A knowledgeable buyer’s agent is just as valuable in a new construction transaction as in a resale — the builder’s sales team represents the builder, not you. Barrett represents buyers in new construction transactions at no additional cost to the buyer (the builder pays the buyer’s agent commission), and he negotiates upgrades, closing costs, and lot premiums on behalf of his clients. This guide will help you understand what each major builder offers and where they are building across Tampa Bay.

See the individual community guides at Hillsborough County, All Communities, and individual community pages for neighborhood-level detail on where specific builders are building and what the surrounding community offers.

National Builders Active in Tampa Bay

Lennar Homes

Lennar is one of the largest homebuilders in the United States and has one of the broadest footprints across the Tampa Bay area. Lennar is known for its “Everything’s Included” approach, which bundles features that other builders sell as upgrades (stainless appliances, quartz countertops, smart home features, tile flooring) into the base price. This makes Lennar homes easier to compare on paper than builders who start with minimal base specs and add costs through the design center.

Tampa Bay communities: Riverview (multiple communities including Panther Trace, Triple Creek, and South Fork), Wimauma, Apollo Beach (Waterset), Ruskin, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, Odessa, Land O’ Lakes, Sarasota County, and others. Lennar is consistently one of the most active builders in the southeastern Hillsborough corridor.

Price range: Approximately $280,000 to $600,000-plus depending on community and product line. Lennar’s Active Adult division operates under the Lennar brand and builds 55-plus communities including some in the Tampa Bay area.

Product lines: Lennar offers multiple series including Express Homes (entry-level, smaller plans), Lennar core product (mid-range), and luxury collections in select communities. Home sizes range from approximately 1,400 square feet to 4,000-plus square feet.

Reputation notes: Lennar’s “Everything’s Included” model is popular with buyers who want predictable pricing without design center fatigue. Construction quality reviews are mixed and vary by community and local superintendent. Customer service during and after construction varies. The builder’s size and buying power allow competitive pricing in most markets.

D.R. Horton

D.R. Horton is the largest homebuilder in the United States by volume and is extensively active across all of Tampa Bay’s growth corridors. DR Horton operates under multiple brand names in the Tampa area: D.R. Horton (core brand), Express Homes (entry-level), Emerald Homes (luxury), Freedom Homes (active adult), and Tradition Homes. This gives the company coverage across virtually the full price spectrum from the low $200,000s to $700,000-plus.

Tampa Bay communities: Riverview (multiple communities), Ruskin, Wimauma, Apollo Beach, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, Land O’ Lakes, Spring Hill, and many more. DR Horton typically has the most active community count of any single builder in the Tampa Bay market at any given time.

Price range: Approximately $220,000 (Express Homes townhomes) to $700,000-plus (Emerald communities). The bulk of DR Horton production in Tampa Bay runs $280,000 to $500,000.

Product lines: Express Homes focuses on value and speed of production with a more limited selection of plans. Core DR Horton communities offer more plan variety and upgrade options. Emerald Homes targets the luxury buyer with larger plans and higher standard specifications.

Reputation notes: DR Horton is known for building quickly and at competitive price points. The tradeoff is that construction quality and included features at base price are more modest than some competitors. Buyers working with DR Horton benefit from experienced buyer representation to evaluate upgrade pricing and negotiate incentives, which the builder often offers, particularly for quick-move-in (spec) homes.

Ryan Homes

Ryan Homes (part of NVR, Inc.) operates differently from most large builders in that they typically do not own land — they use land options, which provides financial flexibility. Ryan Homes is active primarily in Hillsborough County’s southeastern corridor and Pasco County’s growth areas. Ryan Homes is known for offering a more personalized buying experience than the largest builders and for its mortgage affiliate (NVR Mortgage), which buyers often find competitive.

Tampa Bay communities: Riverview, Ruskin, Apollo Beach, Wesley Chapel. Ryan Homes tends to operate in fewer communities but with a more focused presence than DR Horton or Lennar.

Price range: Approximately $280,000 to $550,000 for the Tampa Bay market, depending on community and plan selection.

Product lines: Ryan Homes offers townhomes and single-family homes. Floor plans tend to be practical and functional with good livability for the square footage. The builder offers a design center experience with upgrade options.

Reputation notes: Ryan Homes typically earns solid customer satisfaction scores relative to the production builder segment. The NVR land option model can create closing timeline variability that buyers should plan for. Buyers using NVR Mortgage should compare rates with outside lenders as NVR incentives to use their lender are often worth evaluating but not automatically the best deal.

Taylor Morrison

Taylor Morrison is a major national builder that operates toward the upper-middle and luxury segments of the market in Tampa Bay. Taylor Morrison is known for higher quality finishes at base price, thoughtful floor plan design, and more design flexibility than the largest volume builders. The company also operates Esplanade (active adult resort lifestyle communities) under its brand.

Tampa Bay communities: Wesley Chapel (Esplanade and others), Apollo Beach (Waterset), Wimauma (Medley at Southshore Bay active adult), Land O’ Lakes, Sarasota County. Taylor Morrison tends to focus on community-driven product rather than the broadest footprint.

Price range: Approximately $350,000 to $700,000-plus. Esplanade communities command a premium for the resort-style active adult programming they include.

Product lines: Taylor Morrison core brand and Esplanade (active adult). Both lines emphasize community amenity and lifestyle programming alongside the home product itself.

Reputation notes: Taylor Morrison consistently earns strong builder satisfaction ratings. The builder’s design studios tend to offer more meaningful choices than basic production builders. If you are cross-shopping Taylor Morrison against Meritage or Pulte in the $400,000-$600,000 range, the quality comparison should be part of your evaluation.

Meritage Homes

Meritage Homes is a major national builder particularly known for its emphasis on energy efficiency. Meritage was one of the first large production builders to build all homes to ENERGY STAR certification standards and uses spray foam insulation, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and low-E windows as standard rather than optional features. In a Florida climate where air conditioning is the largest single operating cost, this matters for the life of ownership.

Tampa Bay communities: Riverview, Ruskin, Wimauma, Wesley Chapel, Land O’ Lakes, and others. Meritage is active in Hillsborough County’s southeastern growth corridor.

Price range: Approximately $300,000 to $600,000 for most Tampa Bay communities.

Product lines: Meritage builds single-family homes primarily, with a range of plans from entry-level to move-up. The builder’s emphasis on energy performance is consistent across product lines.

Reputation notes: Meritage has a strong reputation for energy efficiency and construction quality relative to price point. The builder’s commitment to standard spray foam insulation is a meaningful differentiator in Florida’s climate. Buyers concerned about long-term utility costs should factor Meritage’s energy performance into total cost of ownership comparisons.

Pulte Homes and DiVosta

PulteGroup is one of the largest builders in the country and operates in Tampa Bay under multiple brands: Pulte Homes (core brand), DiVosta (active adult), and Del Webb (active adult, 55-plus). Pulte is known for its Life Tested design approach, which claims to incorporate buyer feedback into floor plan development. PulteGroup’s Del Webb brand operates several major active adult communities in the Tampa Bay area.

Tampa Bay communities: Del Webb Bexley (Land O’ Lakes, 55-plus), Del Webb Lakewood Ranch (Manatee County), Sun City Center (legacy community, largely built out), DiVosta communities in several locations, and Pulte core product in Riverview, Wesley Chapel, and others.

Price range: Approximately $300,000 to $650,000-plus. Del Webb communities can run $350,000 to $600,000-plus for active adult product.

Product lines: Pulte core product targets the family and move-up buyer. Del Webb and DiVosta target the active adult (55-plus) and resort lifestyle segments. PulteGroup’s scale allows competitive pricing and a broad range of plan options.

Reputation notes: PulteGroup’s brands are generally well-regarded for floor plan functionality and finish quality relative to price. Del Webb communities are among the most established and well-programmed active adult destinations in the country. Buyers considering Del Webb should evaluate the community lifestyle and amenity programming as carefully as the home product itself.

Toll Brothers

Toll Brothers is the largest luxury production homebuilder in the United States and operates in the Tampa Bay area at the upper end of the new construction market. Toll Brothers homes are distinguished by larger standard square footage, more design customization options, higher-end standard finishes, and a buying process that allows more personalization than typical production builders. The Toll Brothers design studio experience is typically more comprehensive and allows more meaningful structural modifications than most competitors in the market.

Tampa Bay communities: Wesley Chapel (Esplanade at Wiregrass and others), Odessa (Starkey Ranch), and select other premium community locations. Toll Brothers focuses on fewer communities with higher price points rather than broad coverage.

Price range: Approximately $550,000 to $1.2 million-plus for Tampa Bay communities. Toll Brothers is positioned above most production builders in price.

Product lines: Toll Brothers primarily builds single-family detached homes with a range of architectural styles. Some communities include villa product. The builder is known for its luxury master bath, gourmet kitchen, and outdoor living options.

Reputation notes: Toll Brothers customers generally report higher satisfaction with the design and buying process than with production builders. Construction quality is generally above production builder average, though the company’s size means quality can vary by community. For buyers in the $600,000-plus new construction range, Toll Brothers is a strong candidate to evaluate alongside semi-custom builders.

Ashton Woods and Starlight Homes

Ashton Woods is a privately held builder known for architectural distinction and design-forward homes. The company also operates Starlight Homes as an entry-level brand targeting first-time buyers with accessible price points. Ashton Woods homes are frequently cited for design quality and architectural variety compared to the more uniform aesthetics of some large national builders.

Tampa Bay communities: Ashton Woods and Starlight Homes are active in Riverview, Wesley Chapel, Wimauma (Southshore Bay), and other growth corridors. Starlight Homes focuses on the entry-level and first-time buyer segment.

Price range: Starlight Homes: approximately $230,000 to $380,000. Ashton Woods: approximately $350,000 to $650,000-plus.

Reputation notes: Ashton Woods earns strong marks for design quality and the architectural variety of its communities. Starlight Homes provides a useful option for entry-level buyers who want design-forward finishes without the full Ashton Woods price premium.

M/I Homes

M/I Homes is a major publicly traded homebuilder that has grown its Tampa Bay presence significantly in recent years. M/I Homes is known for a 10-year structural warranty (industry standard is often just 1 year for workmanship) and a focus on quality control that positions it somewhat above the largest volume builders. The builder’s MiHome Connect smart home package is included standard in all homes.

Tampa Bay communities: Wesley Chapel, Land O’ Lakes, Riverview, Ruskin, and expanding presence across the Tampa Bay growth corridors.

Price range: Approximately $300,000 to $600,000 for most Tampa Bay communities.