New Construction vs Resale
55+ Communities in Florida — 2026 Guide

2026 Buyer Guide·Nova55Living Research

The vast majority of Central Florida's best-known 55+ communities are now resale-only — Del Webb Bexley, Kings Point, Solivita, Latitude Margaritaville Daytona, and others sold out their last builder contracts in 2023–2025. Buyers who walk into these communities expecting a new-construction experience are going to be navigating a resale market, which operates by different rules. Understanding the distinction upfront saves significant confusion.

New Construction
  • Builder structural warranty (1-2-10 year typical)
  • Your finish selections — cabinets, flooring, counters
  • Modern energy efficiency and systems
  • No deferred maintenance from previous owner
  • Builder handles construction timeline
  • Premium price over comparable resale
  • Construction delays — timeline uncertainty
  • Active construction noise/traffic in community
  • Fewer available communities — most are sold out
  • Less established social fabric — fewer long-term residents
Resale
  • Usually lower price per square foot than new
  • Mature landscaping and established neighborhoods
  • Established community social fabric and clubs
  • Immediate availability — no construction wait
  • More community options — most major communities are resale
  • Previous owner's finish choices — may need updating
  • Deferred maintenance risk — inspect thoroughly
  • No builder warranty — inspection is critical
  • Older homes may need system updates (roof, HVAC, plumbing)

Have questions about what you're reading? A specialist can walk you through real costs, honest comparisons, and what's actually available right now — free, no obligation.

Talk to a Specialist →

Where You Can Still Buy New Construction (2026)

CommunityStatusBuilderPrice Range
Trilogy at Ocala PreserveNew Construction AvailableShea Homes$265K–$550K+
Sun City Center — The PreserveVery LimitedVarious$300K+
Del Webb BexleyResale OnlySold out 2023$385K+
Kings PointResale OnlyFully built$100K+
SolivitaResale OnlyFully built$230K+
Latitude Margaritaville DaytonaResale Only — Sold out May 2025Minto$320K+

The Builder Warranty — What It's Actually Worth

New construction in Florida typically comes with a standard builder warranty: 1 year on workmanship, 2 years on mechanical systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical), and 10 years on structural defects. This is real protection — it means that if a systems issue emerges in year one, the builder addresses it at no cost.

Resale buyers don't have this protection. A resale home with a 5-year-old HVAC system might need replacement in year 3 of your ownership — that's your expense. Budget 1–2% of the home's value annually for maintenance and repairs in a resale purchase, more for pre-2000 construction.

🎯
Free · No Obligation · Vetted Agents

Ready to move from research to real conversations about this community?

We connect buyers with agents who know this market from the inside — real cost math, honest comparisons, and what's actually happening right now. Every agent is personally vetted by the Nova55Living founder. No scripts, no pressure.

Why Most Buyers End Up in Resale

Most buyers researching Tampa-area 55+ communities will end up in resale markets — not by choice, but because new construction availability is extremely limited. The practical advice: approach resale purchases with the same diligence you'd apply to any used home, get a thorough inspection, and don't assume that because a community has a strong reputation, individual homes within it are in good condition. They are as varied as any other resale market.

New construction or resale?

Connect with a vetted local specialist who can walk you through current availability and what to inspect on resale homes.

Get Expert Help
Free Consultation · Vetted Agents · No Obligation

Ready to take the next step on
the right 55+ community?

Connect with a specialist who knows this market from the inside — real cost math, honest community comparisons, and what's actually happening right now. Every agent is personally vetted by the Nova55Living founder.

Connect with a Specialist →
Personally vetted by the Nova55Living founderNo scripts. No pressure.Always free