Question: What are the advantages and drawbacks of choosing a new construction home vs. an existing home when buying in Windermere, Florida?

If you’re buying in Windermere, new construction homes often cost more upfront, take longer to build, and carry premium lot prices, but they give you customization, modern systems, and warranty protections. Existing homes typically allow you to move in sooner, may come with mature landscaping or character, and sometimes a lower purchase price, but they may need updates or more maintenance. Which is right for you depends on your timeline, budget, and how much customization you want.

What Does “New Construction” vs. “Existing Home” Mean in Windermere?

• New Construction: Homes built from the ground up, either in a planned community or on a private lot. They often allow you to choose finishes, layouts, and features. Explore Nnew construction homes in Windermere here.

• Existing Homes: Properties already built and occupied in established neighborhoods. Explore existing Windermere homes here.

In Windermere, both options exist across the luxury spectrum, from gated subdivisions to custom lakefront estates. Lot prices, builder availability, and neighborhood desirability all influence your choice.

Cost Comparisons in Windermere

Windermere is a high-demand luxury market, and that’s reflected in both new and resale pricing:

• Median home prices:

  • Realtor.com shows median listings around $929,000.

  • Redfin puts the median sale price at $1.42 million in recent months (including luxury lakefront estates).

  • Zillow shows a “typical” home value closer to $702,963, though this varies widely by neighborhood.

• New construction prices:

  • New homes in Windermere often list around $1.6 million.

  • The cost per square foot for new builds typically runs $500–$700/ft² due to premium finishes and features.

  • Some new communities, like Palms at Windermere by Dream Finders Homes, start at about $1,059,000 for homes between 2,600–4,800+ sq ft.

• Lot and land costs:

  • Prime lots can exceed $1.5–$2 million before you even start building. Current available lots in Windermere can be seen here. 

  • Build-on-your-lot programs in Windermere range from $320,000 up to nearly $6 million, depending on lot, size, and finishes.

• Existing homes:

  • Resale homes under $1 million are still available, especially if they need updating. Here are some Windermere homes under $1m. 

  • Luxury resale homes (especially lakefront) rival or exceed new-build pricing, but often come with mature trees, established landscaping, and larger lot sizes.

Bottom line: In Windermere, you’re paying a premium either way, but new construction carries higher upfront costs, while resale may involve ongoing renovation expenses.

Timelines & Move-In Readiness

• New Construction

  • Building from scratch usually takes 6–9 months or longer, depending on builder schedules, permitting, weather, and supply chain.

  • Communities like Palms at Windermere occasionally offer “quick move-in” homes to shorten wait times—but these are often priced higher.

  • Infrastructure (roads, landscaping, amenities) may take additional time to fully develop.

• Existing Homes

  • Faster path to move-in—usually 30–60 days after contract.

  • No construction delays—you see the finished product upfront.

If you’re relocating or need housing by a specific deadline, resale homes offer more certainty.

Customization & Features

• New Construction

  • Choose floor plans, cabinetry, flooring, lighting, appliances, and sometimes even layout changes.

  • Comes with modern trends like open plans, large windows, and energy-efficient systems.

  • Everything is new—no immediate remodeling required.

• Existing Homes

  • Layouts and finishes are set; renovations can be costly and unpredictable.

  • Older homes may offer larger lots, mature landscaping, and unique character you can’t buy in new subdivisions.

Warranty, Legal Protections & Risks

• New Construction Warranties

  • Starting July 1, 2025, Florida requires all new single-family homes to come with a 1-year builder warranty covering material defects, systems, and code violations.

  • Many builders also provide structural warranties (often 10 years) and extended systems coverage.

• Risks with New Construction

  • Builder quality varies—research reputations carefully.

  • Upgrades and change orders can quickly raise your budget.

• Existing Homes

  • No builder warranty—any repairs after closing are your responsibility.

  • Home inspection contingencies can help reveal issues before purchase, but you’ll need to plan for repairs and updates.

What This Means for Windermere Buyers

Here are some local takeaways:

• Luxury new construction often commands $1.5M+, with modern finishes and energy-efficient features. See current homes here.

• Resale homes can offer better “value per square foot,” especially under $1M, but may require renovations to bring systems up to today’s standards. Available homes here. 

• Lot scarcity in Windermere drives up new build costs. Many prime sites already have homes, so purchasing a teardown or premium vacant lot can add significantly to your cost.

• Neighborhood feel differs: resale homes may offer mature trees, established HOA communities, and lake access, while new construction neighborhoods may still be under development.

Pros & Cons Summary

Decision Checklist: Which Is Right for You?

1. Timeline: Need housing quickly? Existing homes win.

2. Budget: Can you handle higher upfront costs, or would you rather manage renovations over time?

3. Customization: Do you want to pick finishes, or are you okay with “as-is”?

4. Risk tolerance: Are you comfortable with possible builder delays and rising costs, or do you prefer known conditions with a resale?

5. Neighborhood preference: Do you want a new development, or an established community with mature trees and amenities

Final Takeaway

In Windermere, both new construction and existing homes carry strong appeal. New builds give you luxury finishes, warranty protections, and energy efficiency, but they cost more and require patience. Existing homes offer character, faster move-in, and sometimes a better price point, but may demand updates.

The best choice depends on your priorities, and having a local guide who knows the market makes all the difference.

If you’re weighing the pros and cons of new construction versus existing homes in Windermere, let’s talk about which path fits your goals. I’m Andy Neal, Windermere Realtor, and I’ll help you navigate this choice with clarity and confidence.

📞 Call me today at 407-619-3517 to start your home search.