Having spent decades guiding buyers and sellers through every twist and turn of the Central Virginia real estate market, I’ve seen a few surprises—but this recent trend with new construction is a standout. Traditionally, new homes have always come with a higher price tag per square foot, but builder incentives are now rewriting that old rulebook. With many homeowners staying put and inventory of existing homes tighter, builders are motivated to move their completed properties, leading to price adjustments and attractive incentives that challenge the old premium.
What does this mean for you? Where builders have a strong inventory, there’s often more room for negotiation than you’d expect—sometimes even better value than resales. On the flip side, in areas where new construction is scarce, resale homes can still command top dollar. As someone who’s not only a Realtor but also a licensed builder and retired certified home inspector, I’ve seen firsthand how these shifts open up fresh opportunities for buyers. Keep an eye on local construction and permitting activity; if building slows, those new home discounts could narrow. If you’re weighing your options, it’s a unique moment to compare new and resale properties from every angle.
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