Orlando New Construction Guide: Communities, Builders, and Prices (2026)

New Construction in Greater Orlando: An Overview

New construction is a major part of the Greater Orlando housing market. As the region continues to grow, new communities are being built across all five counties, offering everything from entry-level townhomes to luxury estate homes. For many relocating buyers, buying new construction can be an attractive option: a home that has never been lived in, modern energy-efficient features, builder warranties, and the ability to customize finishes in many cases.

However, new construction also comes with unique considerations: Community Development District (CDD) fees that appear on your tax bill, homeowners association (HOA) requirements, and the need to understand what is included in the base price versus what costs extra. This guide covers the major new construction corridors in the region and what buyers should consider.

Horizon West (Winter Garden): Master-Planned Growth

Horizon West is one of the largest and fastest-growing master-planned areas in Central Florida, located in southwest Orange County near Winter Garden. It is a designated growth area that includes dozens of individual communities, each with its own character, builder lineup, and amenity package.

Price range (2026): Townhomes and entry-level single-family homes from approximately $420,000 to $450,000. Mid-range single-family homes from $500,000 to $700,000. Estate homes on larger lots from $700,000 to $900,000+.

Active builders: Pulte Homes, Dream Finders Homes, DRB Homes, Ashton Woods, Meritage Homes, M/I Homes, Lennar, D.R. Horton, and Lanci. New phases in areas like Parkside Trails and Hills of Minneola start in the low-$400,000 range.

Amenities: Most Horizon West communities include community pools, parks, playgrounds, and walking trails. The area has convenient access to State Road 429 (Western Beltway) for commuting to downtown Orlando, Disney, and the International Airport.

Considerations: CDD fees are common in Horizon West communities and can range from $1,000 to $2,500 per year. The area is still developing, with new retail and commercial centers coming online in phases. Traffic on major routes like Winter Garden Vineland Road can be heavy during peak hours.

Lake Nona: Medical City and Tech Focus

Lake Nona is a master-planned community in southeast Orlando that has become a hub for health, technology, and innovation. It is home to the Lake Nona Medical City, a major health and life sciences cluster that includes the UCF College of Medicine, Nemours Children's Hospital, the VA Hospital, and numerous research institutes. The community also features a strong focus on technology and smart city initiatives.

Price range (2026): Condos and townhomes from approximately $355,000. Single-family homes from the mid-$500,000 range. Estate homes in premium locations (golf course, water, or preserve views) can reach $1.5 million or more. Toll Brothers offers luxury homes starting over $1 million in certain sections.

Active builders: Pulte Homes (three active communities including Estates at Nona Sound and Cove at Nona Sound), Toll Brothers, Beazer Homes, David Weekley Homes, Taylor Morrison, Meritage Homes, Lennar, D.R. Horton, and Landsea Homes.

Amenities: Lake Nona offers extensive amenities including the Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, the YMCA at Lake Nona, multiple parks and trails, and the Town Center with shopping and dining. The community is designed with walkable neighborhoods and bike-friendly infrastructure.

Considerations: Lake Nona is further from downtown Orlando (approximately 20 to 25 minutes without traffic). Homes in this community tend to have higher price points and may have both HOA and CDD fees. The area is popular with medical professionals and tech workers employed at the Medical City or nearby. For more information, see our Lake Nona community page.

St. Cloud: Affordable New Builds with Growth Trajectory

St. Cloud, located in Osceola County southeast of Orlando, has seen a surge in new construction activity, particularly along the Narcoossee Road corridor and in the Sunbridge master-planned development. It offers some of the most affordable new construction options in the region within commuting distance of Orlando's major employment centers.

Price range (2026): Entry-level townhomes from the high $200,000s to low $300,000s. Single-family homes from the high $300,000s to $700,000+, with most mid-range homes in the $400,000 to $550,000 range.

Active builders: Lennar, Dream Finders Homes, Pulte Homes, KB Home, M/I Homes, David Weekley Homes, Toll Brothers, Ashton Woods, Meritage Homes, Highland Homes, D.R. Horton, DRB Homes, Taylor Morrison, and Trinity Family Builders.

Amenities: Newer communities in St. Cloud feature modern amenity centers with pools, fitness centers, and parks. Sunbridge, a major master-planned community on the St. Cloud side, is being built with a town center, schools, and extensive trail systems. Nearby Lake Toho offers fishing and boating.

Considerations: St. Cloud is a rapidly growing area, and infrastructure is still catching up. Traffic on Narcoossee Road and U.S. 192 can be significant during commute hours. The area is more affordable but farther from downtown Orlando (approximately 30 to 45 minutes without traffic). For more information, see our St. Cloud community page.

Winter Garden: Established New Communities

Winter Garden, in west Orange County, has evolved from a small citrus town into one of Central Florida's most desirable suburbs. Its historic downtown on Plant Street has become a destination for restaurants, breweries, and shopping. New construction communities in and around Winter Garden offer a mix of price points and home styles.

Price range (2026): Single-family homes from approximately $435,000 (D.R. Horton at Waterleigh) to over $1 million for luxury estates in communities like Oakland Park. Mid-range homes typically fall in the $500,000 to $800,000 range.

Active builders: Dream Finders Homes (Hamlin Meadows from $435K, Serenade at Ovation from $503K), D.R. Horton, Meritage Homes, Pulte Homes (Winter Grove from $740K), M/I Homes (Lake Star at Ovation from $500K), Ashton Woods, K. Hovnanian, Taylor Morrison, RockWell Homes, Del Webb, and DRB Homes. Ten national and regional builders are actively selling across 11 or more communities in the area.

Amenities: The Winter Garden area offers access to the West Orange Trail, Lake Apopka, multiple golf courses, and the Disney-area employment corridor via State Road 429. The historic downtown district hosts a farmers market and seasonal events.

Considerations: Popular areas like Waterleigh and the Ovation communities have CDD fees. Commuting to downtown Orlando via the 429 and I-4 can be congested during peak hours. Home prices have risen significantly in recent years due to demand. For more information, see our Winter Garden community page.

Brevard County: Space Coast Growth

While not part of the five-county core Greater Orlando area, Brevard County (home to the Space Coast and Kennedy Space Center) sees considerable new construction activity, particularly in the Viera, Melbourne, and Palm Bay areas. Brevard offers a coastal lifestyle option for buyers who want proximity to the beach while remaining within commuting distance to parts of east Orange County and the Orlando International Airport.

Price range (2026): New single-family homes typically range from the low $300,000s to $600,000+. Viera, a large master-planned community, offers a wide range of options with multiple builders.

Active builders: Lennar, D.R. Horton, Pulte Homes, KB Home, Meritage Homes, and others active in various communities along the I-95 corridor.

Major Builders Active in Central Florida

Several national and regional homebuilders are active across the Greater Orlando market. Here is a brief overview of the most common:

Lennar: One of the largest builders in the U.S., known for "Everything's Included" pricing. Active in nearly every new construction corridor in Central Florida. Generally offers mid-range to affordable prices.
Pulte Homes: Operates under both the Pulte and Centex brands. Pulte offers higher-end homes with more customization options; Centex offers more affordable, move-in ready homes.
KB Home: Known for the "Built to Order" model that allows buyers to customize features and finishes. Active primarily in Osceola and Polk counties, with some Orange County communities.
D.R. Horton: America's largest homebuilder by volume. Offers homes from entry-level to luxury under the D.R. Horton and Express Homes brands.
Toll Brothers: A luxury national builder active in Lake Nona, St. Cloud (Sunbridge), and other premium locations. Homes typically start in the $600,000 to $700,000 range and go well over $1 million.
Taylor Morrison: A national builder with communities across Orange, Seminole, and Lake counties. Known for design studios and home personalization options.
Meritage Homes: Focuses on energy-efficient homes with builder-certified energy performance. Active in Horizon West, Winter Garden, St. Cloud, and Lake Nona.
Dream Finders Homes: A regional builder (headquartered in Jacksonville) with a strong Central Florida presence. Offers competitive pricing and a range of floor plans.

What to Know About New Construction Warranties

New construction homes come with warranties that cover different aspects of the home for different time periods. Understanding what is covered and for how long is essential. Typical Florida new construction warranty coverage includes:

One-year warranty: Covers workmanship and materials for general construction issues. Most things that break or fail due to defects during the first year are covered.
Two-year warranty: Covers mechanical systems including plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. If the air conditioner fails in the second year due to a defect, the builder will repair or replace it.
Ten-year structural warranty: Covers major structural defects that affect the foundation, load-bearing walls, and roof structure. This is typically insured through a third-party warranty provider (such as RWC or 2-10 HBW) rather than the builder directly.

Read the warranty documents carefully before signing. Understand what is excluded (landscaping, driveways, normal settling, cosmetic issues) and what your responsibilities are for maintenance. Perform a thorough walkthrough and document any issues before closing. Many builders offer a one-year walkthrough to address items that have appeared during the first year of occupancy.

HOA and CDD Considerations in New Communities

New construction communities almost always have both a Homeowners Association (HOA) and, in many cases, a Community Development District (CDD). The HOA enforces community rules and maintains common areas. The CDD is a special-purpose government entity that finances infrastructure such as roads, water systems, and parks.

Important points:

CDD fees appear on your annual property tax bill and are separate from HOA dues.
Total annual costs for HOA and CDD combined can range from $1,500 to over $5,000 per year, depending on the community.
CDD bonds are typically paid off over 20 to 30 years. Even after the bonds mature, the CDD may continue to collect fees for maintenance.
Ask the builder or developer for a complete cost sheet showing current HOA dues and CDD assessments before you make a decision.
HOA rules in new communities can be comprehensive, covering paint colors, fencing, landscaping, parking, and rental restrictions. Read the governing documents carefully.

For a deeper dive, see our Homeowner's Guide for more on HOA and CDD considerations, and our Property Tax Guide for how CDD fees interact with your tax bill.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Construction

What is included in the base price of a new construction home?

The base price typically includes the home structure, standard finishes, and a basic lot. Upgrades for premium finishes, flooring, countertops, cabinetry, and lot location (water view, preserve view, larger lot) cost extra. Builders' design centers offer options ranging from a few thousand dollars for minor upgrades to tens of thousands for full customizations.

Can I negotiate on the price of a new construction home?

Yes, builders may offer incentives such as closing cost assistance, rate buy-downs, or free upgrades, especially when inventory is higher or during slower sales periods. The list price is not always the final price. Work with your agent to understand what incentives are available.

Should I use the builder's preferred lender?

Builders often offer incentives (closing cost credits, rate discounts) for using their in-house or preferred lender. These can be valuable, but you should still compare rates and fees from outside lenders. Your agent can help you evaluate the offers.

Do I need a real estate agent for new construction?

Yes. The builder pays the buyer's agent commission from their marketing budget, so it does not cost you anything to have representation. Your agent can help you negotiate, review contracts, navigate the builder's process, and protect your interests. Register with your agent on your first visit to the community, not after you have already signed in.

How long does it take to build a new home in Orlando?

Construction typically takes 6 to 12 months from contract to closing, depending on the builder, home size, customization level, and supply chain conditions. Some builders offer "quick move-in" homes that are already under construction or completed.