Builders Adjust 55+ New Home Pricing

Builders offering new homes in Phoenix area 55+ retirement communities have adjusted their pricing in response to current and anticipated market demand.

The two most notable changes are Trilogy at Vistancia in Peoria, who increased their new home prices $30,000 – $80,000 and CantaMia in Goodyear who decreased their pricing $40,000 – $85,000.

Trilogy at Vistancia: Increases Prices $30,000 – $80,000

Trilogy at Vistancia in Peoria, Arizona is one of the more popular and upscale Phoenix area active adult communities. With less than 200 of its 2,450 homesites remaining for new homes sales, Shea Homes is betting that an improved economy, combined with the popularity of this up-scale and conveniently located 55+ retirement community, will increase the demand for the few remaining new home sites.

In response to the anticipated increased demand, they have skyrocketed the pricing on their new homes by as much as $80,000 on the higher end series of models. The models in the lower end series have all had a minimum of $30,000 price increases as well.

For the price point of these homes, that represents a 15% – 25% price increase!

To be fair, the “new” pricing includes their highest levels of energy efficiency, including an advanced solar panel system that is integrated into the tile roofs. However, CantaMia in Goodyear also offers the same level of energy saving features, including solor panels, and they have actually REDUCED their pricing by $40,000 – $85,000 on their new homes.

CantaMia: Decreases Prices $40,000 – $85,000

CantaMia in Goodyear, Arizona is also a beautiful upscale 55+ retirement community. However, this community is very new and only has about 150 homes sold so far.

One of the major objections that buyers often have is that it is too new and doesn’t have enough population to support the level of clubs and activities they are looking for. The community is also somewhat isolated – 12 miles from the I-10 freeway where major shopping and dining are located.

Obvioulsy, the developers are looking to attract people with lower price points who would not otherwise be able to afford such an upscale community so that they can get past the “not enough population” objection and create a more “established” look to the development.

Look for prices to go up quickly once they have enough homes built to get past the “too new” perception.

Other builders have a more moderate outlook – for now

Most other builders have made either very minor price increases of $2,000 – $4,000 or have decided to leave their pricing where it is.

Even this move reflects a more positive outlook though. All of the builders have elimated the big incentives and/or the high-end options that they were previously offering at no additional cost.

Province in Maricopa for example, was including upgraded maple cabinets and granite coutertops. They have increased their prices by a modest $3,000, but they are now back to standard flat-panel oak cabinets and laminate countertops. If you want the maple cabinets and granite counters, you’ll have to pay for the upgrades.

Here’s a rundown of the price changes for each of the developments offering new homes in Phoenix area active adult communities. To see current new home pricing, floorplans, and virtual tours, click on the community name and go to the “new homes” tab below the main photo.

CantaMia by Vitalia$40,000-$85,000
Encanterra by Shea/Trilogy$2,000-$3,000
Mission Royale by Meritage$2,000-$3,000
PebbleCreek by RobsonNo Change
Province by Meritage$2,000-$3,000
Robson Ranch by RobsonNo Change
Sun City Anthem Merrill Ranch by Del WebbNo Change
Sun City Festival by Del WebbNo Change
Sundance Active Adult by Meritage$2,000-$3,000
Sunland Springs Village by Farnsworth$2,000-$3,000
Trilogy at Vistancia by Shea/Trilogy$30,000-$80,000

If you’re looking for a new home in a 55+ retirement community, we at www.GolfAt55.com can help you find the best deals and incentives on new or resale homes. Our expert advice and guidance is always free to the buyer, so go ahead and take advantage of us…we love what we do and you’ll love working with us!