Phoenix Housing Market: New Construction is Shaping Buyer Expectations
(Published on - 12/30/2025 12:18:42 AM)
Hosting Open Houses every weekend for over 20 years, I've witnessed significant shifts in buyer expectations, particularly with the rise of new construction homes. Today, the biggest competition for resale properties comes from these newly built homes, which showcase an array of desirable features that have become game-changers in the housing market.
New homes now flaunt "must-have" amenities like all ensuite bedrooms, hidden prep kitchens, dual dishwashers, multiple sets of washer/dryers, and wellness-focused designs. In fact, here in Paradise Valley where I live and work, over 23% of homes on the market today are new builds, and this figure is likely understated as many under construction are still not listed on the MLS.
When buyers enter a resale home within their budget, they often struggle to reconcile the stark differences in amenities and finishes compared to new builds. This mismatch has led to hesitancy; I'm seeing the same buyers return to various homes even a year after our initial meeting.
In this dynamic market, it's crucial for sellers of resale homes to understand these evolving expectations and find ways to highlight their property's unique value. As the competition intensifies, learning to showcase your home's strengths could make all the difference in attracting serious buyers ready to make a move.
