Thinking about a new construction home in Northeast Florida? The landscape is shifting. Recent analysis shows that, for the first time, some new homes in Jacksonville are actually priced a bit below existing homes on a per square foot basis heading into 2026. Builders are stepping up their game—offering not just price reductions, but also perks like help with closing costs and attractive mortgage rate buy-downs, instead of just sticking to the sticker price.
One option that’s caught my eye is the builder-paid 2-1 buy-down: on a $400K mortgage, this can lower your initial payments by dropping the interest rate to the mid-4% range at first, then mid-5%—making those early years a little easier on your budget. And while new homes often come with lower insurance premiums (thanks to updated building codes), it’s important to remember that property taxes may be higher based on today’s purchase prices.
When I’m guiding clients through the decision between new and existing homes, we look at the full ownership picture: mortgage terms, insurance savings, closing costs, builder concessions, and taxes. My goal is always to help you feel confident and well-informed, so you can make the choice that fits your needs best—without any unwelcome surprises.
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