Even though there are more homes available these days, some buyers are still struggling to find the perfect one at the right price. Maybe the layout doesn’t quite work, it needs some updates, or it just feels like the same old options.

More and more buyers are choosing new construction because it often offers some of the best deals on the market right now.

Right now, a lot of builders have more completed homes available than usual. Because of that, they’re eager to sell. After all, they’re running a business and don’t want to hold onto their inventory for too long. They’d rather sell these homes before starting new construction — and that can definitely give you an advantage.

As Lance Lambert, Co-Founder of ResiClub, puts it:

“In housing markets where unsold completed inventory has built up, many homebuilders have pulled back on their spec builds—and many are doing bigger incentives or outright price cuts to move unsold inventory.”
— Lance Lambert, Co-Founder of ResiClub

Incentives Are the Highest They’ve Been in 5 Years

According to the National Association of Home Builders, 66% of builders were offering sales incentives in August. This is the highest level we've seen this year and marks the biggest percentage in the past five years.

That means for every three builders, two are including extras to close deals. When builders offer incentives, it's buyers like you who come out ahead.

Price Cuts Are Back on the Table

One of the most popular incentives builders are offering right now is lowering the price. In fact, according to the NAHB, nearly 40% of builders have made price cuts.

Typically, buyers are negotiating around 5% off the asking price. That 5% can be the key difference between settling for a home that’s just okay and finding the one that truly fits your needs.

Let’s say you’re looking at a house priced at $500,000. If the builder drops the price by 5%, that means you’d save $25,000.

Even if the builder you’re interested in won’t lower the price, there are still plenty of other ways they can work with you. As Realtor.com points out:

“. . . there are deals to be found in the market for new homes, with builders increasingly willing to negotiate on price or offer incentives such as rate buydowns and closing cost assistance.”
— Realtor.com

Why This Matters for You

As a buyer, you likely have a clear picture of your dream home. You're not just picking any house — you're choosing your home, the one that fits the space, features, and lifestyle you’ve been looking for. New builds often fit the bill because they typically offer:

  • Spacious kitchens and wide-open floor plans

  • Energy-efficient designs (hello, lower bills)

  • Built-in smart home features

  • Move-in ready with no big repairs waiting for you

Today's incentives are making it easier than it has been in years to buy a new home.

One Word of Advice: Don’t Go At It Alone

If you want to make the most of this opportunity, make sure you bring your own agent along. Builder representatives work for the builder, not you, so their goal is to protect the builder’s profits, not to save you money. That’s why having your agent by your side is important. Your agent will:

  • Skip the hype and focus on the real numbers

  • Know which perks are legit and which are just fluff

  • Let someone handle the back-and-forth so you get the best deal

  • Have an expert who’s always looking out for your best interest

Bottom Line

If you haven’t found a home that feels right yet, now’s actually a great time to consider new construction. Builders are offering some of the best incentives we’ve seen in years, dropping prices, and eager to sell, which means there are plenty of exciting opportunities out there.

Wondering how much today's incentives can boost your budget? Let’s get in touch so you can explore what local builders are currently offering.