Should You Buy or Build in Tampa Bay?

Published On: December 18, 2022|Categories: Blog, Buyers|Tags: Build or Buy a Home, Cons of Building a New Home, Cons of Buying an Existing Home, Pros of Building a New Home, Pros of Buying an Existing Home|

Are you in the market for a new home? With today’s rapidly changing real estate market, deciding whether it is best to buy or build a new home can be difficult. As with all major decisions, there are both pros and cons to each option that must be weighed against each other to determine the right choice for your situation.

Should You Buy or Build in Tampa Bay?

To help you decide whether to buy or build, the following sections give you a breakdown of the pros and cons of buying an existing home versus building a new one.

Pros of Buying an Existing Home

More affordable upfront cost. Typically, buying an existing home is more affordable than having a custom one built from scratch. Depending on the condition of the home and its location, you may be able to get an existing home at a significantly lower price than if you built it from scratch.
Less time to move in. One of the biggest advantages of buying an existing home is that you can typically move in more quickly than building your own home. It usually takes months to build a new house, while buying an existing home can take as little as a few weeks.

Cons of Buying an Existing Home

Not customizable. One of the biggest drawbacks to buying an existing house is that it will most likely not meet your exact requirements and needs. You may have to make some compromises when it comes to features you want in your new home, such as size, layout, and finishes.
May require repairs or upgrades. Another potential downside of buying an existing house is that it might require costly repairs or renovations before you’re able to move in. This could add up quickly and end up costing more than you initially expected.

Pros of Building a New Home

You get exactly what you want: The main advantage to building a new home is that you get to decide exactly what features and finishes you want. You can create a customised design that meets all your needs and preferences, rather than compromising on an existing property.
Energy efficient: Building a new home allows you to take advantage of the latest energy-saving technology and materials, which can help reduce your monthly utility costs over time.

Cons of Building a New Home

Costly upfront investment: One of the biggest drawbacks to building a new home is the initially high cost. Depending on the size, features, and other factors, it could end up costing much more than buying an existing house. It’s important to factor in all expenses associated with building when making this decision.
Longer timeline: Building a new home usually takes much longer than buying an existing one. It could take several months to complete the construction process, depending on how complex your project.

Ultimately, deciding whether it’s best to buy or build in Tampa depends on your individual goals and budget. Consider all the pros and cons of each option before making your decision so that you can make the right choice for you and your family.

Westchase highly sought after Harbor Links, a gated community! On golf course - this home is impeccably maintained a 4/3.5/3-car garage, screen enclosed pool with 3,408 sq ft living space, 3-way split plan, a dedicated office space, the current owners utilize the dining room as an additional sitting area otherwise it would be a living/dining separated from the vast kitchen family room area. Most rooms have a spectacular view of the pool area with backdrop of dense conservation area, golf course on side of house with mature landscape affords uncompromised privacy of backyard. As a former model home there are a plethora of design features that are current and appealing to the eyes. Features to enjoy are combination travertine and wood floors, 42" upper cabinets all wood cabinetry with granite counters, closet systems in primary suite, en-suite well appointed, plantation shutters, sliders to pool area from living/family room and primary suite, 12'-high ceilings, open and airy, good storage areas. With close access to public 18-hole Westchase Golf Course, Town Center, International Airport, Shopping, Schools and Veteran's Expressway you will not want to miss this opportunity!

$1,195,000 Active

10104 Radcliffe Drive Tampa, Florida

4 Beds 4 Baths 3,408 SqFt 0.290 Acres

South Tampa amazing location - New Listing with 3 bedroom & 1.5 bath REMODELED concrete block built home located in sought after South Tampa in the Gandy Manor area. Hosts a spacious front & backyard partially fenced with tropical plants. Attached covered paved carport with access to the laundry room. NEW ROOF installed January 2023 with transferable warranty! Gorgeous NEW front door with glass panel & ivy design. Freshly painted interior & exterior! NEWLY installed baseboards & beautiful laminate wood flooring throughout & grounded outlets. AC replaced in 2018 with new ducts in 2023. NEW ceiling fans, light fixtures inside and outside. All NEWER doors and closet doors. Quaint, fully remodeled modern kitchen has attractive mosaic tile backsplash & quartz countertops, including stainless appliances, updated toilets & sinks in bathrooms, mirror and cabinet in main bath. Both the main pipe and most of the interior pipes have been replaced with CPVC piping! Domestic waterlines have shut off valves. House was retrofitted from natural gas to electric. Want an even bigger home, close in the carport to add a large master bath with minimal costs! Close to A rated schools, TGH, beaches, fine dining, shopping, International Mall, Raymond James Stadium, Hyde Park, Downtown Tampa, Water Street, The Florida Aquarium, The Selmon Expressway, I-275, & all that Tampa Bay has to offer! Call for your private showing today!

$365,000 Active

4103 W Leila Avenue Tampa, Florida

3 Beds 2 Baths 925 SqFt 0.160 Acres

Fantastic 3 bedroom townhome on the outskirts of Old Carrollwood situated across from the park, with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and community pool! This home offers a downstairs bedroom (could be a 2nd master) with en-suite bath, walk in shower, walk in closet and french doors to the large covered/screened in lanai. Also downstairs is the Living room with stone fireplace, Kitchen with closet pantry, dining room, 1/2 bath and laundry room. Upstairs you find the primary bedroom with vaulted ceiling, built in storage and walk in closet. Guest bedroom 2 also with vaulted ceiling and large windows. The Master/guest bath has jetted tub, dual vanities and built in linen closet. The tiled lanai offers great space to entertain and 2 storage closets, with fenced in area in the back. 2 parking spaces for this unit in front. A short distance to shopping, dining and major highways.

$275,000 Active

9518 Citrus Glen Place 42 Tampa, Florida

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,608 SqFt 0.020 Acres

MOVE-IN READY, New ROOF 2024, New AC 2018. Welcome to this UPDATED 3BR/2B with charming front porch and flower window boxes! Natural light flows into the LIVING ROOM with SHIPLAP accent wall, and adjoins the OPEN 12x18 Kitchen/Dining Area - creating perfect harmony for today's casual living. KITCHEN showcases White SHAKER cabinetry, GRANITE countertops, SUBWAY Tile backsplash, and STAINLESS appliances. Dining area features FRENCH DOORS which open to 12x20 BONUS ROOM with new Luxury Vinyl PLANK FLOORS - additional living space for TV & Gaming, movie nights, playroom, etc. Hallway wing leads to the 3 Bedrooms, each with new ceiling fans. 12x12 MASTER EnSUITE is fully updated with Shower. Hall Bath is fully updated with Tub. New light fixtures throughout the home. WASHER/DRYER, garage wall air conditioner, and security cameras are included. Large FENCED backyard is ready for your summer BBQs and outdoor gatherings! Enjoy OPEN REAR PATIO + firepit patio area, custom wooden playset with swings, and convenient storage shed for lawn tools. Just minutes to upscale restaurants, nearby shopping, schools, and major commute routes. 15 minutes to USF, 35 minutes to Tampa Airport. WELCOME HOME!

$440,000 Active

514 W 130th Avenue Tampa, Florida

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,306 SqFt 0.160 Acres

Are You Buying or Selling a Home in Tampa Bay?

You can use this website to search homes for sale in Tampa Bay and all its communities. Our site is directly connected to the Tampa Bay MLS, and we update our listings every hour. You can even use our site to create your own account and get emails as soon as a new home hits the market, price change alerts and so much more.

While you’re here, check out these listings: