How Is New Construction Doing in St Johns County, FL ?

How Is New Construction Doing in St. Johns County, Florida?

 

The direct answer: New construction is still an important part of the St. Johns County housing market, but the story in 2026 is more nuanced than simply saying, “They’re building everywhere.”

Development continues, while the pace of new permitting has slowed from the extraordinary levels reached earlier in the decade.

 

U.S. Census Bureau data reported through FRED shows 4,735 new private housing units were authorized by permits in St. Johns County during 2025.

More recent permit analysis shows 3,842 units authorized during the 12 months ending May 2026, substantially below the pandemic-era peak.

At the same time, St. Johns County records show development continuing in communities and projects including Silverleaf, Rivertown, Woodridge and Landings at St. Johns.

 

What Does That Mean for Buyers?

New construction can give buyers choices that resale homes cannot always provide, including newer systems, contemporary floor plans, community amenities and, depending on the builder and property, potential incentives.

But the builder’s advertised price isn’t the only number that matters.

 

Buyers should also evaluate:

• Lot premiums and upgrades
• HOA and CDD costs
• Property taxes
• Insurance
• Builder incentives and financing terms
• Future development around the community
• How the home may eventually compete with newer construction when it is time to resell

What Does It Mean for Existing Homeowners?

This is equally important for sellers.

If you’re selling a resale home in St. Johns County, your competition may not be limited to the house down the street.

You may also be competing with a brand-new home.

That means I want to understand what builders nearby are offering, their pricing, available inventory, incentives and how those homes compare with yours before determining a resale strategy.

 

Michelle’s Professional Insight

New construction doesn’t just create more homes. It can change the competitive landscape for every buyer and seller around it.

For buyers, the question isn’t simply whether new is better than resale.

For sellers, the question isn’t simply what the last resale home sold for.

The better question is:

What choices does today’s buyer have for the same money?

 

The Michelle Ortelli Framework

LISTEN | Understand your goals, timing, lifestyle and what matters most in your next home.

ANALYZE | Compare new construction and resale inventory, pricing, incentives, fees and local market trends.

STRATEGIZE | Determine which option or positioning strategy best supports your financial and real estate goals.

NEGOTIATE | Look beyond the advertised price and evaluate the complete terms of the opportunity.

ACHIEVE | Make a decision based on the full picture, not simply whether a home is new or resale.

If you were buying in St. Johns County today, would you know how to compare a builder’s new home with a resale property on a true cost-for-cost basis?

 

Michelle Ortelli | Trusted Real Estate Advisor in Northeast Florida
Helping Homeowners in St. Augustine | St. Johns County | Northeast Florida Sell with Confidence
Residential | Relocation | Second Homes | Expired Listings
904-570-8130 | mortelli@cbvfl.com | www.ortelliteam.com/contactme

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey; St. Johns County development records. Market information current to 2026.