Buying a New Construction Home in Lakewood Ranch

By Sheldon, Gettel & Dahl

Lakewood Ranch stands out as one of Florida’s premier communities, thanks to its wide variety of homes, vibrant town centers, and access to natural wonders. Whether you’re searching for your first home or ready to upgrade, the options are alluring. A major benefit is the opportunity to buy a new construction home, which means enjoying the latest floor plans, energy efficiency, and high-end amenities built for today’s living.

Every buyer has their own unique priorities and preferences. Some want a turnkey home with professional finishes already selected, while others want to curate every single detail from the layout to the light fixtures. Lakewood Ranch offers both options—and many in between—spread across a variety of beautiful villages. Each neighborhood provides its own mix of amenities, architectural choices, and proximity to shopping, dining, and green spaces. It’s easy to find the perfect fit, whether you want a peaceful lake view, quick golf access, or a convenient, carefree lifestyle.

For those who want convenience paired with a strong sense of community togetherness, Lakewood Ranch is truly an ideal choice.

• Lakewood Ranch includes a variety of distinct villages, each with unique home styles and desirable amenities.
• New construction here means the ability to personalize your space, from design to move-in.
• Each community is close to daily conveniences like town centers, recreation, and entertainment.

One of the most notable advantages of new construction is customization. The amount of control you have depends on the builder and how early you enter the design process.

If you’re interested in a fully custom home, you’ll have the opportunity to work closely with a professional builder and design team. This means you can modify or design your own floor plan, select every interior and exterior material, and select compelling features from cabinetry to flooring to stunning outdoor living spaces. Custom building is best for buyers who want a one-of-a-kind result and have the time and budget to invest in a truly personalized space.

Semi-custom homes provide flexibility. You’ll usually select from several floor plans and can then choose from a vast array of finishes and optional upgrades. While there may be limits on structural changes, you still have the freedom to choose features like flooring, cabinetry, countertops, paint colors, and extra features like expanded lanais or upgraded appliances. This approach is perfect for those who want input without the complexity and nuances of a fully custom build.

Production or “spec” homes are generally either completed or already under construction when you buy. You may be able to choose from a few pre-selected design packages if you purchase early enough, but the structural choices are usually set. These properties are ideal if you prefer less decision-making and a more streamlined move-in process but still want the benefits of new construction. Always ask about timelines, the builder’s process, and which options will be available to you as a buyer.

• Find your perfect village in Lakewood Ranch.
• Modify or personalize the floor plan to suit your lifestyle and stylistic choices.
• Work with the design center to choose finishes, colors, and materials.
• Add upgrades like an expanded patio, a specialty kitchen package, or smart features.
• Incorporate unique exterior features, such as landscaping or an outdoor kitchen.

Lakewood Ranch is more than just a collection of neighborhoods; it’s a series of uniquely designed villages, some of which cater specifically to buyers who want a fully custom or estate-style home. These villages are perfect for those who desire more space, serenity, and the freedom to design a distinctive residence.

Waterside – Kingfisher Estates is a standout for custom homes, offering a limited number of lakefront homesites at Kingfisher Lake. Here, properties range from approximately 3,600 to 8,000 square feet, and buyers can design a residence that takes full advantage of the spectacular views. Buyers can select from plans like The Pindari, The Korina, and The Adelaide, which can be customized.

Waterside – Wild Blue brings another level of luxury to the custom home experience. This village offers a selection of 505 spacious homesites, many with water or preserve views. Wild Blue stands out for its range of architectural styles, the flexibility to personalize floor plans, and endless amenities. If you’re looking for a village that combines custom design flexibility with access to social and recreational perks, Wild Blue is a compelling choice.

Monarch Acres is another exceptional choice. This enclave features only a handful of large, customizable homesites surrounded by natural scenery, giving buyers the rare opportunity to create expansive homes in a peaceful, stunning setting. The generous lot sizes allow for impressive outdoor living spaces and landscaping options.

Star Farms is one of the most beloved communities in Lakewood Ranch. Star Farms is a resort-style village offering an impressive mix of custom, semi-custom, and luxury homes and townhomes on generous lots, with properties ranging from 1,560 to 5,000 square feet. Buyers here have the chance to collaborate with several builders known for their innovative designs and flexible customization options.

Whether you want a secluded lakeside estate, a spacious home, or a luxury property with access to resort-style amenities, there’s a village in Lakewood Ranch ready to match your vision.

• Waterside – Kingfisher Estates: Custom lakefront residences with extensive design flexibility
• Monarch Acres: An enclave with oversized lots for one-of-a-kind homes
• Waterside – Wild Blue: Luxurious custom homes, diverse architectural styles, and top-tier amenities
• Star Farms: Expansive, amenity-rich village with custom and semi-custom homes from renowned builders

Buying new construction in Lakewood Ranch is a significant investment, and planning ahead can help you avoid stress and maximize value. Start by identifying your must-haves, whether it’s a certain village, a home style, or the ability to customize.

Take some time to tour model homes, visit design centers, and speak with sales consultants to get a sense of what’s possible and what’s included. Be sure to set a realistic budget, including funds for upgrades and unexpected changes. Review warranty programs and understand what support is available after move-in.

• Start your search early for maximum customization and lot options.
• Tour model homes and explore design centers to clarify your preferences.
• Build a budget that covers upgrades and customization.
• Review builder warranties and understand post-move-in support.

Lakewood Ranch offers everything from move-in ready production homes and semi-custom builds to fully custom estate homes on expansive lots. Every village provides its own unique mix of architectural styles, property sizes, and finishes, ensuring there’s something for every need and budget.

The level of customization depends on the builder, village, and plan. Custom homes allow for maximum personalization, while semi-custom builds offer flexibility with beautiful finishes and features. Production or spec homes have more limited choices but still provide curated, modern designs.

Lakewood Ranch offers the freedom to create a home that truly reflects your style and needs. Whether you’re seeking the full creativity of a custom build or the ease of a beautifully designed move-in ready home, you’ll find endless options among its welcoming villages. With a vibrant mix of amenities and community spirit, Lakewood Ranch is the perfect place to start your next chapter.

When it comes to making smart, confident decisions about real estate in Lakewood Ranch, you deserve a team that’s as dedicated to your goals as you are. At Sheldon, Gettel & Dahl, you’ll find experienced advisors who understand every nuance, from selecting the right village to navigating contracts, design appointments, and final walkthroughs.

Let’s bring your Lakewood Ranch vision to life.