Why New Construction Might Be the Smartest Play in Real Estate Right Now

BiggerPockets Blog
Published: September 29, 2025
Pricing & Profitability

Summary

This article, presented by Lennar, suggests that new construction homes may be a better investment for rental income than older homes due to lower maintenance costs and higher demand from renters seeking modern amenities. Consider exploring new construction opportunities in markets like Dallas to potentially boost your rental income and portfolio growth.

Key Insights

  • 65% of renters are willing to pay more each month for smart home features, such as smart locks and security cameras.
  • Investor B buys a brand-new, $300,000 home. The rent is $2,000 a month. Taxes and insurance are slightly higher, but maintenance is nearly nonexistent. Their net is closer to $1,400 before debt service. Even though Investor B paid more upfront, they came out ahead because their cash flow wasn’t eaten alive by repairs and turnover.
  • The U.S. was approximately 4.7 million housing units short as of 2023, according to Zillow, and demand for rentals is high.

Action Items

  • Consider exploring new construction opportunities in markets like Dallas.
    Effort: medium
    Impact: medium

Tools & Resources

  • Lennar's Investor Marketplace: Lennar’s Investor Marketplace delivers curated, turnkey new homes across 90+ markets.

Common Mistakes

  • Chasing older homes, fighting with contractors, and juggling higher turnover rates can be a full-time job.

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