Wondering if now’s the right time to build your dream home? With changing mortgage rates and shifting market conditions, it’s a fair question—and one we hear a lot.

As trusted custom home builders in Pensacola, we’re keeping a close eye on the trends shaping the future of home building along Florida’s Gulf Coast.

In this blog, we’ll walk through the pros and cons of building now vs. waiting, and help you make a confident, informed decision.

Why 2025 Might Be the Perfect Time to Build
Why You Might Consider Waiting Until 2026
Should I Build a House Now or Wait Until 2026?
What if You Bought a Home to Remodel Instead?
Remodeling Before You Sell
Planning Ahead Pays Off 

Why 2025 Might Be the Perfect Time to Build

Right now is an appealing moment to consider building a custom home in Pensacola. Existing-home inventory is up, but the really great lots and designer layouts are still highly competitive.

Plus, the Gulf Coast is seeing increased infrastructure investments and population growth, meaning the value of thoughtfully built, well-located homes is likely to hold steady.

If you have specific design goals—like elevated coastal homes with piling foundations or hurricane-ready ICF builds—beginning the process in 2025 gives you more control over the timeline and options.

Why You Might Consider Waiting Until 2026

If you're hoping for significant drops in building costs or home prices, patience could help—but only to a point.

Market data suggests any price softening in 2026 will be modest at best. Still, additional resale and spec-home inventory may emerge, offering more choices.

That said, it’s a bit of a gamble. Starting earlier allows you to lock in contracts, land, and design details, helping you avoid possible delays or mid-project price surges. If you're flexible with timing and want to explore resale listings, waiting may feel tempting, but don’t expect dramatic cost savings.

Should I Build a House Now, or Wait Until 2026?

Let’s face it—timing a custom home build isn’t easy. The market is always shifting, and the decision to build now or later depends on your goals, your timeline, and your peace of mind.

Here’s a quick look at both sides to help you decide what’s right for you.

Reasons to Build in 2025:

• Lock in today’s land prices before demand rises

• Enjoy a wider selection of available lots, with fewer buyers competing

• Get ahead of possible future construction cost increases

• Move into your dream home sooner and start enjoying the lifestyle you want

• Benefit from faster timelines while builders have more bandwidth

Reasons to Wait Until 2026:

• Interest rates could drop, lowering your monthly mortgage payments

• More flexible financing options may become available as the market stabilizes

• You’ll have extra time to perfect your home design and plans

• Material costs may come down as supply chains continue to recover

• Shifts in market competition might create new buying or building opportunities

That said, no one has a crystal ball. While economic forecasts can guide you, market conditions can change quickly. What matters most is making the decision that fits your life—and giving yourself time to plan carefully, no matter your timeline.

What If You Bought a Home to Remodel Instead?

In a place like Pensacola, remodeling an existing home can be a smart middle ground, especially if you’ve got your eye on a neighborhood you love.

Buying a house with a solid structure and updating it through a full home renovation gives you the best of both worlds: the charm and location of an older home with the modern layout and finishes you actually want.

Whether it’s reworking the kitchen, opening up walls, or adding a bedroom, we’ve helped plenty of homeowners take what’s already there and turn it into something that fits their life today.

Of course, this approach comes with its own tradeoffs. A major remodel can cost as much as new construction, depending on the condition of the home and the scope of your plans. But for many of our clients, it’s worth it to stay close to the coast, school district, or neighborhood they already love.

This might be your best move if:

• You’ve found a home in an established area that just needs updates

• You want a shorter timeline to move in

• You’re comfortable renovating in stages

• You’re open to creative design solutions that work within an existing footprint

Buying to remodel is a solid path forward, especially with a local builder who knows how to update homes for Florida living.

Remodeling Before You Sell: A Smart Way to Maximize Value

Planning to build your next home? Don’t forget about your current one.

A few strategic updates can help it sell faster and for a better price in today’s Northwest Florida market.

At Urban Infill, we work with homeowners who are ready to start their next chapter but want to boost their return before listing. The key is focusing on updates that matter most to buyers, especially features that make your home feel fresh, efficient, and move-in ready.

High-ROI improvements include:

• Kitchen or bathroom refreshes with durable, modern finishes

• New front door, exterior paint, or coastal-inspired curb appeal

• Energy-efficient upgrades like windows or appliances

• Fresh flooring, interior paint, and updated lighting

• Outdoor improvements like landscaping or a low-maintenance deck

These updates improve resale and give you a smoother transition into your custom home journey.

Planning Ahead Pays Off—Even If You Don’t Build Until 2026

Even if you’re aiming to move into your new home in 2026, now is the time to start planning.

A well-built custom home doesn’t happen overnight. Between design, permitting, and construction, the process often takes around 18 months. Getting started now gives you more time to find the right lot, work with coastal home builders who understand Florida’s building codes, and design a home that’s truly tailored to your lifestyle.

Early planning also helps you avoid the rush. If demand surges again in 2026, builders may have longer lead times and fewer availability windows. By acting now, you can secure your project timeline, lock in builder availability, and move forward with more clarity and control.

So… Should You Build Now or Wait?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but there is a best choice for you.

If you’re ready to take action, building in 2025 could mean more flexibility and faster timelines. Prefer to wait? 2026 may offer better financing and more time to plan.

No matter where you land, what matters most is having a clear path forward. At Urban Infill, we’re here to walk you through every option—building, remodeling, or preparing to sell—so your next step feels right.

When you're ready, we're ready. Let's talk about your goals and create a plan that works for your timeline, your budget, and your future.