A new report by the National Association of Realtors in December predicts existing-home sales will jump by 14% in 2026. That's because of a combination of dropping mortgage rates and improved market stability in addition to pent-up demand.
"Next year is really the year that we will see a measurable increase in sales," said NAR National Economist Lawrence Yun. "Home prices nationwide are in no danger of declining.
Luxury Homes: Buying a New or Existing-Home
Buying a new home today is about more than fresh paint and modern finishes; it is a way to protect your investment, your time, and your lifestyle for years to come. In a market where prices are expected to remain resilient and demand is building, choosing new construction can be the smartest way to step confidently into the next housing cycle.
When buying new makes financial sense
When resale inventory is tight and economists expect sales to rise rather than fall, waiting on the sidelines can mean facing higher prices and more competition later. New construction offers the chance to lock in a property before the next wave of buyers arrives, often with pre‑completion pricing that rewards those willing to act early. Because you are purchasing a home that aligns with current buyer preferences, you also position yourself for stronger resale appeal in the future.
New homes frequently include the latest energy‑efficient systems, smart‑home technology, and durable materials, which can reduce monthly operating costs and minimize surprise repairs. Instead of budgeting for a new roof, updated HVAC, or costly remodels over the next decade, you benefit from builder and systems warranties that cover many of the big‑ticket items. Over time, that combination of lower maintenance and higher efficiency can offset much of the premium paid for new construction.
Lifestyle advantages you cannot retrofit easily
Modern buyers expect homes to support wellness, work, and play under one roof, and that is where new construction truly shines. Floor plans are being designed around wellness‑oriented primary wings with spa‑style baths, private offices, and spaces that can flex between a gym, nursery, or quiet retreat. These elements are difficult and expensive to retrofit into older homes, especially if the original layout was not conceived with them in mind.
Kitchens and living areas tell a similar story. Double‑island kitchens, “dirty kitchens” for serious prep and catering, and great rooms that flow seamlessly to outdoor patios are now standard expectations at the luxury level. While you can remodel a dated kitchen, re‑engineering structure, plumbing, and circulation to match the functionality of a thoughtfully designed new build is often disruptive and costly. Buying new means those choices are already optimized and integrated from day one.
Space planned for today’s families
New homes are responding to the realities of multigenerational living, hybrid work, and more time spent at home. Separate guest or children’s wings with their own living rooms create natural zones for privacy without fragmenting the house. Casitas and bonus suites offer flexible space for long‑term guests, college‑age children, or live‑in help. These configurations are far less common in older resale homes, where additions or major renovations may be the only way to achieve similar functionality.
Garages and parking are also being reconsidered: larger garages, auto courts, and generous guest parking reflect the way people actually live—with multiple vehicles, recreational toys, and frequent visitors. Designing these elements into the original plan, rather than forcing them onto an existing lot, results in a cleaner streetscape and a more elegant daily experience.
Why Paradise Valley
All of these advantages come into sharp focus in luxury markets like Paradise Valley, where one‑acre lots, mountain views, and outdoor living are central to the lifestyle. Here, buying new often means securing a home that not only fits the land better but also maximizes views, light, and indoor‑outdoor flow from the start. Instead of retrofitting an older structure to today’s expectations, you step into a property where architecture, landscape, and lifestyle were conceived together.
Case study, a new listing at 4901 E. Berneil was just posted last week. This new classic Traditional Santa Barbara design was a collaboration of some of the top names in PV and includes six ensuite bedrooms, a split primary wing with a separate office, gym or nursery in addition to a private wellness resort courtyard outside the bath. The guest wing is provided with its own living room, separate from the Primary occupants. A double‑island gourmet kitchen plus dirty kitchen and high wood ceilings overlooks the great room. The 7,138 square foot home expands to a total of 9,544 square feet of under roof living for true Arizona indoor-outdoor living. There is also a poolside casita, and a 4‑car garage with auto court—all on a one‑acre plus homesite near Cherokee Elementary School, parks, golf, tennis and pickleball. Completion targeted for April 2026 and pre‑completion pricing is available now. Choosing a home like this is not just choosing where to live; it is choosing a future‑ready way of living that older homes rarely match.
