Home / Buyers / New vs Resale
New vs Resale

New construction or resale, what really costs less?

This tool uses real Central Florida county data to compare the true cost of ownership over time. It weighs county taxes, insurance, HOA, maintenance, and the CDD assessments that new communities often carry, so you can see past the sticker price. Set the numbers for each home and pick your horizon.

Prefilled with a Florida estimate. Applied to both homes. Edit to match a real quote.

New construction

Resale

Get these numbers reviewed by a local advisor

We will send your results and a Florida-specific next step. No spam, and you can opt out anytime.

Questions buyers ask

What is a CDD fee?
A CDD is a Community Development District, a common way Florida funds the infrastructure of new communities such as roads, water, and amenities. Homeowners repay that cost through an annual CDD assessment on the tax bill, which usually has a bond portion that eventually pays off and an ongoing operations and maintenance portion. New construction communities often carry a CDD, while established resale neighborhoods frequently do not.
Do new homes really cost less to maintain?
In the early years a new home typically has lower maintenance because the roof, systems, and appliances are new and under warranty, so major repairs are less likely. The calculator lets you set a lower maintenance percentage for new construction and a higher one for resale, then shows the difference over the period you choose. Actual maintenance varies by home, age, and condition.
What about builder warranties?
Most new construction comes with a builder warranty that commonly covers workmanship for the first year, some systems for around two years, and major structural elements for up to ten years. A warranty can reduce early repair costs but does not replace a home inspection or ongoing maintenance. Coverage and terms vary by builder, so review the warranty document before you rely on it.

Disclosure. This tool provides estimates for general informational purposes only. It is not a loan offer, pre-approval, appraisal, or tax or legal advice, and actual figures depend on the specific home, community, and your circumstances. Maintenance and CDD figures are editable assumptions, and CDD assessments vary widely by community. Property-tax estimates use current county millage on a new-purchase basis. Evolve Estates Group is brokered by eXp Realty. Equal Housing Opportunity.