If you’re thinking about building a new home, you’ve likely asked yourself: “Is now really the right time?” With headlines warning of rising interest rates, economic uncertainty, and unpredictable real estate trends, it’s easy to hesitate. But when it comes to custom home building, waiting can often lead to paying more – both in upfront costs and long-term value.
Whether you’re planning a new build in Florida or North Georgia, the housing market remains dynamic. While some buyers may try to time the market for the “perfect moment,” history shows that acting decisively, especially with the support of an experienced builder, is the smarter strategy. Covenant Homes, with more than 30 years of experience, helps buyers like you navigate market fluctuations and bring their dream homes to life without unnecessary delays.
Let’s take a closer look at why now may be the best time to move forward with your custom home build.
1. Home Prices Are Still Climbing
Over the last 3 to 5 years, home prices have consistently trended upward, and custom home construction costs have followed. According to national housing data, material costs such as lumber, concrete, insulation, and cabinetry have seen significant increases since 2020. While some pricing has stabilized, the general direction remains upward due to inflation, supply chain challenges, and high demand.
Material and Labor Costs Remain Unpredictable
The cost of essential building materials still fluctuates, often with little warning. Labor shortages in the construction industry also contribute to price volatility. Waiting even six months can mean paying thousands more in materials or labor, especially in high-demand regions like coastal Florida or the mountains of North Georgia.
The Real Cost of Delaying
Delaying your build doesn’t just push back your move-in date, it also risks stretching your budget. As prices continue to rise, your original vision may require costly adjustments or scaling back. Building now allows you to lock in pricing and preserve your design choices before they’re priced out of reach.
2. Mortgage Rates Remain Unpredictable
One of the biggest factors affecting affordability is mortgage interest rates. Even small increases can significantly impact your monthly payment and the total cost of your loan over time.
How Rates Have Fluctuated
Over the past few years, the housing market has experienced sharp interest rate swings, driven by inflation and monetary policy. Rates that hovered around 3% in 2021 climbed to more than 7% in 2023, before beginning to stabilize, but economists caution that more fluctuations are likely in the coming years.
Why Timing Matters
Consider this: A 1% increase in interest rates on a $500,000 home loan can add more than $100,000 in interest over the life of a 30-year mortgage. That’s a massive cost for waiting just a few months to get started.
By building now, you may be able to lock in lower interest rates, or avoid further increases, giving you more financial control and predictability as you move forward with your custom home.
3. Lot Availability Is Shrinking
If you’ve already identified your ideal neighborhood, lakefront property, or mountain-view lot, you’re not alone. The availability of land in Florida and North Georgia is tightening, especially in high-growth regions and scenic rural areas.
Prime Locations Are Going Fast
The demand for lifestyle-driven living, from coastal communities to quiet countryside escapes, continues to grow. As more buyers move away from urban centers in search of space and serenity, the best lots are selling quickly.
Fewer Choices Later On
Waiting to build means fewer land options, which can affect your ability to choose a location with the views, school districts, or proximity to nature you want. By securing your lot now, you maintain control over your location, timeline, and ultimate design.
Covenant Homes offers full support whether you already have land or need help finding the right lot. With local knowledge and strong community ties, our team can guide you through the process seamlessly.
4. Locking in Pricing with a Trusted Builder
Choosing a custom home builder with decades of experience is one of the best ways to protect your investment, and reduce the stress of navigating market uncertainty.
How Covenant Homes Helps Safeguard Your Build
At Covenant Homes, we offer transparent pricing, detailed timelines, and flexible floor plan options that align with your budget and vision. We work with trusted local suppliers to minimize surprises and keep your project on track, even in a shifting market.
Our team knows that every homebuyer’s journey is unique. Whether you’re building a vacation retreat in the North Georgia mountains or a forever home along the Florida coast, we provide:
- Design flexibility to match your lifestyle
- Upfront cost estimates to reduce financial guesswork
- Construction experience in hurricane-prone and mountain climates
- Local insight into permitting, lot selection, and regional requirements
When you build with Covenant Homes, you’re partnering with a builder who has weathered decades of market cycles, and one who understands how to create value, even in uncertain times.
Secure Your Dream Home Before Costs Rise
Waiting for the “right time” to build often results in missed opportunities, higher prices, and fewer options. In today’s evolving housing market, taking action is a proactive way to protect your investment, secure your location, and get the features you truly want in your custom home.
From rising material costs and unpredictable mortgage rates to shrinking lot availability, all signs point to now as the time to move forward. With the right builder on your side, you don’t need to fear the unknown — you just need a plan.
Build with Confidence
Covenant Homes has been building custom homes for more than 30 years across Florida and North Georgia, helping families turn their vision into reality with expert guidance, flexible design options, and transparent pricing.
Ready to get started? Let’s talk about your ideas, your land, and how we can bring your dream home to life – on your terms, and on your timeline.
Contact Covenant Homes today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward building a home that’s truly yours.
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