Central Florida new construction market recap: August 2026

Central Florida's new-construction market has settled into a rhythm that favors buyers more than it has in years. Here's what actually happened in the numbers this month, and what it means whether you're buying or selling.

The numbers this month

The median home price across the Orlando market reached $429,000 in June, up 2.1% year over year, a steady, unspectacular climb rather than the sharp swings we saw a few years ago. Mortgage rates have averaged around 6.771% this summer, still the single biggest factor shaping monthly payments.

Homes are sitting on the market for 58 to 83 days on average, and only about 18% are selling above asking price, down sharply from over 40% two years ago. New construction now accounts for roughly 25% of all closed sales in the region, a sign that builders have stayed competitive on price and incentives while resale sellers have had to adjust.

Where the activity is

Horizon West, Lake Nona, the 429 corridor, St. Cloud, and South Lake County remain the busiest new-construction corridors in the region, with multiple builders actively releasing new phases in each. Kissimmee continues to stand out on affordability, with a median price under $375,000, meaningfully below the broader Orlando median.

What this means if you're buying

Days on market in the high 50s to low 80s means you generally aren't racing a dozen other offers the way buyers were in 2021 and 2022. That gives you real room

Get the Central Florida Builder Incentive Report → to negotiate on price, closing costs, or a rate buydown, especially with builders who are motivated to hit their monthly sales targets.

What this means if you're selling

With new construction now claiming roughly a quarter of closed sales, resale sellers are competing directly with builders who can offer rate buydowns, warranties, and brand-new finishes. Pricing realistically from day one matters more than it did when almost anything sold above asking.

What to watch heading into September

Watch whether mortgage rates hold near 6.771% or drift lower heading into fall, since even a modest move changes what buyers can qualify for. Also watch builder incentive levels in Horizon West and the 429 corridor, which tend to shift as builders push to close out phases before year-end.

What to do next

Numbers tell you the market, not your specific move. If you want to know what these trends mean for your budget, your timeline, or a specific community you're watching, send me a message and I'll walk through it with you directly.

Chodry Andre, Realtor | True Florida Realty | Equal Housing Opportunity

For the complete buyer framework behind this market recap—including incentives, contracts, costs, timelines and relocation planning—read the Central Florida New Construction & Relocation Guide: https://blog.smartmoveorlando.com/post/central-florida-new-construction-relocation-guide