You probably hear it constantly: “Location, location, location.” It’s often said to be the most critical factor when building a new home—and for good reason! The location of your lot plays a massive role in your home’s comfort, convenience, and long-term value.
But, while location is key, there’s more to consider when selecting a lot in a planned community. Factors like lot size, privacy, and future development can all impact your experience as a homeowner.
In this guide, we’ll help you understand the factors involved in choosing the right lot for your new home, so you can make an informed decision that’s perfect for you.
How to Choose a Lot for a New Home
Choosing the perfect lot is a practice in balance. You’ll need to weigh multiple factors to find the right combination that works for you, your lifestyle, and your home. The ideal lot isn’t always about the perfect view or the largest size. It’s about considering everything from the lot’s topography and orientation to its proximity to amenities and neighbors.
Here’s a breakdown of the most important factors you should consider when selecting a new home lot:
Community Development
Before you decide on a new home lot, it’s essential to consider the community's overall development plan. Is the community still in its early stages, or is it nearly completed?
The status of the community can significantly impact what’s around your lot now and in the future. Check the development plan to see if there will be any future construction near your lot that could affect your privacy or view. Understanding the different phases of development and the community's long-term vision can help you avoid potential disruptions or surprises down the road.
Lot Size
In real estate, size always matters, but not just in terms of square footage. Consider how much space you’ll need for your home and any future expansions. Are you interested in installing a pool or garden, or developing an area to entertain and host in the backyard?
Thinking about how you plan to use your outdoor space can make a big difference in the size of the lot you need. For example, a larger lot might be perfect for you if you want a sprawling backyard, but smaller lots might fit your needs better if you prefer a low-maintenance space.
Lot Topography and Shape
The slope and shape of your lot will affect how easy it is to build on and how your home can be laid out. Flat lots are typically the easiest for homebuilders to work with, while sloped lots might offer better views but could require more work for drainage or foundation installation.
When selecting the perfect lot for your new construction home, consider whether the lot’s shape will work with the home you envision, or if it will present any topographical challenges during the construction process.
Lot Orientation
The direction your lot faces can determine how much natural light different rooms in your house will get. Orientation is determined by the direction a home’s front door will face when built on a given lot. For example, if your home’s front door faces south, your lot is south-facing.
In the northern hemisphere, south-facing lots generally receive the most sunlight throughout the day. This can help with energy efficiency by naturally warming your home and reducing the need to run your furnace.
If you enjoy spending time outdoors or want sunlight to illuminate certain rooms, a south-facing lot could be a significant advantage. On the flip side, north-facing lots receive less direct sunlight, making outdoor spaces cooler and potentially more comfortable in warmer climates.
Should you be interested in using solar panels, having a south-facing roof is usually preferred for maximum efficiency.
Community Traffic
Is your lot near main roads or intersections? Community traffic can impact your daily living situation. If you prefer a quieter environment, look for lots located further from busy streets and community entrances.
If you can, consider visiting your community before selecting a lot and evaluating traffic flow in the neighborhood. Is your lot near congestion points and busy intersections? If you can’t visit the community, take a look at the development plans to envision how peaceful your potential lot will be.
Proximity to Neighbors
Some people love having neighbors nearby, while others prefer more privacy. Consider how far your lot is from the nearest neighbors and whether you value a bit of space between your home and the homes around you. Corner and cul-de-sac lots may offer more privacy than those along main streets.
Proximity to Amenities
Many new construction communities include amenities like swimming pools, event spaces, and fitness centers. Consider how close your lot is to these spaces and other amenities like schools, shopping centers, and parks.
While convenience is key, you don’t want to be so close to amenities that traffic and lack of privacy become a daily inconvenience. A balance of peace and proximity is essential to ensure your homesite is enjoyable year-round.
Proximity to Ponds, Lakes, and Other Features
Waterfront lots can offer great views, but also have potential challenges. Flooding, erosion, and shoreline maintenance are all factors to consider if you’re buying a lot near a pond, lake, or stream. Be sure to ask the developer about potential risks and how they’ve addressed these in the community plan.
What are the Pros and Cons of Different Lot Types
When choosing a lot in a new home community, understanding the advantages and disadvantages of different lot types can help you make a more informed decision. Different lot types will offer various benefits that may work better for you depending on your preferences for privacy, space, and location within the community. Here’s a look at some of the most common lot types and what they have to offer:
Corner Lots
- Pros: Corner lots often offer more space and a larger yard. They also tend to provide extra privacy, as they don’t have neighbors on one side. In some cases, corner lots also offer more natural light and access to better views.
- Cons: On the flip side, corner lots can be more exposed to traffic, mainly if they are located near a busy intersection. They might also have more foot traffic or visibility, which could reduce privacy. Are you in an area that gets snow? You’ll have a whole extra sidewalk to clear off.
Cul-de-sac Lots
- Pros: Cul-de-sac lots are great for anyone looking for a quieter environment. Because of the limited traffic, they tend to be more peaceful, offering safety and a sense of community. These lots also tend to have larger yards and more space.
- Cons: Cul-de-sac lots may be less convenient for people who need quick access to main roads, as cul-de-sacs are normally located a bit further from community entrances.
North-Facing Lots
- Pros: North-facing lots receive more shade throughout the day, making them the best option for people who live in warmer climates or prefer cooler outdoor spaces. These lots also tend to be more energy-efficient in hot areas, requiring less air conditioning during the summer months.
- Cons: While the shade is great for warmth, the lack of direct sun exposure can make the outdoor areas feel cooler or darker, which might not be ideal if you love having a sunny backyard or garden. Additionally, north-facing homes may not get as much light in their main living spaces, which could result in higher lighting costs.
South-Facing Lots
- Pros: South-facing lots (in the northern hemisphere) offer the most sunlight exposure throughout the day. These lots are great for people who want a bright and sunny home, and they tend to stay warmer in the winter, which can help reduce heating costs.
- Cons: While sunlight is a benefit, it can also become a challenge in hotter climates, as the lot may become overly warm during the summer. You may need to invest in shading solutions, like trees, awnings, or window treatments, to block out the excess heat.
Finding Your Perfect Lot and Dream Home
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or looking to relocate across the country, choosing the right lot for your new home requires careful consideration of several key factors. From community development and lot size to proximity to amenities, each element can impact your property's comfort and privacy. It’s essential to balance your lifestyle needs, the lot’s physical characteristics, and the potential for long-term value.
Once you’ve considered all the factors that make a lot ideal for you, Century Communities is here to help. Our Find Your Home feature lets you explore beautifully designed new construction homes nationwide, helping you locate the perfect lot and home combination.
New Home Lot FAQ
Are corner lots more valuable?
According to Better Homes & Gardens1, corner lots are generally more valuable than standard home lots in most real estate markets. There are fewer corner lots in a community, and many homebuyers prefer these lots over standard ones.
How do I choose the perfect lot?
There is no perfect lot, but you can determine the best lot and land for your needs by considering factors such as community development, traffic, proximity to amenities, lot size, orientation, and topography. For example, choosing a lot further in a community might be a good idea if you prefer peace and quiet over proximity to amenities.
