If you want to be moved in by December, your timeline is tight.
Why it matters: Building a new home from scratch takes about six months. To move in before the holidays, buyers need to act fast – and may need a home already under construction.
Spec homes = faster move-in
Spec homes are new builds that are already underway or nearly finished.
Some are ready in 30 to 45 days
No waiting on weather, labor, or supply delays
Often include preselected finishes
Limited customization, but fewer decisions required
New construction is catching up
Supply chain issues, high mortgage rates, and high demand made the last few years tough for buyers. But now:
Inventory of new homes is growing
866,000 single-family homes in June of 2025 according to Census.gov
Material shortages are easing
Price gap is shrinking
Historically, new homes cost more than existing ones. That’s changing according to the National Association of Home Builders:
Median new home price in first quarter of 2025: $416,900
Median existing home price: $402,300
New homes now offer competitive pricing – plus warranties and fewer repairs.
Buying now beats waiting
Mortgage rates are steady, but not forever.
Prices and demand are still rising.
Delaying can mean higher costs later.
Fall buyers include Millennials and Boomers fueling demand.
Bottom line: If you want to be home for the holidays, spec homes offer a faster path. Start your search now before inventory tightens and rates climb.
Michele Lerner
Michele Lerner is an award-winning freelance writer, editor and author who has been writing about real estate, personal finance and business topics for more than two decades.