According to Zonda’s November 2025 Master Plan Outlook, master-planned communities (MPCs) are outperforming individual subdivisions in nearly every price segment, from entry-level housing to upper-tier homes.
According to the report, MPCs outperform individual communities with an average absorption pace of 2.3 sales per month vs. 2.1. The data shows MPCs show stronger sales across most price ranges, home sizes, and product types.
Why Buyers Prefer MPCs
MPCs offer pools, fitness centers, trail systems, clubhouses, and programmed community events — perks that individual subdivisions rarely match.
2. Long-Term Planning
MPCs incorporate schools, parks, retail, and commercial centers into the overall design, giving buyers access to a complete lifestyle.
3. Diverse Housing Options
From entry-level townhomes to mid-priced single-family homes to luxury units, MPCs offer multiple builders and floor plans in one place.
4. Stronger Community Identity
Branding, architectural consistency, and neighborhood cohesion all elevate resale value and community feel.
The Price Point Advantage
Zonda's report shows that the 2019–2025 price distribution has shifted toward more mid- and upper-tier homes in MPCs ($450K–$950K), and buyers continue to absorb that inventory at higher rates than in non-MPC areas.
Even at higher price points, MPCs maintain stronger sales because buyers perceive greater long-term value.
MPCs outperform individual communities in almost every home size category — yet perform especially well in the under-2,000 sq. ft. range where demand is hottest.
Where MPCs Shine Most
These regions combine job growth with large-scale planning, boosting buyer interest:
Florida
Texas
Southeast
Bottom Line
For buyers comparing neighborhoods, the data consistently points to one conclusion: MPCs deliver more value, more amenities, and stronger long-term livability than individual subdivisions.
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