Buyers looking for a new home ASAP might want to consider Tucson.
Exclusive data from NewHomeSource reports that Tucson had the most quick move-in (QMI) homes (homes that are ready for move-in, with no wait time) per community for the month of July.
In July 2025, Tucson’s 5.08 QMIs per community was up nearly 24% year-over-year. Since 2019, the city has jumped 255.5% in QMI availability per community. This information is based off the 50 major markets tracked by Zonda throughout the year.
NewHomeSource dives into the causes for the uptick in QMIs and what it means for potential homebuyers.
Why Does Tucson Have So Many QMIs?
These five factors that may be contributing to the rise in Tucson QMIs:
1. Stagnant economic growth. According to the Common Sense Institute of Arizona, Tucson, despite its size (its population sits at slightly over 500,000 people), and desirable location, has not experienced the same level of growth experienced by the rest of the state.
The strategy: If buyers can be incentivized by homes that are ready to live in, that come with extra incentives to boot, it may encourage an influx of residents, which can boost the economy.
2. Builder strategies amidst strong demand and limited housing options. According to a report from SoFi, home inventory in Tucson is limited, prompting buyers to turn to new construction. Additionally, home prices, while down 0.67% from 2024, are high.
Builders are using move-in ready homes as a marketing tactic to incentivize buyers amid a transitioning market. Home sales have slowed slightly, but buyers still benefit from promotions and flexibility in the new-construction segment.
3. Weighty taxes. Pima County is home to Tucson. Pima County’s combined property tax rate is 13.54% – the highest among Arizona’s 15, resulting in stifled investment and slower economic growth. Higher taxes also raise housing costs; a key factor in attracting people and businesses.
4. Rapid new construction permits. Between late 2024 and early 2025, Tucson saw a 42% surge in new home permits (around 4,350), according to HUD, signaling builders ramping up production to meet ongoing demand.
“Builders use QMIs to have ready-to-occupy homes available for buyers who don’t want to wait for a build cycle, to keep construction crews working, or to prepare for expected demand,” said Trevor Tetzlaff, director of operations of the economics team at Zonda.
5. Tucson’s population is older. One of the factors affecting Tucson’s economy is its decline in residents within prime working age (25-54). Meanwhile, on the opposite end of the spectrum, the 55+ category jumped by 4.8%. Many older buyers want low-stress, turnkey homes – no waiting on construction, no major renovations.
QMIs fit this perfectly: they’re brand-new, energy-efficient, and move-in ready. QMIs also support move-up buyers among Gen X and older Millennial buyers, while offering a smooth landing for younger buyers recruited by local employers.
What Do Higher QMIs per Community Mean for Homebuyers?
“Trends in QMI per community can offer insight into sales conditions: a rising number may suggest slower sales or a strategic push to capture future buyers, while a declining number can indicate stronger sales and builders focusing resources on fulfilling sold orders” said Tetzlaff. “Context always matters, but this metric is a useful pulse check on market health.”
QMIs often have the added benefit of builder incentives for homebuyers. These incentives may include mortgage rate buydowns, closing cost help, free upgrades, and more.
The Bottom Line: Tucson’s housing market may face challenges, but for homebuyers in a hurry, that translates into choices, incentives, and move-in ready living.
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