The Two New Construction Markets
Delray Beach’s new construction is not monolithic. East of I-95, new construction is almost entirely infill teardown — an older CBS home on a desirable block is demolished and replaced by a custom or semi-custom build at 2–5x the lot’s prior value. West of I-95, new construction is large-scale master-planned: GL Homes and similar builders developing hundreds of units at a time with amenity packages, gated entries, and full community identities.
East Delray: Infill Teardowns
What you get
An east Delray teardown-and-rebuild typically delivers: CBS or concrete block construction, impact glass throughout (required by Palm Beach County building code), metal or flat roof designed for coastal wind loads, energy-efficient systems, open-plan contemporary or transitional design, pool, and the walkable-Delray lifestyle at the building’s doorstep.
Key risks to assess
- Construction timeline: custom builds take 14–24 months from breaking ground to closing
- Builder financial risk: research the builder’s track record and require performance bond or escrow arrangement
- Design risk: visit completed homes by the same builder before committing
West Delray: Master-Planned Communities
GL Homes — Valencia Series and Boca Bridges
GL Homes is the dominant builder in West Delray’s 55+ and luxury gated segment. The Valencia brand offers resort-style 55+ communities at $400K–$900K. Boca Bridges offers GL’s highest-end product at $1M–$3M+ with a full country club amenity set.
Dakota — Family Gated West
Dakota is a family-oriented gated community on Lyons Road in far west Delray, targeting buyers seeking newer construction with community amenities in a non-age-restricted setting. Priced in the $700K–$1.4M range with larger lot sizes.
Builder Warranties vs Resale
New construction includes: 1-year workmanship warranty, 2-year systems warranty (HVAC, plumbing, electrical), and 10-year structural warranty. These protections do not exist on resale. For buyers who value minimized near-term maintenance risk, new construction’s warranty coverage is a meaningful practical benefit — offset by the premium price and construction timeline.
Work with Luxury Premier Estates
Our team monitors new community phases and infill teardown opportunities before they hit the public portals. Register with Luxury Premier Estates to get early access.
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