Thinking about buying in Chandler and torn between a shiny new build and a well-loved resale? You’re not alone. You want the right home at the right price with the least stress. In this guide, you’ll get a clear, local look at prices, timelines, warranties, lots, and monthly costs so you can decide with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Chandler market snapshot in 2026
Chandler’s citywide numbers set a helpful baseline. As of January 2026, median sale prices were roughly in the upper $400Ks, with typical home values a little over $500K citywide. New single-family homes in boutique communities often price above that median, while new downtown townhomes tend to start closer to it.
Two concrete local examples help frame the spread:
- New downtown townhomes like Commonwealth Lofts by Brighton Homes start in the high $400Ks, with attached or small-lot living and HOA coverage for common areas. See current details on the builder’s page for Commonwealth Lofts.
- New gated single-family communities like Viviendo by K. Hovnanian have listed many homes in the mid to high $700Ks and above, with homesites often around 5,000 to 5,500 sq ft. Explore community info at Viviendo by K. Hovnanian.
New construction: pros, cons, and fit
Price and value
New builds often cost more up front than resale, especially for single-family homes in boutique communities. Townhome products downtown can be closer to Chandler’s overall median. With new homes, look past the base price and compare what’s included. Upgrades and lot premiums can raise your final cost. Ask for a written inclusions list before you fall in love with a model home.
Timeline and move-in
- Resale: You can usually go from accepted offer to closing in about 30 to 45 days with financing, sometimes faster with cash.
- New build quick-move-in: Spec homes can be ready now or within a few weeks to a couple months depending on lender approval and builder scheduling.
- To-be-built: Plan for about 6 to 12 months for a typical production build. National averages place built-for-sale timelines near 6 to 8 months. Learn what affects timelines in this overview on how long it takes to build a house.
If you’re on a tight clock, resale or a true move-in-ready spec home may fit best. If you want personalization and can wait, to-be-built can be rewarding.
Warranties and inspections
Most builders offer a structured warranty, often called 1-2-10 or similar. That commonly means one year on materials and workmanship, two years on major systems, and 10 years on structural coverage. Get the exact terms and claims process in writing. For a primer on typical coverage, review the 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty overview.
Even with a warranty, independent inspections are smart at key stages and before closing. A third-party inspector can flag items while builders are still on site and under warranty. See why new homes benefit from inspections in this guide to inspections on new construction.
Lots, yards, and neighborhood maturity
- Many new townhomes near downtown Chandler sit on very small lots and are designed for low-upkeep living. Outdoor space is modest.
- New single-family infill neighborhoods like Viviendo often have homesites around 5,000 to 5,500 sq ft. That is comfortable for daily life but may feel tighter than older areas.
- Resale neighborhoods in Chandler can offer larger lots and mature landscaping. You may find yards over 10,000 sq ft in some established pockets.
Also consider amenity timing. New communities may market parks or clubhouses that deliver later. Confirm the amenity timeline and HOA rules before you rely on them.
Monthly costs: HOA, taxes, utilities
New developments often include an HOA. Budget for dues and review CC&Rs, budgets, and rules so you know what services are covered and what is restricted.
For city taxes, Chandler’s published city share of the property tax rate for FY 2024–25 was $1.0826 per $100 of assessed value. That is only the city portion. Your full bill also includes county and school districts. See the city’s rate update here: Chandler property tax rate news.
Chandler operates its own water and wastewater utilities. Electric service in the East Valley is provided by APS or SRP depending on the parcel. Always confirm utility providers and any solar or EV rules for the exact address. Learn more about city utilities at Chandler Water and Wastewater.
Financing and incentives
Builders often offer incentives such as rate buydowns, closing-cost credits, or upgrade packages. They can reduce your true out-of-pocket costs but may require the builder’s preferred lender or title company. Always get incentive terms in writing. You can check examples on local builder pages like Commonwealth Lofts and Viviendo.
If you buy a to-be-built home, you may need a construction-to-permanent loan or a two-step construction loan. These involve draws and extra underwriting. Get up to speed with this primer on construction loans and how they work.
Resale homes: pros, cons, and fit
Negotiation and price
Resale homes offer more room for negotiation on price and terms, especially if a property has been on the market for a while. You can often trade price for repairs or credits, and you can shop across different neighborhoods and ages of homes.
Speed and certainty
With resale, you know what you are getting the day you tour it. You can inspect, negotiate, and close on a predictable schedule. There is no construction timeline to manage.
Space and neighborhood feel
Older Chandler neighborhoods often provide larger lots, mature trees, and a finished neighborhood fabric. You see what is built today, rather than waiting on promised amenities. If you want a bigger yard or a specific street presence, resale can be your fastest path.
Side-by-side: who should choose what?
| Buyer priority | Better fit | Why it helps | Local example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tight timeline and value | Resale | Faster 30–45 day closings and stronger negotiation leverage | Established Chandler neighborhoods across the city |
| Low maintenance and new systems | New construction | Builder warranties, modern layouts, energy-efficient systems | Downtown townhomes like Commonwealth Lofts |
| Larger yard and mature setting | Resale | Bigger lots and finished neighborhood feel | Older single-family areas in South and Central Chandler |
| Personalization and design choices | New construction | Select finishes, floor plans, and sometimes homesites | Boutique SF communities like Viviendo |
Smart questions to ask before you commit
Use this checklist to compare homes and protect your budget:
- What are the exact standard inclusions vs. upgrades? Ask for a written list that covers appliances, counters, window coverings, landscaping, and garage finishes. Builder pages like Viviendo usually outline features and options.
- What homesite number and lot size are tied to the quoted price? Are there lot or view premiums? Request the site plan and pricing sheet.
- What is the estimated completion date for a to-be-built home? How are delays handled? Get the schedule in writing.
- What warranty is included, how long is each coverage period, and how do you file claims? Review a sample warranty from a third-party provider like 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty.
- Can you bring independent inspectors for pre-drywall and final inspections? Who handles punch-list repairs? See why this matters in this guide to new construction inspections.
- What HOA documents apply, and what do dues cover? Ask for CC&Rs, rules, and budgets. Builder pages such as Commonwealth Lofts often summarize HOA basics.
- Which utilities serve the address, and are there connection or capacity fees? Confirm with the city and providers. Start with Chandler Water and Wastewater.
- What financing and incentives are offered? Do you have to use the builder’s lender to receive them? Get all incentive terms in writing.
How we help you choose with confidence
You do not have to figure this out alone. We compare line-by-line costs for new vs. resale, confirm HOA and tax details, coordinate independent inspections, and keep your timeline on track. If you are considering a builder, we review contracts, warranty language, and incentive fine print so you know exactly what you are getting. If resale is a better fit, we help you negotiate the best price and terms, line up repairs, and close smoothly.
Ready to start your Chandler search or weigh your options? Reach out to The Holmes Team for personalized guidance.
FAQs
Is Chandler new construction more expensive than resale in 2026?
- Often yes for single-family homes, especially in boutique gated communities that commonly list in the $700Ks and up, while citywide medians sit closer to the $500K range.
How long does a to-be-built home take in Chandler?
- Plan for roughly 6 to 12 months for a production build, depending on permitting, materials, weather, and labor; quick-move-in specs can close much faster.
What warranties come with new homes in Chandler?
- Many builders use a 1-year workmanship, 2-year systems, and 10-year structural model; confirm exact terms, claim process, and transferability in writing.
Do new Chandler communities have HOAs and how do dues work?
- Most new communities include an HOA with monthly or quarterly dues for common-area maintenance or amenities; review CC&Rs and budgets for coverage and rules.
Which utilities serve Chandler homes and can I choose my provider?
- Chandler runs water and wastewater; electric service is from APS or SRP depending on the parcel, so confirm the provider and any solar or EV rules for the exact address.
