New Construction Developments & Upcoming Communities Across the Wasatch Front: 2025–2026
The Wasatch Front is in the middle of one of the most ambitious construction booms in the American West. With over 21,900 residential building permits issued statewide in 2024 and projections exceeding 23,000 for 2025, Salt Lake and Utah Counties remain the epicenter of Utah's new-build landscape. Eight major Wasatch Front cities have collectively identified more than 109,000 entitled housing units for future development, signaling that the next decade of growth is already mapped out.
From D.R. Horton's massive 1,200-acre Inverness community debuting near Silicon Slopes in Lehi to Downtown Daybreak's transformative Phase 2 expansion in South Jordan, from the first model homes opening in Herriman's Panorama to early-phase construction at Wildflower in Saratoga Springs — the new construction pipeline has never been more packed or more exciting. This research-driven guide breaks down every major development, compares the region's most active builders, examines the incentive landscape, and shares the data-backed insights you need to navigate the Wasatch Front's new-build market.
What's Inside This Guide
- Growth by the Numbers: Population, permits, and demand driving construction
- Salt Lake County: Daybreak, Downtown Daybreak Phase 2, Herriman, and infill developments
- Utah County: Inverness, Holbrook Farms, Wildflower, Wander, and Silicon Slopes expansion
- Luxury & Custom Corridors: Alpine, Highland, and Draper's premium hillside communities
- Builder Comparison: Side-by-side breakdown of every major builder
- Incentives & Buyer Strategy: How to maximize savings in today's market
Growth by the Numbers: Why Builders Keep Building
Before diving into individual communities, it helps to understand the macro picture. Utah's population growth continues to outpace nearly every other state, and the Wasatch Front is where the action concentrates. These numbers tell the story:
Projected residential permits
statewide in 2025
Entitled housing units across
eight Wasatch Front cities
Annual population growth
in key Wasatch Front cities
South Jordan continues to grow at approximately 2.53% annually, now home to nearly 89,000 residents. Lehi's growth rate ranges from 2.7% to 4.25% as Silicon Slopes tech employers continue to expand. Herriman is growing at roughly 2.7% per year, driven by Olympia and Panorama. And Saratoga Springs has been one of the fastest-growing cities in the entire United States, propelled by Wildflower and Wander along Utah Lake's northwest shore.
What This Means for Buyers
Sustained population growth creates a floor under home values. Builders are responding to genuine, measurable demand — not speculation. For buyers, this means the communities being built today are positioned for long-term appreciation, especially those with integrated commercial amenities, trail systems, and transit access. It also means builders are competing aggressively for buyers, which drives the incentive programs outlined later in this guide.
Salt Lake County: The Flagship Communities
Daybreak (South Jordan) — Utah's Premier Master-Planned Community
Daybreak is not just Utah's largest master-planned community — at over 4,000 acres with more than 20,000 residents, it is a city-within-a-city. The community is now entering what may be its most transformative chapter, with multiple concurrent developments reshaping what Daybreak offers residents.
Downtown Daybreak — Phase 2 Construction Begins
The $140 million Downtown Daybreak district — anchored by America First Square and the Salt Lake Bees' new ballpark — entered Phase 2 construction in early 2026. This next phase includes:
- The Pennant: A new multi-family development by Sego Homes and Holmes Homes, slated for late 2026 completion, featuring modern townhomes and condos steps from the ballpark.
- Neighborhood Pocket Parks: New green spaces along Center Field Drive designed to connect the residential villages to the entertainment district.
- District Parking Garage: A multi-level structure to serve the growing entertainment and retail corridor.
- Larry H. & Gail Miller Arts Center: A cultural anchor that will bring performing arts, exhibitions, and community programming to Downtown Daybreak.
Watermark Village & Western Expansion
Watermark Village remains the heartbeat of Daybreak's waterfront living, with 18 model homes from five builders along the Watercourse. Meanwhile, western villages continue releasing new single-family and townhome lots with contemporary and transitional home styles.
- David Weekley Homes is selling townhomes in The Dawn at Daybreak, featuring open-concept layouts with mountain views.
- Sego Homes continues to showcase modern townhome designs with rooftop decks and panoramic views.
- Destination Homes and Holmes Homes are active across multiple villages with single-family and paired villa products.
- Richmond American Homes and Lennar remain active with traditional and Next Gen® multigenerational floor plans.
SpringHouse Village by OakwoodLife (55+ Active Adult)
Daybreak's dedicated 55+ community continues to be one of the most sought-after active adult opportunities in the Mountain West. Three new model homes were introduced in late 2025, and the community's 10,000-square-foot private clubhouse — The Spring House — features fitness facilities, pickleball courts, a village-specific pool, and trail connectivity.
Pricing: Homes currently range from approximately $400,000 to $600,000+, depending on floor plan and finishes. OakwoodLife has transitioned its branding under the main Oakwood Homes umbrella.
Active Builders at Daybreak
Herriman — Two Mega-Developments Driving Growth
Herriman is one of the fastest-growing cities in Utah, growing at approximately 2.7% annually. Two major developments — Olympia and Panorama — are responsible for a significant share of that growth, each representing a different vision for how new communities are built.
Olympia — 933-Acre Mixed-Use Master Plan
- Great Basin at Olympia by Richmond American Homes continues to see strong sales, with model homes open and new lot releases through 2026. The community emphasizes parks, playgrounds, and sport courts.
- EDGEhomes has begun activity in additional phases, offering modern layouts and cost-competitive pricing. Quick-move-in homes are available with delivery scheduled through 2026.
- Commercial parcels within Olympia's mixed-use zone are progressing through planning stages, with future retail and dining amenities planned to serve the growing residential population.
Panorama — 555 Acres by DAI Utah
Panorama is Herriman's newest large-scale development, a 555-acre master-planned community designed for approximately 1,300 residential units including single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments. Located in southeastern Herriman with stunning mountain views, Panorama offers a more topographically varied living experience than traditional flat subdivision layouts.
- Infrastructure Milestone: The Juniper Crest Road extension — a critical traffic improvement for southeastern Herriman — is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, unlocking access to the development.
- Panorama Park: Part of the master development agreement, the community park is on track for public completion by late 2028. Early park amenities and trail connections are already under construction.
- Custom-Feeling Lots: Varying elevations and diverse lot sizes appeal to buyers seeking a more personalized home site compared to traditional subdivision layouts.
- Mixed-Use Corridor: Commercial storefronts are planned along Panorama's primary thoroughfare.
Additional Herriman Activity
Beyond Olympia and Panorama, Herriman's western bench continues to see subdivision activity. Wright Homes is active in the Jackson Subdivision and other smaller developments, and the Harvest community continues building out its agricultural-themed neighborhood with community gardens, family parks, and multi-builder activity in the $450,000 to $600,000 range.
South Jordan & Riverton Infill Developments
While Daybreak dominates South Jordan's new construction narrative, the broader South Jordan and Riverton corridor still has active building. Several infill developments and smaller subdivisions are releasing new lots, particularly along the western bench areas closer to the Oquirrh Mountain foothills.
- Price Range: Single-family homes in these developments typically range from $450,000 to $650,000, with townhome options starting in the mid-$300,000s.
- Key Appeal: Proximity to Bangerter Highway, the Jordan River Parkway trail system, and established retail corridors along 13400 South.
- Builders Active: Ivory Homes, Lennar, and Richmond American Homes continue to develop remaining parcels in these corridors.
Utah County: Silicon Slopes Expansion & Lakeside Growth
Inverness by D.R. Horton (Lehi) — Major New Debut
One of the most significant new community announcements along the Wasatch Front in 2025 was D.R. Horton's reveal of Inverness, a 1,200-acre master-planned luxury community on a south-facing bench above Lehi's Silicon Slopes business corridor. Officially announced in late January 2025, Inverness represents D.R. Horton's ambitious entry into Utah's premium new-build market.
Community Details
- Size: 1,200 acres on the hillside above Lehi, positioned between the Silicon Slopes tech corridor and the Wasatch Mountain foothills.
- Price Range: Approximately $399,990 to $1,700,000+, reflecting a range from entry-level to luxury estate products within the same community.
- Master Plan: Multi-phase development including residential villages, open spaces, trail systems, and planned commercial amenities.
- Strategic Location: Minutes from I-15, the Lehi Transit Center, Thanksgiving Point, and major Silicon Slopes employers including Adobe, Ancestry, and Qualtrics.
Why It Matters
D.R. Horton is the largest homebuilder in the United States by volume. Their entry into the Utah market with a project of this scale signals confidence in the Wasatch Front's long-term growth trajectory. For buyers, it means an additional major builder option in an area that has been primarily served by Ivory Homes and David Weekley. The wide price range — from the $400K range to well over $1 million — also means Inverness could serve as a "forever community" where buyers can move between product lines as their needs change.
Holbrook Farms (Lehi) — The Silicon Slopes Community
Holbrook Farms continues to be one of the most active new-build communities in Utah County. This 700-acre master-planned community, developed by the Boyer Company, is designed for over 2,800 primary residential units with extensive on-site commercial development. Its location near Thanksgiving Point, the Lehi Transit Center, and I-15 makes it one of the most commuter-friendly new-build communities in the valley.
Active Construction
- Multiple residential phases under concurrent construction by Ivory Homes, David Weekley Homes, and Oakwood Homes.
- New model homes from David Weekley feature open-concept layouts with Energy Saver building standards and premium natural light design.
- Commercial parcels along the community's main thoroughfare are in various stages of planning and early construction, with retail and dining amenities expected to open in phases.
Active Builders
Wildflower (Saratoga Springs) — Utah's First "Active Family" Community
Wildflower is one of the most ambitious new communities in all of Utah — a sprawling 1,200-acre development that reserves one-third of its total land for open spaces, regional trail systems, and active sports fields. Positioned on Saratoga Springs' northwest shore, Wildflower is designed to create a lifestyle-first environment where amenities are built alongside (not after) the homes.
Construction Status & Builder Activity
- Toll Brothers and Oakwood Homes have model homes open and touring daily. Toll Brothers' luxury product line features some of the highest-end new construction available in Utah County.
- Lennar and EDGEhomes are also actively building, offering products from townhomes to large single-family homes.
- Community Amenities: Active sports fields, trail systems, and community gathering spaces are being built simultaneously with residential phases, ensuring amenities are available as families move in.
- Early-Buyer Advantage: With thousands of homes planned, early-phase buyers benefit from the most competitive pricing. As the community matures and amenities come online, later phases will command higher prices.
Wander (Saratoga Springs) — Lakeside Village Living
On the northwest shore of Utah Lake, the 350-acre Wander community continues building its vision of a pedestrian-friendly lakeside village. Developed by Oakwood Homes, Wander offers a distinct lifestyle proposition: lake-adjacent living with mountain views, walkable amenities, and a range of home types.
- New Phases: Additional single-family and townhome lots are being released through 2026, with lake-view lots commanding premium pricing.
- Builder Activity: Oakwood Homes is the primary developer, offering distinct product lines from townhomes to large single-family homes.
- Trail & Park Development: Extensive trail loops, regional school sites, and community gathering spaces are progressing as infrastructure matures.
- Price Points: Townhomes starting in the mid-$300,000s, single-family homes from the mid-$400,000s to $600,000+.
Luxury & Custom Corridors: Alpine, Highland, and Draper
While master-planned communities dominate the Wasatch Front's new construction narrative, a parallel market of luxury custom and semi-custom building thrives in the foothills and mountain-access areas of northern Utah County and eastern Salt Lake County.
Alpine & Highland Foothills
Rather than large-scale master plans, these areas focus on luxury custom estates on large, private lots in prestigious neighborhoods such as Highland's Canterbury North, Beacon Hill, and Bull River Ridge. Active luxury builders include Highland Custom Homes, E Builders, and Summit Construction, all specializing in slope-side construction and mountain-view designs. Some high-end projects are currently under construction for 2026 completion.
SunCrest (Draper)
Perched on Draper's east bench with panoramic valley views, SunCrest continues to release new phases with higher price points ($700K–$1.2M+) reflecting the premium location and mountain-access lifestyle. David Weekley Homes and Sego Homes are among the active builders. The community's proximity to Corner Canyon trailheads and the Draper trail system makes it a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts.
West Jordan Infill
West Jordan is seeing renewed builder interest in infill parcels, particularly along the western bench. Townhome and single-family projects are filling gaps in established neighborhoods, often at more competitive price points than neighboring South Jordan. This creates opportunities for buyers who want proximity to the Daybreak lifestyle without the premium pricing.
Canyon Point & Hidden Canyon (Lehi)
In Lehi's foothill areas, Fieldstone Homes and independent builders are developing Canyon Point in the Hidden Canyon area, offering mountain-view homesites with a more intimate community feel than the large-scale developments along the valley floor.
Builder Comparison: How the Top Builders Stack Up
With so many builders active across the Wasatch Front, knowing which one fits your needs is crucial. Here is a comprehensive comparison of the region's most prominent builders as of mid-2026, including the new D.R. Horton entry:
| Builder | Style & Specialty | Key Strengths | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ivory Homes | Traditional & transitional architecture. Utah's largest homebuilder. | Deep local experience, semi-custom options, financial stability. | $450K – $900K+ |
| D.R. Horton | National volume builder entering Utah with the Inverness community. | Massive scale, wide price range ($400K–$1.7M+), national warranty. | $400K – $1.7M+ |
| Richmond American Homes | Diverse single-family designs with high ceilings standard. | Hundreds of Home Gallery choices, structural customization, wide availability. | $450K – $850K |
| David Weekley Homes | Open-concept, light-filled floor plans with premium finishes. | Energy Saver standards, outstanding warranty, premium craftsmanship. | $500K – $950K |
| Lennar | Everything's Included® approach with smart-home technology. | All-inclusive pricing, Next Gen® multigenerational suites, nationwide warranty. | $380K – $750K |
| EDGEhomes | Modern layouts, efficient townhomes and single-family. | Cost-competitive pricing, maximum square footage, trendy interiors. | $350K – $650K |
| Sego Homes | Sleek, modern urban townhomes with rooftop decks. | Eco-friendly systems, urban loft aesthetic, low-maintenance lifestyle. | $400K – $650K |
| Toll Brothers | Luxury estate homes and premium move-up designs. | National luxury reputation, designer-curated options, premium communities. | $650K – $1.5M+ |
| Oakwood Homes | Colorado-rooted builder with modern farm and transitional styles. | Strong community integration, active-adult expertise, quality materials. | $450K – $850K |
Builder Incentives: The 2025–2026 Landscape
One of the most important developments in the Wasatch Front new-build market is the evolving incentive landscape. Builders are competing aggressively for buyers, and the financial incentives available today are among the most generous in recent memory.
What Builders Are Offering
Rate Buydowns (2-1 or 3-2-1)
Temporary rate reductions that lower your mortgage payment for the first 2–3 years, effectively subsidizing your transition into the home.
Closing Cost Credits
Credits of $5,000 to $15,000 toward buyer closing costs, directly reducing out-of-pocket expenses at the closing table.
Design Center Credits
Allowances of $10,000 to $30,000+ for upgrades at the builder's design center — flooring, cabinetry, countertops, and fixtures.
Appliance & Upgrade Packages
Free appliance upgrades, smart-home packages, and premium finish inclusions bundled with purchase contracts.
Stacking Strategy: Builder Incentives + State Programs
Savvy buyers can layer builder incentives with state and county down-payment assistance programs. The Utah First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program, for example, provides additional support for new construction purchases under $450,000. Combined with a builder's rate buydown and closing cost credit, total savings can reach $15,000 to $60,000 or more. These promotions change frequently — sometimes monthly — and the best deals often surface at the end of a builder's fiscal quarter. An agent with direct builder relationships ensures you know exactly what is on the table and how to stack programs for maximum savings.
Essential Tips for New Construction Buyers
Always Bring Your Own Agent — From Visit One
The sales agents at model homes work for the builder — not for you. Their loyalty is to the builder's bottom line. Bringing an experienced, independent agent ensures you have someone negotiating upgrades, monitoring construction timelines, and identifying potential issues. In Utah, builder representation is typically free to you. But you must have your agent present on your very first visit, or many builders will not allow independent representation later. Call Adam or Natalie before you tour any model home.
Understand the Base Price vs. Model Home Gap
The model home you tour showcases $50,000 to $150,000+ in upgrades beyond the base price. Know exactly what is included in the base before you start selecting upgrades. Allocate your design center budget to structural elements that are difficult to change later — basement ceiling heights, extra bedrooms, structural wiring, and cabinetry layouts. Cosmetic items like fixtures, tile, and carpet can be upgraded after closing for a fraction of the builder's design center cost.
Schedule Independent Inspections — Even for New Builds
Municipal inspectors verify basic code compliance but often miss workmanship issues, insulation gaps, and roofing anomalies. We recommend two independent third-party inspections: Pre-Drywall (after framing, electrical, and plumbing are installed but before drywall goes up — your only chance to catch structural issues) and Pre-Closing (1–2 weeks before closing to identify mechanical, electrical, and cosmetic flaws).
Visit Communities at Different Times of Day
A model home on a quiet Tuesday morning feels very different from the same community on a Saturday afternoon or during evening rush hour. Visit at multiple times to understand traffic patterns, noise levels, sun exposure, and how the neighborhood actually feels when people are home. Pay attention to construction activity — some phases may still be actively building while earlier phases are quiet and settled.
Evaluate the Full Community, Not Just the Floor Plan
A great floor plan in a community without amenities, trail access, or commercial infrastructure can feel isolating within a few years. Look at the master plan — when will parks, retail, and schools be completed? Which phases are finished versus still under construction? Communities like Daybreak and Wildflower are designed with amenities built alongside homes, while other developments may be years away from completing their vision. Understanding the timeline helps set realistic expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to build a new home along the Wasatch Front?
Most production builders in the Salt Lake and Utah County corridors quote 6 to 12 months from contract signing to closing, depending on the community, floor plan, and weather conditions. Semi-custom and custom homes may take 12 to 18 months. Current lumber supply chains are stable, but labor shortages can extend timelines. Always ask your builder for a realistic construction schedule and understand what milestones trigger price adjustments.
Is new construction more expensive than resale?
New builds typically carry a 10% to 20% premium over comparable resale homes in the same area. However, this comparison can be misleading. New construction includes modern energy efficiency (lower utility bills), builder warranties (typically 1–10 years depending on the component), no immediate repair or renovation costs, and the ability to customize from day one. When you factor in avoided renovation costs that resale homes often require, the gap narrows significantly.
What is the newest community I should have on my radar?
Inverness by D.R. Horton in Lehi is the most significant new community debut in 2025. At 1,200 acres with pricing from $400K to $1.7M+, it offers the widest product range of any single community on the Wasatch Front. Downtown Daybreak Phase 2 is also generating significant buzz with its urban-style townhomes and condos near the ballpark district. For luxury buyers, the Alpine/Highland custom corridor continues to produce exceptional estate homes.
Can I make changes to the floor plan?
It depends on the builder and the stage of construction. Most production builders (Lennar, Richmond American, EDGEhomes) offer a set menu of structural options and design center selections rather than full custom changes. Semi-custom builders and higher-end builders like Toll Brothers and Sego Homes may accommodate more significant modifications. The earlier you sign a contract, the more flexibility you typically have. Once construction has begun, changes become expensive and may delay your closing date.
How do I compare communities that are still under construction?
Visit each community multiple times, talk to residents in completed phases, and study the master development agreement (often available through the city's planning department). Ask builders about their construction timeline guarantees and what happens if they fall behind. Look at which amenities are already built versus planned — communities like Daybreak and Wildflower have a track record of delivering amenities alongside homes, while newer developments may have longer timelines for parks and retail. Your agent can help you evaluate the builder's history of on-time delivery.
Community Quick-Reference: At a Glance
Here is a side-by-side snapshot of the major communities covered in this guide, organized by county:
| Community | City | Size | Price Range | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daybreak | South Jordan | 4,000+ acres | $380K – $1M+ | Active — Phase 2 Underway |
| Downtown Daybreak | South Jordan | Mixed-use district | $400K – $800K | Phase 2 Construction |
| SpringHouse Village | South Jordan | 55+ community | $400K – $600K+ | Active — 3 New Models |
| Olympia | Herriman | 933 acres | $450K – $750K | Active Phases |
| Panorama | Herriman | 555 acres | $450K – $700K | Infrastructure Phase |
| Inverness | Lehi | 1,200 acres | $400K – $1.7M+ | Newly Announced |
| Holbrook Farms | Lehi | 700 acres | $450K – $850K | Active — Multi-Builder |
| Wildflower | Saratoga Springs | 1,200 acres | $380K – $1.2M+ | Active — Early Phase |
| Wander | Saratoga Springs | 350 acres | $350K – $600K+ | Active — New Releases |
| SunCrest | Draper | Foothill community | $700K – $1.2M+ | Active Phases |
Ready to Explore New Construction on the Wasatch Front?
From the lakeside lifestyle of Daybreak to the Silicon Slopes convenience of Inverness and Holbrook Farms, from the mountain-view promise of Panorama to the family-first vision of Wildflower — Adam and Natalie Stark have direct relationships with every major builder along the Wasatch Front. Adam holds a New Home Construction certification and brings a finance-first approach to evaluating builder contracts and design center selections. We will help you navigate model homes, compare builders, negotiate incentives, and protect your investment through every phase of the build.
Related Resources
Adam Stark, SRES & Natalie Stark
Stark Group Real Estate · Summit Sotheby's International Realty
Stark Group Real Estate is a leading husband-and-wife team serving Utah's Wasatch Front. Adam holds specialized certifications in New Home Construction and SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist), bringing a finance-first approach to helping buyers evaluate builder contracts, design center selections, and construction quality across every major community from Daybreak to Saratoga Springs. Natalie, licensed since 2008, specializes in guiding buyers through neighborhood selection and transition planning. Together, they offer unmatched clarity and advocacy for new-construction buyers along the Wasatch Front.