Choosing between a brand-new build and a well-kept resale in Matthews can feel like a fork in the road. You want the right house, in the right spot, at the right price, without regrets after closing. This guide lays out the tradeoffs you should weigh in Matthews so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. Let’s dive in.
Matthews market at a glance
Public snapshots show Matthews-area prices in a similar band, even though each metric looks at the market a bit differently. Zillow’s typical home value recently hovered near $491,119, while Realtor.com showed a median list price around $512,000. A separate snapshot reported a median sold price near $560,000 in mid-2025. Time on market has stretched compared to the 2022 peak, with one source showing about 75 days in 2025, which points to a market that is more balanced in several price tiers.
Price per square foot often lands in the mid $200s in listings, but it varies by neighborhood, ZIP, and school zone. The big takeaway is simple. Compare homes by area and product type before you set expectations on value.
New construction in and around Matthews
What you get with new builds
- New systems, roofs, and finishes that should need less near-term maintenance.
- Open layouts and contemporary features that fit today’s lifestyles.
- A cleaner start for long-term ownership, with fewer immediate projects.
Price bands and real examples
- Arbor Village, an infill community in Matthews, has shown pricing from the mid $400s to the upper $500s in recent listings. Lots are compact, roughly 0.12 to 0.14 acres in many cases, and published HOA dues have been about $165 per month.
- Glenhurst, in the 28104 area with a Matthews mailing address, typically runs from the upper $500s to $800k and up. Homes there sit on larger lots, about 0.23 to 0.34 acres on published plats, with an HOA listed near $790 per year.
- Nearby Mint Hill offers additional new-home choices. For example, Whitley Preserve by David Weekley has shown larger detached homes in the $580k to $700k range. You can browse their quick-move options on the builder’s page for Whitley Preserve by David Weekley Homes.
Lot size and HOA tradeoffs
Many recent infill communities emphasize smaller lots of about 0.10 to 0.15 acres. The upside is easier upkeep and newer infrastructure, but yard privacy can be limited. Larger lots are more common in master-planned or edge-of-town communities and in older resale neighborhoods, where 0.2 to 0.5 acres or more is not unusual.
HOA dues vary based on community size and amenities. Recent examples show monthly dues around $165 in some small infill neighborhoods and annual dues near $790 in others. Always review the HOA documents so you know what is covered, what is restricted, and whether there are one-time capital contributions or potential special assessments.
Resale homes in Matthews
What you get with resales
- Established neighborhoods with mature landscaping and a lived-in community feel.
- Larger lots and diverse home styles, from classic traditional to updated transitional.
- The chance to buy into a location you already love without waiting for a build.
Cost and value levers
Resale value depends on location, condition, and how the home compares to nearby comps. Many listings in the area show mid $200s per square foot, but each neighborhood tells its own story. You may see more square footage or yard for the price in certain established subdivisions. The key is to test your short list against recent sales in the immediate area.
Side-by-side: what to weigh
Use this quick checklist to compare options.
- Budget and total cost
- Compare base price, finishes, and upgrades for new builds versus the condition and recent improvements in resales.
- Add HOA dues and any one-time fees. Newer communities may charge monthly, quarterly, or annual dues.
- Lot size and outdoor living
- Newer infill lots often run about 0.10 to 0.15 acres. Resales and master-planned areas may offer more room.
- Timeline to move
- New construction timing depends on whether a spec home is available or a to-be-built schedule is required. Resale timing depends on contract terms and closing logistics.
- Customization vs character
- New builds deliver modern plans and new materials. Resales can offer architectural charm or larger, flexible spaces.
- Location fit
- Consider commute routes, access to daily needs, and how each neighborhood fits your routines. Nearby towns like Mint Hill can expand new-home choices and may come with different local tax and service considerations.
- Maintenance appetite
- New systems can reduce early maintenance. Resales may need updates but can also come with recent renovations.
How to choose your best fit in Matthews
Define your nonnegotiables. Decide if you value yard size, walkable conveniences, or a specific commute window more than finishes or an extra flex room.
Tour both types side by side. Walk a few new communities and a few established neighborhoods on the same day. Pay attention to street feel, traffic patterns, and outdoor space.
Compare HOA rules and dues. Ask for declarations and budgets so you know what is covered, what is restricted, and what it costs.
Run a long-term cost view. Layer likely maintenance, possible upgrades, and HOA dues into a five-year picture so you are comparing apples to apples.
Use hyper-local comps. Price per square foot can swing by neighborhood and school zone. Have your agent pull recent closed sales that mirror your target home type.
Plan your timeline. If you need a firm move date, ask about builder quick-move options and realistic closing windows. For resales, discuss possession timing with the seller team early.
When you are ready to compare real homes in real time, we will map your priorities to the best-fit neighborhoods and builders, pull the right comps, and coach you through every step of the offer, inspections, and closing.
If you are weighing your next move in Matthews or nearby Union County, let us help you sort the options with clarity and care. Reach out to Dee Brummett for a friendly consult and a plan tailored to your timeline.
FAQs
Is new construction more expensive than resale in Matthews?
- It depends on the community, lot, and finishes. Recent examples show new builds from the mid $400s to the upper $500s in infill areas and upper $500s to $800k and up in larger-lot communities, while market snapshots place Matthews-wide values roughly from the low $500s to the mid $500s depending on the metric and timing. Compare by neighborhood for an accurate read.
What HOA costs should I expect with new homes?
- Recent listings show a wide range. Some small infill communities publish dues around $165 per month, while others list annual dues near $790. Always confirm the latest amounts and what is included before you write an offer.
How do lot sizes differ between new builds and resales?
- Many new infill lots run about 0.10 to 0.15 acres. Newer master-planned or edge-of-town communities can offer about 0.23 to 0.34 acres or more, and many resales sit on 0.2 to 0.5 acres or larger. Expect variation by neighborhood.
Are there nearby new-home options if I want more space?
- Yes. Communities in nearby Mint Hill expand your choices. For example, Whitley Preserve by David Weekley has shown larger detached homes priced roughly $580k to $700k. You can explore current offerings on the builder’s page.
How long does it take to buy new construction versus a resale?
- Timelines vary. Builders sometimes have quick-move spec homes, while to-be-built homes require a longer schedule. Resale timing depends on contract terms, inspections, and closing. Ask for realistic windows before you commit.
What is the typical price per square foot in Matthews?
- Many listings show mid $200s per square foot. That said, price per foot shifts by ZIP, neighborhood, and property condition, so compare against recent area comps for a precise view.
