New Construction vs Resale Homes in Kansas City: Which Should You Buy?

by Danny Howell

Buying a home in Kansas City is an exciting step, but one of the first questions you’ll need to answer is this: Should you buy new construction or a resale home?

Each option has unique advantages and drawbacks depending on your budget, timeline, and lifestyle. In this guide, we’ll break it down step by step so you can make the right move in today’s Kansas City real estate market.

New Construction Homes in Kansas City

Pros of New Construction:

Modern layouts: Open floor plans, large kitchens with islands, walk-in pantries, and spa-style primary suites.
Energy efficiency: Built to today’s codes, lowering utility costs.
Customization: Depending on the stage of construction, you can choose finishes, flooring, and colors.
Warranties: Most builders provide a one-year warranty on workmanship and longer coverage on structure and systems.

Cons of New Construction:

Higher cost: In Kansas City, new homes usually run about 21% higher per square foot than resale.
Longer timeline: If not already finished, you could wait 6–12 months for completion, depending on builder schedules and weather.
Less established neighborhoods: Many new subdivisions don’t have mature trees or completed amenities for the first few years.

Resale Homes in Kansas City

Pros of Resale Homes:

Affordability: Typically less expensive upfront than new construction.
Location: Found in established neighborhoods, often closer to schools, shopping, and highways.
Character & lot size: Older homes frequently have larger yards and unique layouts.
Faster move-in: Many resale homes allow you to close and move in within 30–45 days.

Cons of Resale Homes:

Maintenance: Older HVAC systems, roofs, or plumbing may need updating.
Limited customization: Floorplans and finishes are already set unless you renovate.
Potential repairs: Cosmetic updates are common, and major repairs may add to costs.

Key Factors to Consider

When deciding between new and resale homes in Kansas City, ask yourself:

Budget: Am I comfortable paying 10–20% more for a new build, or do I want the value of a resale?
Timeline: Do I need to move quickly (30–45 days), or can I wait up to a year for construction?
Lifestyle: Do I prefer modern layouts and warranties, or character and location in an established neighborhood?

Local Market Insights

The Kansas City real estate market offers a healthy mix of both options:

New Construction: Growing quickly in suburban areas like southern Johnson County, Raymore, Lee’s Summit, and Blue Springs. Builders are even offering incentives such as closing cost credits or design upgrades to stay competitive.
Resale Homes: More common closer to the city center and in older suburbs. Demand remains steady, and well-priced homes often sell in under 30 days if in good condition.

Which One Is Right for You?

Here’s a quick framework I use with my clients:

If you want modern layouts, energy efficiency, and peace of mind from warranties → Choose new construction.
If you want affordability, character, and established neighborhoods → Go with a resale home.
If you’re relocating or need to move fast → Resale is usually the safer option.
If you’re planning for the long term and want to personalize your home → New construction could be the winner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is new construction more expensive in Kansas City?

Yes. On average, new construction costs 10–20% more per square foot than resale, but you’re also paying for modern features, warranties, and lower maintenance.

How quickly can I move into a resale home?

Most resale homes in Kansas City close within 30–45 days, depending on financing and inspections.

Do new construction homes come with warranties?

Yes. Builders typically include a one-year workmanship warranty and longer coverage for structure and major systems.

Are resale homes harder to finance?

No. Both resale and new homes follow the same financing process. However, older homes may need repairs that impact appraisals or inspections.

Which option holds value better?

Both can appreciate in value. New homes offer modern appeal, while resale homes often benefit from established, central locations.