Buying a home in the Pittsburgh market comes with an important question.
Should you buy a new construction home or an existing resale home

Both options offer clear benefits, but they serve different types of buyers. In this guide, I break down the six biggest factors you should consider before choosing a new build or a resale. By the end, you will know exactly which option fits your goals, lifestyle, and budget.

1. Finishes and Customization

One of the biggest attractions of new construction is the ability to choose your finishes. Flooring. Cabinet colors. Countertops. Paint. Fixtures. Even floor plan changes in some cases.

If every resale home already had the layout and style you wanted, you would buy resale. But many older homes in Pittsburgh were built 20, 30, even 50 years ago. Trends change. Updates vary. Some resales are beautifully renovated. Others need cosmetic work.

If you want your home to feel brand new with your exact style, new construction will always win in this category.

2. Price Per Square Foot

This is where the biggest difference usually appears.

New construction in the Pittsburgh region typically costs more per square foot than resale. It is common to see new builds priced 50 to 100 dollars per square foot higher than a comparable 20 or 30 year old home.

When your goal is the most space for your budget, resale almost always delivers more value.

New homes give you style and convenience.
Resale homes give you size and savings.

3. Lawn, Landscaping, and Exterior Costs

This is the category buyers forget about.

Most new construction communities start with minimal landscaping. No mature trees. No established mulch beds. Small patios. Small sidewalks. And in some cases, a muddy yard that needs time to settle and grow.

Over the first few years of ownership, you will invest in:

• Grading
• Soil and seed
• Lawn care
• Shrubs and trees
• Walkways or patios
• Outdoor lighting

A resale home, especially one that is 10 or more years old, usually has fully established landscaping. This alone can save you thousands.

4. Lot Size and Privacy

Builders today aim to maximize the number of homes per development. That usually means small lots, tight spacing, and limited privacy.

In many suburban resale neighborhoods, especially those built before the 1990s, you will find:

• Larger yards
• More space between homes
• Mature trees
• Better shade and natural privacy

City lots will generally be small regardless of age. But in the suburbs, resale homes often offer a noticeable advantage in lot size and feel.

5. Location, Schools, and Community Maturity

New construction developments are often built farther from established shopping, schools, and retail. Builders must find land where development is still possible and financially feasible.

Resale neighborhoods tend to be closer to:

• Grocery stores
• Schools
• Restaurants
• Retail centers
• Main commuter routes

They also come with a more mature feel. Bigger trees. More character. Longer-standing community development.

New construction offers newness.
Resale offers convenience and maturity.

6. Maintenance and Warranties

This is where new construction has the clear advantage.

New builds come with:

• A new roof
• A new furnace and AC
• New plumbing
• New electrical
• Builder warranties
• Appliance warranties

Everything is new. The first several years of ownership require very little maintenance.

Resale homes depend on age and updates. Once a home is 15 to 25 years old, major systems begin to age out. You may need to budget for new HVAC, a new roof, updated electrical, or cosmetic improvements. A home warranty can help but it will not cover all major expenses.

So Which Should You Buy

It depends on your priorities.

Choose New Construction if you want:

• Modern finishes
• Low maintenance
• Warranties
• Customization
• A brand-new feel

Choose Resale if you want:

• Larger lot sizes
• More space for your money
• Mature neighborhoods
• Closer proximity to shopping and schools
• Flexibility to update over time

There is no right or wrong choice. It is about what matters most to you.

If you want help comparing price per square foot, resale neighborhoods, builder options, or overall market conditions in the Pittsburgh area, our team is here to guide you through every step.

Contact us today:

Matt Durbin Team | EXP Realty
 Call/Text: (412) 727-8027
  EXP Realty: (888) 397.7352
 Email: matt@exppgh.com
 Learn more: mad.homes

Mortgage and Condition Disclaimer

Loan programs, rates, and qualification requirements vary by buyer. Home conditions and repair costs vary by property. Always consult a licensed mortgage professional, home inspector, and contractor before making decisions. This article is informational only and not financial or legal advice.

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New Construction vs Resale Homes in Pittsburgh What Buyers Need to Know

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Should you buy new construction or a resale home in Pittsburgh Our 2025 guide compares finishes, price per square foot, landscaping, lot size, maintenance, and location to help you choose.

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