Trying to make sense of all the new construction near McKinney? You are not alone. With rapid growth across Collin County, you have many choices, from downtown infill spots to large master-planned communities and acreage neighborhoods. In this guide, you will see where to look, how to compare options, what timelines to expect, and how to plan your financing with confidence. Let’s dive in.

Where to look near McKinney

Downtown and infill options

If you want to stay close to Historic Downtown McKinney, consider infill lots and smaller pockets of new homes inside the city. These sites tend to offer walkability, short drives to restaurants and shops, and quick access to city services. Lots are smaller, often under 5,000 square feet, and many builds are custom or semi-custom. Expect higher land cost per square foot and, in some cases, neighborhood or historic-district design rules that shape what you can build.

Edge master-planned communities

On McKinney’s edges, you will find larger master-planned communities with pools, trails, parks, and community centers. These neighborhoods are built in phases by production and semi-custom builders, which can mean more predictable schedules and HOA structures. Typical lot widths range from 40 to 70 feet, with total lot sizes roughly 5,000 to 12,000 square feet depending on the product line. Watch for HOA fees, amenity timelines, and potential Municipal Utility District assessments that help pay for infrastructure.

North and east exurban options

If you prefer more space, look north and east toward Anna, Celina, Melissa, and Prosper. Many subdivisions here offer larger lots, sometimes a quarter acre or more, and a more rural feel. You might see fewer immediate amenities and a slower development pace while roads and utilities are completed. Commutes are longer for many buyers, so it helps to test your typical drive during peak hours.

Custom infill parcels

Across McKinney, there are pocket sites where a local builder or an owner-builder takes on a one-off custom home. Lot sizes vary widely and may involve demo or new utility hookups. Permits and neighborhood compatibility reviews can add time and cost. If design control matters most, this path offers the most flexibility.

Builder types and home choices

Production builders

Production builders, such as D.R. Horton, Lennar, Pulte, and KB Home, focus on speed and scale. You choose from a set of floor plans and options, and many neighborhoods have move-in ready inventory. This route offers the fastest delivery and the most predictable pricing, but customization is limited.

Semi-custom and regional builders

Semi-custom builders, including companies like David Weekley or Perry Homes where present, offer more plan variations and design options than most production lines. You can personalize layouts and finishes with moderate impact on time and cost. This is a balance between speed and design control.

Local custom builders

Local custom builders focus on individual homes, often on infill sites or larger lots. You work closely with the builder and your architect to create a unique design. This approach has the longest timeline and higher per-unit cost but gives you full design control.

Product types you will see

• Move-in ready or spec homes: already built or near completion, with the shortest path to closing.
• To-be-built production homes: you select a plan and lot, then the builder follows a standard schedule.
• Semi-custom builds: more options and changes, with moderate lead times.
• Full custom homes: architect-led designs with the longest design, permitting, and build phases.

Lot sizes and what they mean

Lot size affects your lifestyle, yard maintenance, and budget. It also shapes what you can build.

• Infill and downtown: small urban lots often under 5,000 square feet. Expect narrower footprints and closer neighbors.
• Master-planned: lot widths commonly 40 to 70 feet with total areas around 5,000 to 12,000 square feet.
• Exurban and acreage: ranges from roughly a quarter acre to several acres. Verify utilities, setbacks, and drainage.

Before you commit, review the recorded plat, setbacks, easements, and any architectural guidelines. Corner and cul-de-sac lots may carry a premium. Orientation can affect light, energy use, and yard usability.

Commute and daily travel

US-75 is the primary route for McKinney commuters heading to Plano and Dallas. State Highway 121 and the Sam Rayburn Tollway connect you to the broader DFW network and to the Dallas North Tollway corridor. SH 380 and local arterials provide east-west access to nearby towns. Tolls can reduce travel time but add a recurring cost, so decide what consistency and savings matter most to you.

Transit options in Collin County are more limited than in central Dallas. Regional projects, including the DART Silver Line, are planned to improve east-west connections, but timelines and stations can change. For most buyers, commuting is auto-dependent. Model your route during peak hours using mapping tools and, when possible, ask neighbors or community reps about real-world travel times.

Schools and attendance boundaries

New neighborhoods around McKinney can fall into different school districts, including McKinney ISD, Frisco ISD, Prosper ISD, Anna ISD, and Melissa ISD. Attendance boundaries can shift as new schools open and communities grow. If school assignment is a priority, verify a specific address with the district before you finalize a contract. New master-planned communities may include planned school sites; check timing and locations with the district.

Taxes, HOAs, and MUDs

Many new developments in Collin County use Municipal Utility Districts or similar special districts to fund infrastructure. MUD assessments can impact your total tax bill and may last for years until bonds are paid down. Review the developer’s disclosures and the county appraisal district’s records to understand current rates and how long assessments are expected to continue. Also review HOA rules, fees, and any restrictions on exterior changes or rentals before you buy.

Financing new construction

Which loan fits your build

• Spec or move-in ready homes: often best suited to a conventional purchase mortgage. You can close quickly once the home is complete and the lender is ready.
• To-be-built production homes: also typically financed with a standard mortgage after construction, with deposits due during selections.
• Semi-custom builds: many buyers use a construction-to-permanent loan that converts to a standard mortgage when the home is finished.
• Full custom builds and lot-first strategy: you may use a lot loan for the land, then a construction-to-permanent loan for the build.

VA and FHA programs can be options if the builder and property meet program requirements. Lender processes vary for new construction, so get pre-approved early and confirm how your lender handles appraisals and draws.

Incentives, rate locks, and timing

Builders sometimes offer incentives such as closing cost credits, rate buydowns, or upgrades. Get all terms in writing and compare the net cost with an outside quote. If your build will take months, discuss rate-lock strategies with your lender, including longer locks or float-down options if rates fall. Ask when the appraisal will be ordered and what documentation is needed.

Deposits, options, and change orders

Production and semi-custom builders usually require deposits at contract and during selections. Change orders after finalizing your plan can add cost and time. Custom builds may use staged deposits tied to design, permitting, and construction milestones. Clarify what is included, how upgrade allowances work, and when additional payments might be due.

Realistic build timelines

• Spec or move-in ready: immediate to a few weeks from contract to closing, depending on lender processing.
• To-be-built production homes: often 3 to 6 months, subject to workload, permitting, and weather.
• Semi-custom builds: commonly 6 to 12 months, depending on scope and selections.
• Full custom homes: frequently 9 to 24 months or more, including design and permitting.

Build times vary by neighborhood and season. Ask for a realistic window, not just a target date, and plan for weather and supply delays.

Master-planned vs. infill: how to compare

Use this checklist to weigh your options:

• Lot and house: lot size, width, orientation, and setbacks. Confirm the buildable area on the plat.
• Timeline: move-in ready vs. build schedule. Match to your lease or home sale timing.
• Cost structure: HOA fees, MUD taxes, and expected property tax rates.
• Amenities: what is available now vs. planned in future phases. Ask about completion dates.
• Schools: confirm district and campus assignments for the specific address.
• Customization: level of design flexibility and finish options.
• Resale: community brand and amenity draw vs. infill location advantages like downtown access.
• Infrastructure risk: builder reputation, warranty coverage, and the status of roads, parks, and services.

How to verify details like a pro

For the most accurate information, go to the source:

• City planning and development: plats, annexations, zoning, and approved subdivisions.
• County appraisal district: current tax data and MUD information.
• School district boundary maps: verify attendance boundaries for your specific address.
• Builder sales offices: product details, HOA rules, construction schedules, and warranty terms.
• Experienced lenders and title partners: construction-to-permanent loan options and closing steps.

Your next step

New construction around McKinney offers real choice, whether you want urban convenience, a community with amenities, or a larger exurban lot. The key is to match your priorities to the right location, builder type, financing plan, and timeline. If you want one team that understands both the market and the mortgage side, we can help you compare neighborhoods, run true payment scenarios, and negotiate the right contract terms.

Have questions or want a short list of communities that fit your goals? Connect with the team at Real Estate Resources for a custom search and a clear financing plan.

FAQs

Where to start a McKinney new-construction search

• Begin by choosing your priority: walkability, amenities, or lot size. Then focus on downtown infill, master-planned edges, or exurban areas like Anna, Celina, Melissa, and Prosper.

How MUD taxes affect new-home budgets in Collin County

• MUD assessments can add to your property tax bill for years to fund infrastructure. Review the developer’s disclosures and county appraisal records to understand rates and timelines.

Which builders near McKinney offer fast move-ins

• Production builders often have spec homes or quick-delivery options. Ask onsite sales teams about inventory homes that are complete or near completion.

How to verify school district assignments for a new neighborhood

• Confirm the specific address with the school district’s boundary maps or enrollment office, since lines can shift as new schools open.

What a realistic timeline looks like for a to-be-built home

• Production builds often take 3 to 6 months, depending on permitting, weather, and builder workload. Add extra time for selections and walk-throughs.

Which loan works for a custom or semi-custom build near McKinney

• Many buyers use a construction-to-permanent loan. If you buy the lot first, you may need a lot loan before starting construction.

How to plan for commuting from exurban towns like Anna or Melissa

• Test your route during peak hours using mapping tools. Factor in toll costs on SH 121 or the Dallas North Tollway, and check for planned road projects that may improve travel.