7 Townhome Sales Near Ybor: New Construction in the City
The Challenge of Finding New Construction in the City
For many homebuyers, living in the city means trading in the dream of new construction for a fixer-upper or a move to the suburbs. The appeal of urban life is undeniable—proximity to work, entertainment, and vibrant neighborhoods—but new builds are rare.
As a Realtor with decades of experience, I’ve seen this dilemma time and time again. That’s why I was excited when I stumbled across a rare opportunity near Ybor City in 2019—a chance to offer my clients the best of both worlds: urban living and brand-new construction.
The Land: A Hidden Gem Near Ybor City
In 2019, I found a unique piece of land near Ybor City. Years ago, a small cigar factory stood on the site, but after a fire destroyed the building, the land had remained vacant. What once was a bustling corner of Tampa had been reduced to an empty lot, waiting for a new purpose.
I immediately emailed the property to a developer I had worked with six times before, someone I trusted to have both vision and execution. The developer purchased the land, rezoned it with the city, and set out to create something special—townhomes with a West Indies vibe that would be a perfect fit for the area.
Pre-Selling: The Power of Supply and Demand
When the developer asked me to handle the presale of these townhomes, I knew we had a golden opportunity. These were not your average homes; rooftop terraces, open floor plans, and modern amenities made them stand out. I was confident they would sell fast, and that’s exactly what happened.
We started at a fair price, and as demand grew, we raised the price with each sale. It’s a classic supply-and-demand scenario, and it worked like a charm. Every time a townhome sold, the interest grew, and so did the value.
Delays and Setbacks: The Reality of New Construction
As with most new construction projects, we faced our share of delays. A fire broke out during construction, but luckily the only things under construction were the slab, firewall, and a few trusses. No major harm was done, but it did set us back.
Then, we had a hurricane delay, which caused further setbacks. And, of course, permitting delays—an all-too-common hurdle in the world of real estate development.
Despite these challenges, we kept moving forward. It’s always amazing to me how quickly these properties sell—often one to two years before they are ready for move-in. Yet, buyers are willing to wait because they know a good deal when they see one.
Wrapping Up: 5 Sold, 2 More to Close
Now, we’ve successfully closed on five of the townhomes, and the remaining two are set to close next week. It’s been a journey, but seeing these homes finally come together, knowing they will be part of a growing and thriving community, makes it all worth it.
Why You Need a Realtor Who Knows New Construction
If you’re in the market for new construction, especially in the city, you need a Realtor who understands the process—someone who knows the developers, builders, and has access to opportunities before they hit the market. Properties like these townhomes near Ybor City sell up to two years before they’re move-in ready, so timing is everything.
I’m Kevin Freel, your partner in making pivotal life moments happen. Let me help you find your next home, whether it’s brand-new construction or the perfect fit for your urban lifestyle.
Kevin Freel, Realtor since 1985
Phone: 727-410-8599