Where Is New Construction Happening in Santa Rosa Beach?

As of October 2026, some of the most visible new construction in Santa Rosa Beach is happening north of Highway 98, around Point Washington, South Church Street, Chat Holley and Indian Woman Road, Mack Bayou and Hogtown Bayou, plus selected communities closer to western 30A.

That is an important distinction.

Buyers sometimes assume:

new construction in Santa Rosa Beach = new beach houses on 30A.

Not really.

New homes are being built in several very different settings, including:

• Planned communities near Point Washington
• Bay-oriented neighborhoods
• Townhome developments north of Highway 98
• Smaller spot-lot projects
• Larger detached homes near western 30A
• Boutique luxury communities within walking or biking distance of the Gulf

The best location depends on what you care about most:

Beach access? Yard space? Garage? Boating? Price? Highway 98 access? 30A lifestyle?

Santa Rosa Beach New Construction at a Glance

Inventory changes quickly, so the examples above should be treated as a snapshot of active construction in October 2026, not a permanent list.

1. Point Washington Is One of the Most Active Areas to Watch

Point Washington is one of the first places buyers should explore if they want a new home without needing to live directly beside the Gulf.

Current development includes communities such as:

• The Shoal
• Brizo
• The Eyrie

These communities generally put buyers closer to the natural and residential side of Santa Rosa Beach while keeping Scenic Highway 30A, Grayton Beach and Seaside within the broader everyday area.

The Shoal

The Shoal is located along East Point Washington Road near Point Washington State Forest.

The community is relatively small, with homes designed around a more residential setting rather than a resort-style environment.

That may appeal if you want:

• New construction
• Detached home
• Garage
• More traditional residential setting
• State forest nearby
• Reasonable access toward 30A

Why Point Washington Matters

Point Washington helps explain where Santa Rosa Beach growth is going.

There is only so much land immediately beside the Gulf.

Moving north and inland can give builders more opportunity to create:

• Larger homesites
• Detached homes
• Garages
• Community green space
• New infrastructure

For buyers, that usually means a tradeoff.

You may gain more house or a newer home.

You may give up walking directly to the Gulf.

2. South Church Street and the Bay Side Are Seeing Major New Development

Another area to watch is the broader South Church Street and Choctawhatchee Bay side of Santa Rosa Beach.

A major current example is Tessera.

Tessera is being developed as a waterfront-oriented neighborhood with a mix of housing types.

Current plans include:

• Detached homes
• Townhomes
• Bayfront homesites
• Community amenities
• Walking trails
• Pool
• Pickleball
• Clubhouse
• Docks

That makes it very different from a small 30A infill project.

Who Might Like This Area?

This side of Santa Rosa Beach may appeal to buyers who want:

• Newer construction
• Bay access
• Boating or paddling nearby
• Community amenities
• Garage space
• Easier access toward Highway 98
• A residential setting outside the busiest beach corridors

It can work particularly well for someone who wants Santa Rosa Beach but does not need to walk to the Gulf every morning.

3. Chat Holley and Indian Woman Road Offer Lower-Entry New Construction Options

One of the biggest surprises for buyers is how much development is happening farther north of 30A.

The Chat Holley Road and Indian Woman Road corridor has seen townhome and detached-home construction.

A current example is Hawks Landing Townhomes.

Hawks Landing sits off Indian Woman Road and currently offers newly built townhomes with garages.

Compared with some coastal projects near 30A, this part of Santa Rosa Beach can provide a much different price point.

The Tradeoff

You are not buying the same lifestyle as Gulf Place or Grayton Beach.

You are more likely to drive to:

• The Gulf
• 30A restaurants
• Beach access
• Coastal shopping

But you may gain:

• Newer systems
• Lower purchase-price options
• Garage
• Modern layout
• Highway access
• Less direct beach-tourism activity

For a primary-residence buyer, those tradeoffs can matter more than being able to see the Gulf from the neighborhood.

4. Spot-Lot Construction Is Happening Outside Big Subdivisions Too

Not every new Santa Rosa Beach house is inside a large planned community.

Builders are also constructing homes on individual or scattered lots.

These are often marketed as spot lots.

That can give buyers another choice:

new house without buying into a large new subdivision.

Depending on the parcel, that may mean:

• No large community amenity package
• Different HOA structure
• More established surroundings
• Larger or unusual lot
• Different street character

Current spot-lot construction has appeared around roads such as Cox Road and nearby north-Santa Rosa Beach residential areas.

Why Buyers Should Pay Attention

A spot-lot home can combine:

new construction + an older established location.

But investigate the surrounding properties carefully.

The home itself may be brand new while:

• Roads are older
• Drainage is established differently
• Neighboring homes vary greatly in age
• Utilities differ
• No community amenities exist

New house does not automatically mean new neighborhood.

5. Mack Bayou and Hogtown Bayou Continue to Add New Homes

The west and bay-side portions of Santa Rosa Beach are another active construction area.

One current example is Magnolia Lane, located off the Mack Bayou corridor near Hogtown Bayou.

The community currently includes detached new homes and community dock access.

This location can appeal to buyers who care about:

• Bay-oriented recreation
• Paddleboarding
• Kayaking
• Highway 98 access
• Miramar Beach access
• Detached houses
• Two-car garages

It is a very different purchase from a small beach cottage along 30A.

Driftwood Estates

Another current new-construction example is Driftwood Estates, near Driftwood Point Road.

The product is at the higher end, with larger detached homes and private pools.

This illustrates how broad the bay-side market can be.

New construction near the bay does not necessarily mean entry-level housing.

Some projects are specifically designed for buyers looking for:

• Larger floor plans
• Three-car garages
• Pools
• Higher-end finishes
• Residential lots away from the Gulf corridor

6. Western 30A Still Has New Construction

Buyers who want new construction closer to the beach still have options.

They are simply more limited and generally more expensive than development farther inland.

One current example is The Dunes at Sandbar.

The community is located off Thompson Road near U.S. Highway 98, with relatively quick access toward the western 30A beach corridor.

Current homes are larger detached residences rather than small beach cottages.

This Area May Fit Buyers Who Want

• New construction
• Larger detached home
• Western 30A access
• Beach access relatively nearby
• Garage space
• Modern floor plan
• Less reliance on older coastal housing stock

The tradeoff is price.

Land closer to the Gulf generally carries a premium.

You are paying for the house and the location.

7. Parkside Is Another Western 30A New-Home Option

Parkside is another active new-home community on the western side of Santa Rosa Beach.

Current offerings include larger detached homes with multiple floor plans.

The location puts buyers much closer to the coastal side of the Santa Rosa Beach lifestyle than developments farther north.

This can be attractive if you want:

• Larger new home
• Beach proximity
• 30A access
• Community amenities
• Potential second-home use
• Modern coastal design

But buyers should evaluate the entire ownership package.

Check:

• HOA dues
• Rental rules
• Beach access
• Traffic
• Insurance
• Lot size
• Current and future construction phases

A new coastal neighborhood can look peaceful during a showing while the bulldozer two blocks away has very different plans for Monday morning.

8. Small Luxury Communities Are Still Appearing Near 30A

Not all development is large.

Some of the most interesting construction near 30A comes from small boutique projects.

A current example is Pearl Place.

Pearl Place is a 10-home project near Sea Croft Drive, roughly a half mile from Gulf beach access.

Current plans include private pools and larger coastal homes.

This kind of development appeals to a different buyer than a townhome project north of Highway 98.

Boutique 30A Construction Often Focuses on

• Gulf proximity
• Beach access
• Private pools
• Coastal architecture
• Second-home use
• Premium finishes
• Smaller community size

The catch is usually price.

There simply is not much inexpensive vacant land close to the Gulf.

What Are Current New-Construction Price Points?

Santa Rosa Beach new construction is not one price category.

Current builder advertising in October 2026 shows just how wide the range can be.

These are builder-advertised starting points or current examples as of October 2026.

They can change quickly because of:

• Lot premiums
• Upgrades
• Builder incentives
• Construction stage
• Inventory
• Floor plan
• Financing incentives

Never assume the price on the community homepage is the final price of the home you want.

Is Most New Construction on 30A?

No.

That is one of the most important things buyers should understand.

Some construction is happening close to 30A.

But a meaningful amount of current new-home development is happening:

• North of Highway 98
• Near Point Washington
• Around South Church Street
• Around Chat Holley Road
• Near Indian Woman Road
• Near Mack Bayou
• Around Hogtown Bayou

Why?

Because larger undeveloped parcels are generally easier to find away from the most built-out coastal areas.

That allows builders to create:

• Bigger neighborhoods
• Larger lots
• Garages
• Amenity packages
• More consistent home designs

Closer to 30A, development is often more likely to be:

• Smaller
• More expensive
• Infill
• Boutique
• Custom
• Redevelopment of existing lots

Is Point Washington a Good Place to Look for New Construction?

It can be.

Point Washington currently has several active new-home projects and provides a different lifestyle from the beach communities immediately along 30A.

Buyers may find:

• Newer detached homes
• State forest nearby
• Less direct tourism activity
• Easier access toward the bay
• Short drives to Grayton Beach and 30A
• More traditional residential surroundings

The downside is obvious:

You generally are not walking out the door and straight to the Gulf.

If beach walkability is your top priority, stay focused closer to 30A.

If a newer house, garage and residential setting matter more, Point Washington deserves attention.

Is New Construction Near the Bay Worth Considering?

Absolutely—but buy it for the lifestyle you actually want.

Bay-oriented Santa Rosa Beach can provide:

• Kayaking
• Paddleboarding
• Fishing
• Boating
• Docks
• Sunset views
• Highway 98 convenience

But bay access is not the same thing as Gulf beach access.

If you picture yourself walking to a white-sand Gulf beach every day, a bay-side community may not deliver that.

If you picture:

boat + garage + larger home + drive to beach

it might be exactly what you want.

New Construction vs. Resale: Does New Always Win?

No.

New construction may give you:

• New roof
• New HVAC
• Modern electrical
• Modern plumbing
• Current finishes
• Builder warranty
• Less immediate renovation

A resale home may give you:

• Better-established location
• Mature landscaping
• Larger established lot
• Existing pool
• Established neighborhood character
• Better walkability
• Closer 30A location

In Santa Rosa Beach, the location can matter more than the construction date.

A brand-new house five miles from the lifestyle you want may be a worse fit than a 15-year-old house two blocks from it.

For the full comparison, read Buying New Construction vs. Resale in Santa Rosa Beach.

What Should Buyers Ask a Builder?

Before signing a builder contract, ask:

1. Is this home complete, under construction or to-be-built?
2. What is the estimated completion date?
3. What happens if construction is delayed?
4. What is included in the advertised base price?
5. Which options cost extra?
6. Are there lot premiums?
7. Can I choose finishes?
8. What builder warranty applies?
9. Can I hire my own inspector?
10. What HOA dues apply?
11. What amenities are complete today?
12. What future phases are planned?
13. What will be built around this lot?
14. Are builder incentives tied to a preferred lender?
15. Are builder incentives tied to a preferred title company?
16. What flood information applies?
17. What homeowners insurance quote can I obtain now?
18. Are rentals allowed if that matters to me?
19. What landscaping is included?
20. What will the neighborhood look like during the next several years of construction?

That last question matters.

The model home may be finished.

The neighborhood may not be.

What Else Should Buyers Check Around a New Community?

The house is only half the research.

Use Walton County's planning and mapping tools to investigate the surrounding area.

Check:

• Parcel boundaries
• Future land use
• Zoning
• Flood zones
• Wetlands
• Nearby undeveloped land
• Roads
• Future development
• Easements
• Drainage

If the beautiful wooded parcel behind the house does not belong to the community, do not assume it stays wooded forever.

Trees are lovely.

Zoning maps are useful too.

FAQs

Where is most new construction happening in Santa Rosa Beach?

Current development is spread across several areas, with notable activity around Point Washington, South Church Street, Chat Holley and Indian Woman Road, Mack Bayou and Hogtown Bayou, plus smaller projects near western 30A.

Is there new construction near 30A?

Yes. Current examples include communities such as The Dunes at Sandbar, Parkside and boutique developments such as Pearl Place. New construction closer to 30A generally has less available land and can carry higher prices.

Is there new construction north of Highway 98?

Yes. A significant portion of current new-home activity is north of Highway 98 or away from the immediate Gulf corridor. Buyers can find townhomes, detached homes, planned communities and scattered spot-lot construction.

Are new homes being built in Point Washington?

Yes. Current new-home communities in and around Point Washington include projects such as The Shoal, Brizo and The Eyrie.

Are there affordable new homes in Santa Rosa Beach?

“Affordable” depends on the buyer, but current new construction spans a wide range. Some townhomes are advertised in the low $300,000s, while luxury coastal new construction can exceed $1.5 million.

Are there new construction homes near Choctawhatchee Bay?

Yes. Communities and individual projects around South Church Street, Mack Bayou, Hogtown Bayou and other bay-side locations include current new construction.

Is new construction cheaper than buying near 30A?

It can be when you compare inland or north-of-98 construction with homes very close to the Gulf, but there is no universal rule. Home size, lot, amenities, builder, upgrades and exact location all affect price.

Should I use a real estate agent when buying from a builder?

A buyer can choose representation when purchasing new construction. A local buyer's agent can help compare communities, review location tradeoffs, research nearby development, coordinate inspections and keep the buyer focused on the overall purchase rather than only the builder's sales presentation. Representation terms and compensation should be discussed before touring or registering with a builder.

Can I inspect a brand-new home?

Buyers should ask what inspection rights their contract provides. New construction can still have workmanship or installation issues, so independent inspection opportunities can be valuable.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for new construction in Santa Rosa Beach, do not limit the search to Scenic Highway 30A.

Some of the most visible current construction is happening in:

Point Washington

South Church Street

Chat Holley and Indian Woman Road

Mack Bayou and Hogtown Bayou

Western 30A

and on scattered individual lots throughout the broader Santa Rosa Beach area.

The closer you move toward the Gulf, the more likely you are to encounter:

• Higher land costs
• Smaller projects
• Boutique construction
• Luxury pricing

Farther inland and toward the bay, buyers may find:

• More planned communities
• Larger houses
• Garages
• Townhomes
• New amenities
• Wider price ranges

The right choice is not simply:

newest house.

It is:

new house + right location + realistic ownership cost + lifestyle you actually want.

Emerald Group, Brokered by LPT Realty helps buyers compare Santa Rosa Beach new construction based on location, builder terms, future development, insurance considerations, flood information, HOA rules, beach access and total ownership costs.

Related Santa Rosa Beach Guides

• Buying New Construction vs. Resale in Santa Rosa Beach
• Where Are the New Construction Hotspots Near the Beach?
• What Are the Best Neighborhoods in Santa Rosa Beach?
• Moving to Santa Rosa Beach: What Buyers Should Know
• 5 Reasons to Buy a Home in Santa Rosa Beach
• View Current Listings
• Contact Emerald Group