Anyone planning to build a custom luxury home in Naples, Florida, must consider the key factor of “location, location, location.” While this mantra of real estate sales may guide the financial aspect of your decision-making, it’s equally important from a lifestyle perspective. Where will you and your family feel happiest in your new luxury home in Naples?
The custom home builders at Carlson Harris General Contractors in Naples understand that some aspiring luxury homeowners struggle to select a lot while planning the details of their new home build. To assist those facing this challenge, they have put together the following primer on three popular home sites in Naples: waterfront, golf course, and gated. However, you do not necessarily have to choose one of these over the others, as some Naples building lots offer homeowners access to all three.
Naples is Renowned for its Waterfront Homes
From a real estate perspective, Naples waterfront homes represent the pinnacle of luxury living, as demonstrated by the prices of waterfront homes and lots. Vacant waterfront lots command premium prices due to their scarcity. The average cost of a vacant waterfront lot in Naples is approximately $9.7 million, according to LandSearch, which listed nearly 60 vacant waterfront properties for sale as of early April. The most expensive was listed at $25 million for a 0.6-acre Gulf-front property in the prestigious Port Royal community. While a 0.05-acre waterfront lot was listed for under $100,000 in Naples, it barely has enough space for a double-wide mobile home, and the water is a pond with no access to the area’s other extensive waterways.
Generally, you can expect to pay at least $2 million for a lot that offers usable waterfront access and space for a luxury home. Factors influencing the cost of waterfront lots in Naples include:
- Neighborhood or community location
- Lot size
- Waterfrontage length
- Proximity to the Gulf or Naples Bay
- No-bridge Gulf access
- Deepwater Canal
In addition to the costs of the land, prospective waterfront homeowners must contend with potentially higher expenses for hurricane-resistant construction, flood insurance, and maintenance related to exposure to saltwater. Of course, such costs may be worthwhile when incorporating the waterfront lifestyle with stunning views and seamless access to the Gulf or bay into your ideal custom luxury home. For a closer look at other unexpected costs you might encounter during luxury home construction, check out our guide on the seven hidden costs of building a luxury home—and how to avoid them.
Golf Course Living is Popular with Luxury Homeowners
With nearly 100 golf courses in the Naples area, luxury homeowners gravitate towards the approximately 70 that serve as golf residential communities. This lifestyle is ideal for those who love golf, lush landscaping, quiet surroundings, and access to additional club amenities such as tennis, fine dining, and social events. The cost of vacant lots within golf residential communities is significantly more reasonable than that of waterfront properties, with the average price per lot ranging from $500,000 to $1.5 million. In Naples’ most exclusive luxury golf communities, prices range from $1 million to $5 million or more. Factors that influence lot pricing in golf communities include:
- Lot size.
- Location and course views.
- Exclusivity of the community.
- Proximity to the clubhouse or other community amenities.
- Whether it’s gated (most are).
- Whether the lot sale is bundled with a golf membership or requires an upfront initiation fee.
Vacant lots are rare in established communities, ensuring they will continue to sell at a premium due to their lifestyle appeal. If you are interested in building a custom luxury home in a Naples golf community, be aware that homeowner’s association rules may impose limitations on its exterior design.
Gated Communities are a Signature Feature of Naples
With its affluent, resort-style living, gated communities represent a significant feature of Naples’ housing market, particularly for luxury properties. Some estimates indicate that up to 70% of homes in greater Naples are located within gated communities, especially in new and upscale areas. However, Old Naples and the prestigious neighborhoods of Port Royal, Aqualane Shores, Moorings, Park Shore, and Coquina Sands are all ungated.
Gated communities are popular among seasonal residents and families seeking shared amenities, such as swimming pools, pickleball courts, tennis courts, golf courses, boating facilities, and dining options, along with enhanced security and privacy. There is significant variability in lot pricing within gated communities, and numerous factors influence their cost, including:
- Lot size.
- Waterfront.
- Water, golf course, or preserve views.
- Corner or cul-de-sac location (typically more desirable).
- South or west-facing rear exposures.
- Community reputation and demand.
- Potential builder restrictions.
- Site readiness.
- Whether community amenities are included in the lot price.
Build Your Luxury Naples Waterfront Home with Golf and Gates
With luxury in mind, you might consider building a custom waterfront home in a gated golf course community. Some of the best Naples waterfront homes can be found within these exclusive neighborhoods, offering a rare blend of privacy, recreation, and breathtaking views. While most older gated golf course communities with prime waterfront lack available building lots, some of the newer communities still have options, including:
- Fiddler’s Creek
- Mediterra (lakefront)
- Grey Oaks
- Talis Park
Turn to Carlson Harris for Your Luxury Naples Waterfront Home
Whether your vision for a new custom luxury home in Naples includes a waterfront location, golf, a gated community, or all three, Carlson Harris General Contractors can help bring it to life. Explore the possibilities of Naples waterfront homes by reviewing our portfolio, and learn more about our building process by contacting us today.
