
When Changing Lifestyle You Change a home
The Phoenix metro area continues to capture attention with a robust 6% year-over-year rise in residential permits, reflecting ongoing investor confidence and a steady supply pipeline. In sought-after enclaves like Paradise Valley and North Scottsdale, masterplanned homes command prices exceeding $530 per square foot, driven by demand for privacy, tax efficiency, and generational wealth protection. Wealth managers are closely monitoring the region’s diverse offerings for asset diversification, while local property tax structures and legislative clarity on zoning and infrastructure continue to provide confidence for high-value transactions. Regulatory focus remains fixed on sustainable water usage and green building codes, ensuring future-proof value stability even as cities prioritize energy-efficient systems and smart-city amenities. Across Greater Phoenix, Tucson, and beyond, these strategic developments reinforce Arizona’s stature as a premier destination for discerning buyers and investors seeking resilient, future-focused communities.
Recent data shows that building permit issuance across the Phoenix metro continues to outpace last year, with a year-over-year increase of approximately 6% in residential permits according to FRED and Maricopa County Recorder feeds. The latest 7-day period saw over 420 new permits in Phoenix alone, reflecting ongoing investor confidence in the market’s future supply. From a wealth management perspective, this volume suggests ongoing development potential for asset diversification, while tax assessments are likely to adjust as new communities reach occupancy. Regulatory oversight remains focused on sustainable water usage, influencing both construction planning and future-proof value retention. Phoenix’s robust permit activity also signals continued smart-city infrastructure expansion, integrating energy-efficient systems in new masterplanned communities.
Source: Maricopa County Recorder, FRED Phoenix Permits
Gilbert and Queen Creek report among the highest absorption rates for new masterplanned homes, with inventory turnover times remaining below the metro average at approximately 36 days on market (per Redfin and AZIQUE Homes). Recent offerings from builders like Fulton Homes and Toll Brothers are met with strong buyer interest, often from households relocating for quality-of-life and tax-efficiency reasons. Wealth managers note these markets' appeal for wealth preservation and estate planning, with local property tax policies providing clarity for high-value transactions. Municipalities are prioritizing zoning stability and utility upgrades to maintain long-term value and attract further sustainable investment, particularly as EV infrastructure rolls out in new neighborhoods.
Source: GilbertAZ.gov, Redfin Data Center
According to recent figures from the Arizona Commerce Authority and Yardi Matrix, Surprise and Buckeye lead the state in annual new home starts, each registering over 2,500 units permitted in the past 12 months. This expansion is closely monitored by institutional investors for rental and resale strategies, as masterplanned amenities increase the area’s wealth retention and transfer potential. Tax increment financing districts (TIFs) in these communities are enabling large-scale infrastructure investments while offering developers predictable tax environments. Regulatory reviews are emphasizing desert-friendly landscaping and water management to future-proof community values. Smart grid installations and green building incentives remain central to municipal planning.
Source: BuckeyeAZ.gov, Arizona Commerce Authority
Recent data from Zillow and S&P Case-Shiller highlights Paradise Valley and North Scottsdale as leaders in price-per-square-foot for masterplanned homes, exceeding $530/sqft in several enclaves. These communities attract high-net-worth buyers seeking privacy, tax efficiency, and generational asset protection through both primary and secondary residence acquisitions. Local tax rates and limited new land availability contribute to value stability, while new masterplans are scrutinized for alignment with strict architectural and sustainability codes. Municipal ordinances in these areas often incentivize green construction and water stewardship, with net-zero homes now representing a growing share of new luxury builds.
Source: ScottsdaleAZ.gov, Zillow Research
Mesa and Chandler’s city councils recently approved new zoning overlays supporting transit-oriented masterplanned communities near light rail and major employment corridors. Yardi Matrix and CoStar data show these markets have seen a 9% annual increase in multifamily and mixed-use permits, which supports asset class diversification for wealth managers. Municipal property tax policies are stable, and new sustainability regulations, including EV charging and low-water landscaping mandates, are designed to preserve long-term value. Recent masterplans integrate solar microgrids and parkland, reinforcing the cities’ smart-city credentials while offering future-proof features sought by institutional and private buyers alike.
Source: Mesa.gov, Yardi Matrix
Casa Grande and Maricopa City are experiencing a surge in masterplanned community development as new industrial investments, including EV manufacturing, drive population and housing demand. ARMLS and local government reports indicate a 14% increase in pending home contracts year-over-year, with median days on market dropping to 28. Wealth managers recognize this as a diversification play tied to employment growth, while municipalities offer property tax abatements for both developers and early homeowners. Local ordinances are evolving to support sustainable growth, including expanded recycled water infrastructure and requirements for resilient, energy-efficient homes to ensure future value preservation.
Source: CasaGrandeAZ.gov, Maricopa-AZ.gov
Goodyear and Laveen are noted for new infrastructure investments, including freeway expansion and advanced water reclamation systems, supporting the launch of several large-scale masterplanned communities. CoStar and local planning data reveal an 8% year-over-year rise in residential land transactions, with homebuilders targeting affluent move-up buyers and investors. The resulting communities are structured to benefit from property tax predictability and robust HOA reserves, supporting both near-term returns and long-term asset protection. Regulatory priorities include LEED certification and native landscaping mandates, enhancing value stability and appealing to sustainability-oriented buyers.
Source: GoodyearAZ.gov, CoStar
Prescott, Sedona, and Payson’s masterplanned communities emphasize climate resilience, with design controls favoring wildfire resistance and sustainable water sourcing. Recent ARMLS and CoreLogic statistics show these markets have maintained price stability, with median home values rising 4.2% year-over-year despite broader market fluctuations. Wealth managers frequently point to these locations as defensive allocations within real estate portfolios, benefiting from Arizona’s relatively favorable property tax structure. Regulatory frameworks encourage low-impact development and limit short-term rental saturation to preserve neighborhood integrity. Recent projects integrate renewable energy and stormwater capture as smart-city hallmarks.
Source: Prescott-AZ.gov, CoreLogic
Tucson’s metro area is reporting a renewed surge in masterplanned community announcements, supported by public-private partnerships and enhanced zoning for mixed-use environments. The latest data from ARMLS and city council bulletins show a 12% increase in new community entitlements over the last two quarters. The region’s wealth management sector notes increased interest from out-of-state buyers seeking portfolio diversification and favorable state tax treatment. Local ordinances emphasize solar readiness, water efficiency, and greenbelt integration, underpinning future-proof value and smart-city status. Ongoing legislative discussions are expected to maintain a pro-development yet sustainability-driven regulatory context.
Source: TucsonAZ.gov, ARMLS
Sun City, Sun City West, and new 55+ masterplanned communities continue to set benchmarks for active-adult living, with ARMLS and CoStar reporting consistently high occupancy and rapid resales—median time on market is less than three weeks. These developments are increasingly structured as wealth-preservation vehicles, often featuring favorable property tax rates and robust community governance. Regulatory policies remain focused on age-restriction compliance and healthcare access, while amenities now frequently include renewable energy microgrids and on-site wellness centers, supporting both sustainability and long-term value.
Source: SunCityAZ.org, CoStar
Across Greater Phoenix, Tucson, and statewide, ongoing legislative actions focus on water usage, short-term rental regulations, and sustainable building codes. These policies underpin both the tax environment and the resilience of property values in new and established masterplanned communities. Wealth managers highlight Arizona’s ongoing appeal for high-net-worth migration, supported by moderate property taxes and clear estate planning pathways. From a smart-city standpoint, municipalities increasingly require digital infrastructure, renewable energy, and climate-resilient features in all new large-scale projects, reinforcing their attractiveness for discerning, privacy-focused buyers.
Source: Maricopa.gov, Arizona Commerce Authority
Across Arizona, cities are fast-tracking cutting-edge infrastructure—from AI-powered windows at Phoenix Sky Harbor to digital equity hubs in underserved Phoenix
As cities worldwide rapidly evolve with cutting-edge digital governance and people-centric technology, the opportunities for future-proof investing and sustainable urban
Thank you for joining me for this week’s summary of Arizona’s masterplanned community trends. I invite you to share these insights with colleagues or friends who value data-driven, discreet perspectives on real estate. Follow me on social media for ongoing updates and deeper analysis, or reach out to schedule a private Zoom strategy session tailored to your portfolio and priorities. I look forward to supporting your ambitions with clear, timely intelligence each week.
Click here to explore current mortgage rates. Rates may vary based on credit score, loan type, and lender policies. For the most accurate estimate, consult with a lender.
Share
I’d love to connect with you for a complimentary 60-minute Zoom consultation to discuss your real estate goals and answer your questions about Scottsdale’s market. This personalized session is designed to give you clarity and confidence in your next steps.
Focused entirely on you
Tailored to your needs
Clear next steps
Pro tip: Come prepared with your questions for the most valuable conversation!
What’s the one question you’ve been meaning to ask a real estate advisor?
In a world where time is wealth, many high-performing professionals—business owners, investors, remote executives, doctors, and digital entrepreneurs—are searching for
In today’s rapidly transforming Arizona real estate scene, the question of which home builder best matches your unique lifestyle and
If you’re selling a home in Arizona’s dynamic real estate market, you’ve likely encountered the frustration of lowball offers—sometimes from
Purchasing a home in Arizona is a major milestone—and one that begins with a contract most buyers barely understand. This
This article feature spotlights a critical aspect of Arizona’s Residential Resale Purchase Contract: the key deadlines that govern every stage
Navigating Arizona’s Residential Resale Purchase Contract can feel daunting—especially for first-time buyers. This article simplifies what you need to know,
Did you know Arizona has distinct land ownership laws compared to other states?
Understanding these differences can significantly impact
Arizona’s red-hot real estate scene has sparked new energy—and new challenges—for land buyers across the state. With over 113,000 vacant
Arizona’s landscape is as diverse as its real estate opportunities—making the decision between rural and urban land one of both
You can listen to all AZique real estate news and insights on Spotify or any other preferred platform of yours: YouTube, Amazon, Audible, Apple Podcast. Daily Arizona real estate market pulse – straight from Sonoran Desert to you where ever you are!
Always fresh, smart, data-driven from Sonoran Desert straight to your mailbox
Whether you’re managing portfolios, advising clients, or just keeping an eye on market trends, we’ve got pivotal updates for you. Phoenix’s housing inventory has soared by 47% YoY, yet prices
As we move through July 2025, the Arizona property market continues to evolve with impressive new data. Phoenix’s median
Welcome to this week’s Arizona Real Estate Brief, where discernment and opportunity converge amid a dynamic market. The Phoenix-Metro region
You Can Listen Right Now to Current News
Scottsdale is rapidly distinguishing itself with a best-in-class digital citizen experience—an integrated network of online municipal services, real-time responsiveness, and
Scottsdale is redefining how healthcare intersects with real estate value through seamless smart healthcare integration. With telehealth infrastructure, wellness-focused building
Dose of local insights. Please subscribe and watch.
With over 35% of its workforce now employed in high-skill sectors like biosciences, advanced tech, and financial services, the city’s
Scottsdale is quietly investing in a multi-modal, tech-enabled transportation future that redefines how residents move, connect, and live. With advanced
In Scottsdale, a silent but transformative layer of technology is redefining residential real estate: smart sensors and the Internet of
Why High-Income Professionals Are Relocating to Scottsdale for Smart, Luxury Living
In the next 50 years, over 100 emerging high-paid professions will reshape how and where we live. From AI psychologists to space economy strategists, the work landscape is becoming borderless, digital, and deeply personalized. The modern professional isn’t
Far from a dry frontier, the Sonoran Desert reveals itself as a refined landscape of innovation, wellness, and intentional living. From sipping craft espresso beneath mesquite trees to paddleboarding through historic canals, Scottsdale is proving that desert life can be both invigorating and serene.
This desert renaissance has meaningful implications:
You can listen right now to current news
You can listen to all AZique real estate news and insights on Spotify or any other preferred platform of yours: YouTube, Amazon, Audible, Apple Podcast. Daily Arizona real estate market pulse – straight from Sonoran Desert to you where ever you are!
Always fresh, smart, data-driven from Sonoran Desert straight to your mailbox
Click here to explore current mortgage rates. Rates may vary based on credit score, loan type, and lender policies. For the most accurate estimate, consult with a lender.
Nice to meet you! I’m Katrina Golikova, and I believe you landed here for a reason. I help my clients to reach their real estate goals through thriving creative solutions and love to share my knowledge—giving lots of freebies along the way.
See You Soon,
Katrina