New Home Buyers in Hillsborough County: Buy Now to Save Thousands

School Impact fees on new homes in Hillsborough County will be going up by approximately $4,000 per home starting this summer, making now the time to buy to save money if you're planning to purchase a new home in the Tampa area.

Beginning June 8th, new homebuyers will see price increases begin to offset the new fee structure, so buyers can save thousands by purchasing now. The new fees will fund new schools and services for residents.

What are the new fees?

Hillsborough County Commissioners voted in early March to double the School Impact Fees charged to new development, which are called "school impact fees." The fees, which increase from roughly $4,000 to over $8,000 per home starting June 8th, are charged to new development to fund the construction of new schools. Homebuilders will pay the one-time fee when a new home is built, a cost that can be expected to be passed along to homebuyers.

The new impact fees, which had not been increased in nearly 15 years, align Hillsborough with neighboring counties that previously raised such fees. Hillsborough County School District identified the need for 38 new schools to accommodate nearly 17,000 students in the next 15 years to keep up with the number of new families moving into the area. In particular, the southern part of the County has experienced massive growth that will continue into the foreseeable future.

What William Ryan Homes Tampa Division communities will be impacted?

Homes being sold in four William Ryan Homes Tampa Division communities will be impacted by the County's new impact fees: Paddock Manor, FloraBlu Estates, Villa d' Este and La Paloma in the Villages at Cypress Creek. The communities offer award-winning designs available in one- and two-story homes with 3 and 4 bedrooms.

Paddock Manor in Riverview is a gated community of 47 home sites with traditional-style elevations, some with front porches to complete the relaxing lifestyle of this community. Prices start in the $260s with home sizes from 1,516 to 3,270 square feet.

FloraBlu Estates in Seffner is tucked away, giving it a quiet old-Florida charm, yet convenient to everything. The 72-home community has prices that start in the mid-$200s, with sizes ranging from 1,514 to 3,200 square feet.

Villa d' Este in the Villages at Cypress Creek offers larger homes with 3-car garages, many with golf course or conservation views. The gated neighborhood of 81-plus home sites is within the established golf course community of Cypress Creek. Prices start at in the $290s with home sizes from 1,895 to 3,270 square feet.

La Paloma in the Villages at Cypress Creek features golf course and conservation views in the Villages at Cypress Creek. The community has oversized homesites up to 85 feet wide with 3-car garages. Prices start in the $370s with home sizes from 2,500 to 3,100 square feet.

Why are buyers choosing William Ryan Homes Tampa Division communities?

Homebuyers are sharing three main reasons for buying William Ryan Homes in the Tampa area: Competitive Prices, Quality Homes, and Great Locations. The homes are green-certified, designed, and built with energy efficiency and sustainability top of mind, which means lower utility bills and cleaner living. And communities are located close to major interstates that take you to all Tampa Bay has to offer, ranging from family entertainment and world-class shopping to the best beaches in the nation and great state parks.

Why is it a good idea to buy now?

Prices for new homes in Hillsborough County will be going up as homebuilders are assessed the higher impact fees. Buyers who purchase from William Ryan Homes Tampa Division in March and April will avoid the price increase, though, because applications for permits for those homes will be processed before the higher fees are in effect.

"This is no time to wait if you are looking to buy a new home in Hillsborough County," said Jeff Thorson, Division President of William Ryan Homes Florida.