Why KC New Construction and Inventory Matter for High-End Home Sellers
If you’re thinking about selling your home in the Kansas City area, you’ve probably heard the phrase “low inventory” so many times it’s lost meaning. But here’s the thing — that single metric can make or break your sale, especially in the high-end price ranges.
Inventory isn’t just about how many homes are for sale. It’s about what kind of homes are hitting the market, and whether they’re competing with yours. In 2025, that story is shifting again in KC.
The Local Supply Picture
Right now, Kansas City’s housing supply looks healthier than it did during the pandemic frenzy, but it’s still well below historical averages. According to Redfin, the median home price in KC is around $291,000, up less than 1% year over year, while homes are spending roughly 28 days on the market. That’s stability — not a crash, not a boom.
New-construction permits have cooled off from 2021 highs, and builders are being more selective about projects. In August 2025, the KC metro recorded 943 private housing permits, down from the peaks we saw a couple of years ago. That means fewer brand-new homes are coming online — but the ones that do tend to skew upscale.
If you’re selling in the $600K-and-up range, that’s your real competition. You’re not battling the fixer-uppers; you’re competing against gleaming model homes with quartz counters, tall ceilings, and builder warranties.
What This Means for Sellers Above $600K
Buyers in this price range are comparing apples to custom-built apples. They’re asking:
“Why buy your resale when I can build something similar?”
“Does this home feel new, or does it need updating?”
“What am I really paying for — the finishes, the location, or the builder brand?”
In other words, even if inventory is tight, your home has to earn its price point. A limited supply doesn’t automatically equal leverage if your property doesn’t stack up visually or functionally to new construction.
Strategy Moves That Win in This Market
Showcase Your Upgrades: Luxury buyers expect turnkey. Highlight high-impact updates — kitchens, flooring, lighting, and outdoor spaces that feel intentional and modern.
Sell the Lifestyle, Not Just the House: Builders sell community and convenience. You can sell privacy, mature landscaping, established neighborhoods, and better commute times.
Mind the Timing: Builders will be releasing new homes in waves. Listing before a major builder phase drop gives your home a clear lane to shine.
Price With Precision: Don’t chase “builder pricing” unless your property genuinely matches their new-home experience. Being 3–5 percent under a comparable new build can often create faster demand without sacrificing perceived value.
Why Team Fosgate Tracks This So Closely
We keep an eye on builder pipelines, upcoming subdivision releases, and permit data each month so our sellers know what’s coming before it hits the MLS. It’s the difference between competing and commanding.
The Bottom Line
The Kansas City market is healthy, but not automatic. For high-end sellers, success this year will hinge on strategic timing and preparation — not just luck and low inventory.
If you’re planning to sell your home in the next six months, now’s the time to review how your property measures up against new construction. A 30-minute strategy session can help you price, prep, and position for the next wave of buyers.
Team Fosgate Real Estate — Kansas City’s trusted resource for strategic home sales.
