New Construction Homes Under $400K Near Des Moines: What Buyers Should Know
Updated 2026 · Written by Natasha Ratliff, CRS, SRS
Buyers may find new construction under $400,000, but availability changes quickly by community, builder, floor plan, lot, and included features. Compare the completed cost, not just the starting price.
Ask what this home will cost when it is ready to own.
A new home listed below $400,000 is not automatically a sub-$400K purchase once lot premiums, upgrades, appliances, landscaping, HOA costs, and other selections are added.
- Base price and included features
- Lot, upgrades, and basement finish
- Incentives, financing, inspections, and warranty
Where should buyers look for new construction under $400K?
Inventory changes frequently. Monitor several communities and compare current builder inventory based on your budget, commute, home size, property type, lot preferences, builder, and construction timeline.
See where buyers may find homes under $400K across the metro, including resale alternatives.
Grimes
Compare single-family homes, townhome-style options, spec homes, and homes early enough for limited selections. Ask what is included, whether there is a lot premium, basement finish, appliances, landscaping, HOA dues, and which choices can change the price.
Ankeny
More builders and floor plans can make direct comparisons easier. Review standard features, upgrade pricing, lot costs, warranties, completion timelines, unfinished space, HOA requirements, and financing incentives.
Altoona and Pleasant Hill
East-metro options may be worth monitoring when newer homes are part of the search. Compare commute, access to major roads, home and lot size, construction stage, builder options, taxes, and current incentives.
Bondurant
Consider the total purchase price, included features, builder reputation, inspection opportunities, warranties, lot, commute, and future housing needs. The goal is not simply to buy new, but to make sure the whole purchase fits.
Waukee, West Des Moines, and other metro areas
Do not automatically rule out higher-demand communities. Smaller floor plans, townhomes, or inventory homes may occasionally fit a sub-$400K search. Check what is available when you are ready to buy, rather than relying on an old price range.
Compare Des Moines and the suburbs by location, housing, and daily fit.
Get a written breakdown before you compare.
Builder price item
- Base price and lot premium
- Flooring, counters, and fixtures
- Appliances and garage
- Basement and landscaping
Questions to ask
- What is included or upgraded?
- What remains unfinished?
- What are HOA dues and rules?
- Which closing costs remain mine?
Spec home vs. building from the ground up
Spec or inventory home
Most choices are already made. It can mean a faster move-in, a clearer final cost, fewer decisions, and sometimes builder incentives. You will have less customization.
Building from the ground up
You may choose the lot, plan, finishes, fixtures, and upgrades. It can be more personal, with a longer timeline and more costs to track.
Builder incentives: look beyond the headline
Builders may offer closing-cost contributions, financing incentives, rate-related programs, upgrade allowances, or price adjustments on inventory homes. Ask whether an offer requires a particular lender, applies to the exact home, has an expiration date, or is already reflected in the price.
Inspections, contracts, and representation
New does not necessarily mean flawless. Discuss inspection opportunities, builder walkthroughs, punch-list procedures, warranty process, and final walkthrough timing before signing. Builder contracts can differ from resale agreements, so understand deposits, deadlines, change orders, appraisal provisions, inspection rights, warranty terms, cancellation provisions, and possible delays. Legal questions should go to a qualified attorney.
The builder’s sales representative represents the builder. Buyers may choose separate representation focused on their interests. Confirm services, compensation terms, any buyer responsibility, and when representation must be established before entering an agreement.
New construction vs. resale under $400K
New construction may offer
Newer systems, contemporary layouts, fewer immediate cosmetic projects, warranties, and some selection opportunities.
Resale may offer
Established neighborhoods, mature landscaping, finished basements, existing window coverings, larger lots, and improvements already completed.
Compare space, features, and overall value across the metro before deciding which path fits.
What buyers often forget to budget for
Lot premiums
Confirm whether it is included, optional, or a responsibility after closing.
Builder upgrades
Confirm whether it is included, optional, or a responsibility after closing.
Landscaping and window coverings
Confirm whether it is included, optional, or a responsibility after closing.
Appliances and basement finishing
Confirm whether it is included, optional, or a responsibility after closing.
HOA costs
Confirm whether it is included, optional, or a responsibility after closing.
Moving and setup costs
Confirm whether it is included, optional, or a responsibility after closing.
Look beyond the model home.
Natasha Ratliff, CRS, SRS, helps buyers compare communities, builders, included features, upgrades, lot costs, construction stage, inspections, incentives, and how the completed purchase fits their broader plans.
“Natasha worked hard to get us in the home of our dreams. Throughout the process, she kept us informed.”Kayla Heginger, Zillow review
Ratliff Real Estate Group is brokered by RE/MAX Precision.
New construction under $400K
Can I find new construction under $400K near Des Moines?+
Possibly. Availability changes by community, builder, floor plan, lot, and market conditions. Review current inventory rather than relying on older advertised pricing.
Which suburbs should I check?+
Grimes, Ankeny, Altoona, Pleasant Hill, Bondurant, Waukee, and other growing metro communities may have opportunities depending on current inventory and property type.
Is the builder’s advertised price the final price?+
Not necessarily. Lot premiums, upgrades, basement finishing, appliances, landscaping, HOA costs, and other selections can affect the completed price.
Do I need an inspection on a brand-new home?+
An inspection can still be useful. Timing and rights depend on the contract and stage of construction.
Should I use the builder’s preferred lender?+
Compare the complete financing terms with qualified lenders. An incentive may be useful, but it is only one part of the financial comparison.
Do I need my own agent?+
Buyers may choose separate representation because the builder’s sales representative represents the builder. Services and compensation should be agreed before entering the transaction.
Thinking about new construction under $400K?
Start by comparing completed cost, lot, upgrades, builder, financing, inspection process, and long-term fit.