I have exciting news to share with you in this episode on residential construction in Alaska. There’s finally been approval for planned housing developments after five years of perseverance. I’m going over the details, the benefits, and what you can expect in Alaska residential real estate now.

Current Affordability and Market Facts

1. Before going over the new housing development plans, I share some current market facts. Right now, residential construction is about 35% more expensive than buying a resale property.
2. The majority of homebuyers in Alaska are women who either saved their down payment or received down payment gifts to purchase their homes.
3. Anchorage has roughly 136 listings, while the Mat-Su Valley offers about 1.5 times more inventory at lower average prices. Buyers are weighing whether to spend an extra $100,000 to avoid a 47-minute drive twice a day.
4. Also, keep in mind that Alaska did not adopt statewide building codes until 1992. So there is no telling what is stuffed between the walls of some older homes. I promise it is not a money bag!

What Buyers Want: Features and Trends

1. When it comes to new construction, the best buy will always be townhomes. I like to call them the new single family homes. You can line them up nice and neatly, add as many windows as you like, and place them as close to the driveway as you prefer.
2. It is also easier to add a backyard onto each lot. People want some type of outdoor space. It does not matter if it is big or small, just enough to garden, let the dog out, and let kids play.
3. With living space, people want to come together but still keep a bit of privacy. Large open areas work well for the dining and kitchen spaces, and bedrooms have become a bit smaller because of this.
4. Another area that has grown is bathrooms. Everyone wants their own private spa feel with walk in showers, standalone tubs, and rain shower heads.

The Importance of HOAs

1. I remember chatting with a wonderful young lady who was new to the construction industry, and she told me about her search for a home to buy. She said she did not want to live anywhere with an HOA. Of course, I had to explain why HOAs are important.
2. Think about it. When you drive into a neighborhood and see one home with freshly cut grass, beautiful outdoor decor, and neat trimming, and then another home that clearly needs some TLC, you start to wonder why the difference.
3. HOAs help create a welcoming environment and keep the resale value of every home in a higher bracket.

Buying New Construction Tips

1. The first thing you should do is prioritize lot selection. Involve a surveyor or engineer, then choose your home plan and builder.
2. Key factors for lot selection include utilities access, privacy, and maximizing views.
3. Consider buying a duplex as your first home to leverage lower down payment options, then upgrade later.
4. I also highlight the trade offs in every property purchase and how evolving lifestyles drive real estate needs.

Why Sell in Winter?

1. When is the best time to sell a home in Alaska. Honestly, right now during the winter time is best to sell a home. I go over the details on why in the episode.

“If you want to maintain the quality of your neighborhood, whether you are on a hillside or in an attached condo development, an HOA helps protect the quality of the community.” — Connie Yoshimura

Resources

If you have questions about this episode, another episode, or just want to chat, reach out to Connie Yoshimura and Lottie Michael.

Sponsorship

This episode is brought to you in part by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Alaska Realty. Transform your real estate journey with expert guidance. Check out their services: https://www.bhhsalaska.com/

Credits

©2025 Alaska Real Estate Podcast. All rights reserved. Music by SoundStripe