By SunLife Homes. Reviewed October 2026.
Short answer: Yes. Florida gained more residents age 60 and over than any other state, and new construction can fit retirement without a custom build. SunLife’s best-selling plan has dual primary suites in about 1,800 square feet, and about 85 percent of its homes are built ahead of sale, which shortens the wait.
Florida still draws more residents age 60 and over than any other state, with a net migration gain of 44,504 people in a single year, more than double the next highest state. Most of those buyers are not looking for a seasonal arrangement. They are looking for a full-time home, built to last, without a year or more of custom planning to get there.
In this guide
- Do You Need a Custom Build for a Retirement-Friendly Layout?
- Can You Buy From Out of State Without Losing Track of the Build?
- Is a Full-Time Retirement Home Built Differently From a Snowbird Home?
- Does Retiring to Florida Mean Unpredictable Insurance Costs?
- Can You Retire in Port Charlotte?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Retiring in a New Construction Home
- Related Guides
Do You Need a Custom Build for a Retirement-Friendly Layout?
No. SunLife’s best-selling plan already has dual primary suites in about 1,800 square feet.
The most common misconception is that getting a layout built for retirement, with dual primary suites, single-level living, and a floor plan that works for aging in place, requires a fully custom home built on your own lot. SunLife’s best-selling floor plan already includes about 1,800 square feet, four bedrooms, three baths, and dual primary suites, without a custom architecture timeline attached to it. See the full lineup of floor plans.
Can You Buy From Out of State Without Losing Track of the Build?
Yes, with planning. Floor plan pages include virtual tours, and many homes are already underway.
The second misconception is that relocating from out of state means losing track of your home while it is under construction. SunLife’s floor plan pages include virtual tours, so buyers moving from New York, the Midwest, or anywhere else can see a plan before flying in. HousingWire reports that about 85 percent of SunLife’s homes are built ahead of sale, so many out-of-state buyers can choose a home that is already underway or finished instead of waiting for a build to start.
Is a Full-Time Retirement Home Built Differently From a Snowbird Home?
No. Every SunLife home goes through the same 27 inspections.
The third misconception is that a home meant for full-time retirement living gets built to a lower standard than a primary residence somewhere else. It does not. Every SunLife home, whether the buyer is relocating permanently or splitting time seasonally, passes the same twenty-seven inspections and carries the same 160 mph wind rating.
Does Retiring to Florida Mean Unpredictable Insurance Costs?
Not necessarily. SunLife’s website reports homeowners insurance averaging about $1,200 a year.
The fourth misconception is that retiring to Florida, especially on a fixed income, means accepting high and unpredictable homeowners insurance. Most SunLife homes are built in FEMA Flood Zones X and X500, our high and dry standard, and every home carries impact-rated windows and a 160 mph wind rating as part of construction, not as an upgrade. Homeowners insurance for a SunLife home averages around $1,200 a year, according to SunLife’s website.
| Common Misconception | The Reality | The SunLife Homes Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| A retirement-friendly layout requires a custom build | Dual primary suites and single-level living can come standard in a production floor plan | SunLife’s best-selling plan already includes dual primary suites at 1,800 square feet |
| Moving out of state means losing sight of the build | Remote buyers can lose track of progress without regular updates | Floor plan pages include virtual tours, and about 85 percent of homes are built ahead of sale |
| A full-time retirement home and a snowbird home get built differently | Standards should not change based on how often someone lives there | Every SunLife home passes the same twenty-seven inspections, full-time or seasonal |
| Retiring to Florida means expensive, unpredictable insurance | Flood zone and construction standard drive insurance cost as much as the state you retire to | High and dry Zone X and X500 homes with 160 mph wind rating average around $1,200 a year |
Can You Retire in Port Charlotte?
SunLife also builds in Port Charlotte, where its community page describes beaches such as Boca Grande and Englewood, plus fishing, boating, golf, and kayaking. The Sunset Harbor, which HousingWire identifies as SunLife’s best-selling plan with dual primary suites, is one of the two plans offered there. Zillow data shows the typical Port Charlotte home value was $267,905 in May 2026, with homes taking about 54 days to reach pending status, which gives retirees time to compare.
Frequently Asked Questions About Retiring in a New Construction Home
How long does it take to build a new home in Cape Coral?
SunLife’s website reports an average of 99 days from contract to keys, and HousingWire reported cycle times of roughly 95 days. Nationally, homes built for sale average 7.6 months from permit to completion, according to the National Association of Home Builders. The measures differ, so ask for the timeline for your home.
What should I know about retiring to Florida in a new construction home?
Confirm the flood zone and insurance estimate for the specific homesite, ask whether the floor plan includes retirement-friendly features like dual primary suites, and ask about virtual home tours if you are planning the move from out of state.
What is it like moving from somewhere like New York to Cape Coral for new construction?
SunLife’s floor plan pages include virtual tours, and about 85 percent of its homes are built ahead of sale, according to HousingWire, so the move does not depend on being on site.
Are SunLife homes built for snowbirds or full-time retirees?
Both, and to the same standard either way. Every SunLife home passes the same twenty-seven inspections and carries the same 160 mph wind rating regardless of how often the buyer plans to live there.
Does SunLife build retirement-friendly layouts in Port Charlotte?
Yes. The Sunset Harbor, a four-bedroom, three-bath plan with dual primary suites, is one of the two plans SunLife offers in Port Charlotte.
How much does homeowners insurance cost for a retiree’s new home?
SunLife’s website reports an average of about $1,200 a year, and HousingWire reported a typical range of $800 to $1,200. Your cost depends on the home, the flood zone, and your insurer.
Can I buy a home before I move to Florida?
Yes. SunLife’s floor plan pages include virtual tours, and about 85 percent of its homes are built ahead of sale, so many buyers choose a home that is already underway or finished.
Which SunLife floor plan has dual primary suites?
HousingWire identifies SunLife’s best-selling plan, a four-bedroom, three-bath home of about 1,800 square feet, as having dual primary suites. That is the Sunset Harbor. Ask the team which other plans offer the layout.
Why do retirees move to Southwest Florida?
Florida gained more residents age 60 and over than any other state, with a net gain of 44,504 in a single year, according to Census data analyzed by SmartAsset.
Is Port Charlotte or Cape Coral better for retirees?
SunLife builds in both. Cape Coral has all eight floor plans and Port Charlotte has two, including the Sunset Harbor. Tour both and compare floor plans, prices, and the flood zone of the exact homesite.
Related Guides
- How Do Property Taxes and the Homestead Exemption Work on a New Home in Cape Coral and Port Charlotte?
- Do You Need Flood Insurance for a New Home in Cape Coral or Port Charlotte?
- What Should You Know Before Buying a New Home in Port Charlotte?
Sources
- NBC Miami / CNBC, “Retirees are flocking to these 10 U.S. states,” citing Census Bureau data analyzed by SmartAsset. nbcmiami.com
- National Association of Home Builders, Eye on Housing. eyeonhousing.org
- HousingWire, May 26, 2026. housingwire.com
- SunLife Homes, Port Charlotte community page, October 2026. mysunlifehome.com
- Zillow, Port Charlotte, FL home values, data through May 31, 2026. zillow.com
Important Information
The information in this article is provided for general educational purposes only and is not financial, mortgage, legal, tax, or insurance advice. SunLife Homes is a homebuilder and is not a mortgage lender, broker, or insurance agent. Figures from third parties, including prices, market data, and program terms, were accurate as of the date shown and may change without notice. Plan names, features, and prices are subject to change. Eligibility for any loan, assistance program, or insurance discount depends on your individual circumstances and the requirements of the lender, program, or insurer. Consult a licensed professional before making financial decisions. SunLife Homes supports equal housing opportunity.
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