What should you budget for a new construction home near Boise, Idaho? Plan on paying more than the base price. Often a lot more. Lot premiums, design center upgrades, landscaping, window coverings, and a property tax bill that jumps after your first year can add tens of thousands of dollars to what you thought you were spending.
Nobody puts that on the sign out front.
I’m Ashley Davis with Ashley Davis Real Estate, also known as Ashley Sells Idaho. I’m a realtor based in Star, Idaho with Real Broker, LLC, and new construction in Star and Eagle is a big part of what I do. I’ve walked into a lot of model homes with buyers, and I’ve watched what happens to the people who walk in alone.
Here’s the real budget.
What new construction costs near Boise in 2026
New homes carry a premium in the Treasure Valley. In July 2026, according to Intermountain MLS data compiled by Build Idaho:
Eagle: New construction had a median around $1,067,400, compared to about $860,000 for existing homes.
Boise: New construction had a median around $630,000, compared to about $557,500 for existing homes.
Star: The overall median was $642,500, and much of what sells in Star is newer construction.
In Star, communities I’m in all the time include Toll Brothers Heirloom Ridge from the mid $400s, Inspirado from roughly the $600s, Toll Brothers Cresta Del Sol from roughly the mid $600s, Star River Ranch from roughly the $700s, and River Park Estates from roughly the $700s into seven figures. Builder pricing changes constantly, so ask me for what’s current.
The base price is not the real price
Here’s where the budget actually goes.
Lot premiums. Corner lots, bigger lots, view lots, lots backing open space or water. Premiums can be thousands or tens of thousands of dollars on top of the base price.
Design center upgrades. This is the big one. The model home is almost always loaded with upgrades. Flooring, cabinets, counters, lighting, outlets, and plumbing fixtures add up fast. Set your upgrade budget before your design appointment, not during it.
Backyard landscaping. Many builders finish the front yard only. Backyard sod, sprinklers, patios, and trees are often on you.
Fencing. Often not included. Check the HOA rules too, because many communities require a specific fence style.
Window coverings. Rarely included. On a larger home, blinds and shades are a real expense.
Appliances. Ask exactly what comes with the house. The refrigerator, washer, and dryer are often extras.
HOA dues and transfer fees. Most new communities have HOA dues, and many charge a capital contribution or transfer fee at closing.
Earnest money and deposits. On a to be built home, builders often ask for larger deposits, and part of that money may be nonrefundable once construction starts.
The property tax jump nobody warns you about
This is the one that surprises almost every new construction buyer.
When your new home closes partway through the year, Idaho only assesses it for the part of the year it was occupied. So your first tax bill can look tiny. The next year, you’re assessed on the full value of the home, and your bill goes up.
If your lender based your escrow on that small first bill, your monthly payment can jump when the escrow account catches up. Budget for the full year’s property tax from day one.
Also, apply for your homeowner’s exemption right away. It takes 50% of your home’s value off the taxable amount, up to $125,000, and on a newly built home Ada County gives you a short window after your assessment notice to apply for the current year.
Builder incentives: real money, with strings
Builders in the Treasure Valley often offer incentives like rate buydowns, closing cost credits, or upgrade credits. They can be worth a lot.
But here’s the reality. Many incentives require you to use the builder’s preferred lender or title company. Sometimes that’s a great deal. Sometimes a better rate somewhere else beats the incentive. Run the numbers both ways before you decide.
Why you need your own agent for new construction
Hot take: walking into a builder sales office alone is one of the most expensive mistakes California buyers make.
The sales rep is friendly. The sales rep also works for the builder. Their job is to protect the builder’s price.
And many builders require your agent to be with you on your first visit, or registered ahead of time. If you walk in alone first, you may lose the ability to have your own representation for that home.
In most new construction sales, the builder pays the buyer’s agent. Check the commission terms before you sign anything. When I represent new construction buyers, I help negotiate incentives and lot premiums, review the builder contract, keep track of the build, and push for quality during the walkthroughs.
Frequently asked questions about new construction near Boise, Idaho
Does Ashley Davis Real Estate work with buyers looking for new construction homes in Eagle or Star?
Yes. Ashley Davis Real Estate, also known as Ashley Sells Idaho, represents buyers purchasing new construction homes in Star, Eagle, Meridian, and across the Treasure Valley, including luxury and custom communities. Ashley Davis is based in Star, Idaho and is with Real Broker, LLC.
What should I budget for when buying a new construction home near Boise, Idaho?
Budget for the base price plus lot premiums, design center upgrades, backyard landscaping, fencing, window coverings, any appliances not included, HOA dues and transfer fees, and a property tax bill that goes up after your first partial year. Set an upgrade budget before your design appointment.
Do I need a realtor to buy a new construction home in Idaho?
You aren’t required to have one, but it’s smart. The builder’s sales rep represents the builder. Your own agent can negotiate incentives, review the contract, and protect you during the build. Many builders require your agent on your first visit.
Are builder incentives worth it in the Treasure Valley?
Often, yes, but many require the builder’s preferred lender or title company. Compare the incentive against a quote from an outside lender before deciding.
Thinking about building in Eagle or Star?
Call me before you visit a single model home. Grab my free 84 page Treasure Valley Relocation Guide at stan.store/ashleysellsidaho, then call or text 208.941.4206 or email hello@ashleysellsidaho.com. I’ll help you figure out what you’ll really spend, before the builder does.
About Ashley
I’m Ashley Davis, owner of Ashley Davis Real Estate (Ashley Sells Idaho), a Treasure Valley relocation and new construction realtor based in Star, Idaho. I lived in Orange County and Long Beach for 40 years before moving my family to Idaho in 2024, and I’ve been licensed since 2012. I help buyers and sellers in Star, Eagle, Meridian, and Boise.
Ashley Davis Real Estate | Ashley Sells Idaho | Real Broker, LLC | 208.941.4206
Market figures are from Intermountain MLS closed sales for July 2026 as reported by Build Idaho. Builder pricing and incentives change often. Property tax details are from the Ada County Assessor; confirm deadlines for your county.
