Looking to build or buy a new home in Halifax, Nova Scotia? You’re not alone.
With a rapidly growing population and a tight housing supply, finding the right property in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) takes strategy, insight, and local knowledge. Whether you’re a family upsizing, a newcomer relocating, or a couple looking for your dream build, this guide to Halifax’s newest housing developments is here to help.
What’s Driving Halifax’s New Housing Boom?
The demand for housing across Halifax has skyrocketed post-pandemic, driven by population growth, migration, and shifting lifestyle priorities. This has led to critically low housing inventory and increasing prices across the region.
To address the shortage, the Nova Scotia government has designated 16 Special Planning Areas (SPAs), fast-tracking approvals for over 60,000 new homes to be built in the coming years.
Why Consider Building in a New Halifax Community?
Here’s why more buyers are choosing new construction in planned communities:
✅ Energy Efficiency: New homes are built with the latest materials and systems, meaning lower utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint.
✅ Modern Layouts & Smart Tech: Open-concept floor plans, energy-efficient appliances, EV-ready garages, and smart features come standard.
✅ Low Maintenance & Warranty Protection: Enjoy peace of mind with brand-new systems and warranty coverage.
✅ Customization Options: Early access means you can choose your ideal lot, floor plan, and finishes.
✅ Investment Value: New communities often grow in value as more infrastructure and amenities are built.
Key Considerations Before Choosing a New Build Community
Buying in a new development is exciting- but not all communities are created equal. Here’s what I tell my clients to look for:
📍 Location & Commute
Choose a community that fits your daily lifestyle – work, school, recreation, and family activities. Halifax traffic can be unpredictable, so proximity matters.
🛒 Nearby Amenities
Look at what’s already in place (schools, shops, parks, healthcare) and what’s planned. Communities with established or planned amenities tend to grow faster in value.
🧱 Home Builders
Every development has a set of builders. If you’re loyal to a particular builder, make sure they’re building in your preferred location or see if custom options are allowed.
🏗️ Stage of Development
Want peace and quiet? Choose a later phase. Want the best lot and more customization? Get in early.
Where New Homes Are Being Built: Special Planning Areas in Halifax
The provincial government has identified these high-priority areas for fast-tracked development. There are currently 16 special planning areas in HRM with more than 60,000 proposed housing units:
✅ Active Provincial Special Planning Areas (SPAs):
- Penhorn Mall Lands -950 units (Dartmouth)
- Southdale/Mount Hope – 1,200 units
- Bedford West 10 – 1,300 units
- Bedford West 1 & 12 – 2,500 units
- Port Wallace – Up to 4,900 units
- Indigo Shores Expansion – 150 lots
- Morris Lake Expansion – 3,100 units
- Dartmouth Crossing – 4,100 units
- Sandy Lake – 6,000 units
- Musquodoboit Harbour – various units including a 48 bed shared housing with special care facility
- Fall River Site C -120 units
✅ Additional SPAs Announced
- Westphal Urban Reserve, Dartmouth -Up to 18,000 units
- 1226 Cole Harbour Rd. – 511+ units and 144 bed long term care facility
- 1109 Fall River Rd. – 316 units + long-term care
- Paper Mill Lake, Bedford – 4,714 units
- Highway 102 West Corridor Lands – 11,500 units
More information: Halifax.ca Special Planning Areas
New & Emerging Housing Communities in Halifax and Surrounding Areas
Below are the most in-demand residential communities in HRM and surrounding regions. These new housing developments feature a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, condos, and waterfront properties.
🌳 Parks of West Bedford
A vibrant master-planned community between Kearney Lake and Hammonds Plains Road. Offers a wide mix of housing options and top-rated schools.
📍 West Bedford | 🔗 theparksofwestbedford.ca
🏞️ Indigo Shores
Lakeside living on McCabe Lake. Large wooded, riverfront, and lakefront lots. New phase released in 2025.
📍 Middle Sackville | 🔗 indigoshores.ca
🛍️ Rockingham South
Harbour-view homes at Halifax’s highest point. Single family homes, townhouses and apartments. Close to highways, amenities, and shopping.
📍 Bedford | 🔗 rockinghamsouth.com
🌅 Seton Ridge (Pre-construction)
Clayton Park’s newest build with over 2,800 multi units and 163+ single family dwellings proposed. Overlooks Bedford Basin and only 2km from Halifax Peninsula.
📍 Clayton Park | 🔗 southwest.ca
🏌️♂️ The Links at Brunello
Golf-course community just 15 mins from downtown. A mix of lots, single-family homes, and townhomes.
📍 Timberlea | 🔗 thelinksatbrunellorealestate.com
🌊 Seven Lakes
Award-winning lakeside development in Porters Lake. Multiple builders and home styles to choose from.
📍 Porters Lake | 🔗 sevenlakescommunity.com
🏙️ Long Lake Village
Urban living next to 5,000 acres of parkland. Townhomes, semis, and single-family homes.
📍 Northwest Arm Drive | 🔗 longlakevillage.ca
🌲 Lost Creek Village
700-acre development in Beaver Bank with large, wooded lots.
📍 Beaver Bank | 🔗 lostcreek.ca
🏖️ The Parks of Lake Charles
A mix of housing styles – from apartments and townhomes to bungalow and two storey homes
📍 Dartmouth | 🔗 theparksoflakecharles
Surrounding Area Developments and New Build Communities
- Oakfield Woods – Near Grand Lake. New Phase to be released
- Fall River – Kinloch Estates, Fall River’s newest subdivision – www.kinlochestates.ca
- Kiln Creek, Lantz – Master-planned community (1,500 units) www.kiln-creek.com
- Wickwire Station, Enfield – 2,000+ homes planned. Currently in pre-construction www.armcocapital.com
- Kingswood North – Phases 6 & 7 now open (SOLD OUT)
- Highland Park extension, Hammonds Plains – various home styles and builders
- St. Margaret’s Village, Upper Tantallon – 177 units currently in construction
- Governors Brook, Spryfield – Affordable and close to downtown – few lots remaining
- Green Acres, Spryfield – Proposed 1000 unit development due Fall 2026
- Lovett Lake – Townhomes + singles in Beechville. Phase 3 available now. www.lovettlake.ca
- Carriagewood Estates, Beaver Bank – Single family detached homes www.carriagewood.com
- The Orchards, Mount Uniacke – 1.2 to 3.5 acre lots starting at $59K www.orchardsofnovascotia.ca
Final Thoughts: Is Now the Right Time to Build in Halifax?
With new inventory, strong infrastructure investment, and long-term community planning underway, Halifax remains a smart place to buy or build. Whether you’re upsizing, relocating, or simply exploring options, now is a great time to act before prices rise again.
🔍 Need Help Choosing the Right Community?
Let’s have a Discovery Call.
I’ll help you:
- Identify the best Halifax community for your lifestyle
- Compare new developments, builders, and amenities
- Answer your questions about schools, commutes, and local insights
📩 DM me or click https://calendly.com/richardpayne/initial-consult to book your free Discovery Call today.
