New Construction Homes in McLean VA | Samantha Bard
McLean is one of Northern Virginia's most established communities, so most new construction here doesn't arrive as a large subdivision. Instead, you'll see custom homes rising on lots where an older house once stood, a handful of builder spec homes, and newer townhomes and condos closer to Tysons and the Silver Line. Buying a brand-new home in McLean comes with its own set of steps. Contracts usually come from the builder, timelines can shift, and Virginia law gives new-home buyers specific warranty protections worth understanding. The lot itself matters too, from grading and stormwater plans to what's planned next door. Browse current McLean new construction real estate, then use this list to prepare. Samantha Bard, REALTOR® ABR|SRS with Coldwell Banker Realty, helps buyers compare new builds, review builder contracts, and plan inspections from first tour to final walk-through. Here are 10 things to know before you buy new construction in McLean.
10 Things to Know About New Construction Homes in McLean VA
1. Most McLean New Construction Is Infill
McLean is an unincorporated community in Fairfax County, and most of its land was developed decades ago. That means new single-family homes are usually built one lot at a time. A builder or owner buys an older home, removes it, and builds a new house in its place. You'll find these infill homes scattered throughout established neighborhoods in both the 22101 and 22102 ZIP codes.
For buyers, this has a few practical effects. New homes often sit beside older ones, so the street may look different from house to house. Lot sizes, setbacks, and slopes vary, which shapes how each new home is designed. And because inventory comes up one home at a time, there's rarely a model home to tour. Each property needs its own review.
2. Spec Homes, Custom Builds, and Building on Your Own Lot
New construction in McLean generally falls into three paths. A spec home is built by a builder without a specific buyer in mind and listed for sale during or after construction. A custom build is designed for you, either on a lot the builder controls or as a to-be-built home. Building on your own lot means you buy land (or an older home to replace) and hire your own architect and builder.
Each path carries a different mix of timeline, control, and risk. A finished spec home lets you see exactly what you're buying and move sooner. A custom build gives you more say in the floor plan and finishes but takes longer. Building on your own lot offers the most control and the most responsibility for permits, budgets, and schedules. Decide which path fits before you start touring.
3. Newer Townhomes and Condos Near Tysons
Not every new home in McLean is a detached single-family house. Part of the 22102 ZIP code sits in the Tysons area, where redevelopment has added newer townhomes and condo buildings close to offices, shopping, and the Silver Line's McLean, Tysons, Greensboro, and Spring Hill stations. These homes can offer new construction with a lower-maintenance lifestyle.
Townhome and condo communities come with an HOA or condo association, so add those documents to your review. Look at the monthly fee, what it covers, the reserve plan, and rules on pets, rentals, and exterior changes. In a brand-new community, ask how long the builder will control the association and when owners take over the board.
4. Get to Know the Lot Before You Commit
In Fairfax County, building a new single-family home on an existing lot typically involves an infill lot grading plan reviewed by Land Development Services. These plans address grading, drainage, stormwater, erosion control, and tree preservation. Some McLean lots are also near streams such as Pimmit Run and may include a Resource Protection Area under the county's Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance, which limits what can be built close to the water.
Ask the builder for the approved plan and review how water moves across the lot, where the yard drains, and whether any areas are restricted. Pay attention to slopes and retaining walls, which can affect how you use the yard. If you're buying a lot to build on, have a civil engineer or experienced builder review it before you close.
5. Check What's Planned Nearby
Because McLean rebuilds one lot at a time, the house next door could become a construction site after you move in. Fairfax County Land Development Services offers an online viewer that maps recently submitted infill lot grading plans, along with an optional weekly email alert by magisterial district. It's a useful way to see where other new homes are planned around a property you like.
On a larger scale, Fairfax County has adopted plans to guide redevelopment in downtown McLean, and Tysons continues to grow. Check for nearby projects that could change traffic or the streetscape over time. For more Northern Virginia real estate tips, including neighborhood and commuter guides, browse Samantha's blog.
6. Read the Builder's Contract Carefully
Most new construction sales use the builder's own purchase agreement rather than a standard resale contract. These agreements are written to protect the builder, so read every page. Look closely at the deposit amount and when it becomes non-refundable, the estimated completion date and what happens if it slips, how change orders are priced, and what's included as a standard feature versus an upgrade.
Finish allowances deserve special attention. If the contract gives you a set budget for flooring, lighting, or appliances, know what that amount buys and how overages are billed. If you plan to work with your own agent, bring them to your first visit or registration with the builder, since many builders require that. Consider having a Virginia real estate attorney review the contract before you sign.
7. Understand Virginia's New Home Warranty
Virginia law gives buyers of new homes implied warranties under Va. Code § 55.1-357. When a builder sells a new dwelling, it warrants that the home is free from structural defects, built in a workmanlike manner, and fit for habitation. These warranties generally last one year, and the foundation warranty lasts five years, starting at settlement or move-in, whichever comes first.
To make a claim, you must give the builder written notice, and the builder has a reasonable period to make repairs. Builders can only modify or waive these warranties with conspicuous, specific language in the contract, so watch for that. Many builders also offer their own written warranty. If you hire a builder to build on land you already own, your protection may depend more on the construction contract itself, so ask an attorney how the rules apply to you.
8. Hire an Independent Inspector at Key Stages
A brand-new home still benefits from an independent inspection. County inspections confirm the home meets building code, but they aren't designed to check every finish or detail. Many buyers schedule a pre-drywall inspection, while framing, wiring, plumbing, and ductwork are still visible, and a final inspection before settlement.
Confirm in your contract that you're allowed to bring in your own inspector and at which stages. Use the final walk-through to build a punch list of items to fix before or soon after closing. Then consider an inspection before your one-year warranty ends, so you can document anything that's surfaced as the home settles through its first seasons.
9. Plan Your Financing Around the Build
Financing a new home in McLean often looks different from a resale purchase. Many homes here call for jumbo loans, which can have different down payment, reserve, and documentation requirements. If you're building on your own lot, you may need a construction loan or a construction-to-permanent loan, which releases funds in draws as work is completed.
Timelines matter too. If your home won't be finished for several months, ask your lender about longer rate locks and what happens if completion is delayed. Some builders offer incentives tied to their preferred lender, so compare the full offer, including rates and closing costs, against an outside lender before you choose.
10. Budget for the Full Cost and Timeline
The purchase price is only part of the cost of a new home. Plan for window treatments, landscaping, fencing, and any upgrades you add during construction. Fairfax County real estate taxes apply, and many McLean addresses also fall within the McLean Community Center's special tax district. Ask how the property will be assessed once the new home is complete.
Build some flexibility into your move-out plans, since weather, permits, and supply schedules can shift a completion date. Getting pre-approved before you tour helps you act when the right home becomes available. The Northern Virginia buyer's guide walks through pre-approval, budgeting, and each step of the purchase, so it's a helpful place to start.
FAQs
Q: Are there new construction homes for sale in McLean VA?
A: Yes. Most new construction in McLean is infill, where a new single-family home replaces an older one on an existing lot. You'll also find builder spec homes, custom to-be-built homes, and newer townhomes and condos in the Tysons part of the 22102 ZIP code. Inventory comes up one property at a time.
Q: What warranty comes with a new home in Virginia?
A: Under Va. Code § 55.1-357, builders selling a new home warrant that it is free from structural defects, built in a workmanlike manner, and fit for habitation. These generally last one year, with a five-year warranty on the foundation. Buyers must give written notice of a claim. Many builders also provide their own written warranty.
Q: Do I need a home inspection on new construction?
A: It's a good idea. County inspections check code compliance, while an independent inspector can review details at key stages. Many buyers schedule a pre-drywall inspection, a final inspection before settlement, and another before the one-year warranty ends.
Q: Can I use my own agent when buying from a builder?
A: In most cases, yes, but many builders require your agent to accompany or register you on your first visit. Bring your agent from the start. A buyer's agent can help you compare homes, review the builder's contract, and track deadlines through construction and settlement.
Q: How can I find out what's being built near a McLean home?
A: Fairfax County Land Development Services offers an online viewer that maps recent infill lot grading plan submissions, plus a weekly email alert by magisterial district. You can also review county plans for downtown McLean and Tysons to see larger projects that may affect the area.
Ready to Explore New Construction in McLean?
If a new home in McLean is on your list, let's talk about which path fits you best, whether that's a finished spec home, a custom build, or a newer townhome near Tysons. Samantha Bard can walk you through current listings, review builder contracts and timelines with you, and help you plan inspections from start to finish. Do you have time to talk this week?
Samantha Bard, REALTOR® | ABR | SRS
Coldwell Banker Realty
📞 (703) 298-2651 | ✉ samantha.bard@cbmove.com | 🌐 www.samanthabard.com
Virginia License #0225198344 | Equal Housing Opportunity