Ranch surges ahead in rankings

New home construction in Lakewood Ranch is outpacing other markets across the country.

The community now ranks fifth nationally in a list of the nation’s top-selling master-planned communities, according to mid-year figures released by RCLCO, a real estate consulting business.

“It’s always nice to benchmark yourself,” said Laura Cole, vice president of marketing for Lakewood Ranch developer Schroeder-Manatee Ranch. “It’s a point of pride to be ranked nationally. There are a lot of great communities out there.”

Rex Jensen, president and CEO of Lakewood Ranch developer Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, added, “It’s a big deal.”

Lakewood Ranch has ranked in the top 10 annually for the last five years — ninth every year except 2014, when it ranked eighth.

As of June 30, Lakewood Ranch had boasted 360 new home sales compared with last year’s figure of 264 — a 36% increase in mid-year sales.

Cole said product diversification has been critical for driving sales. Prices now range from the high $100,000s to more than $1 million with product types that satisfy the needs across multiple generations of homebuyers.

“It’s not so much a price point, as much as a lifestyle,” said Cole, noting the opening of amenities such as The Lodge in Country Club East. “People want to see it and touch it. It’s made a big difference in terms of absorption.”

Gregg Logan, managing director of community and resort for RCLCO, said Lakewood Ranch’s product diversification, with newly opened communities such as Indigo and the age-restricted Del Webb, has helped it surge forward in the rankings.

“The market has really been responding to that,” Logan said. “They’re doing a good job of anticipating what the demand in the market is. Lakewood Ranch has broadened the range of villages and products it’s offering.”

Other top five-ranked communities — Irvine Ranch, The Villages, Nocatee, and Summerlin — saw more limited growth mid-year compared with 2015. The top two communities — Irvine Ranch and The Villages— both had fewer mid-year sales than last year. Nocatee (ranked third) saw a 2% increase and Summerlin (ranked fourth) had a 12% increase compared with Lakewood Ranch’s 36%.

“Among the top five, Lakewood Ranch has the biggest increase in sales pace,” Logan said.

Lakewood Ranch made the highest jump in mid-year rankings, from No. 12 this time last year. The other Top 5s were in the top six mid-year 2015.

1. Irvine Ranch

Orange County, Calif.

2016 mid-year sales: 989

2015 mid-year sales: 1,036

Irvine Ranch is a 93,000-acre master-planned community on the southern edge of Los Angeles

2. The Villages

Ocala

2016 mid-year sales: 841

2015 mid-year sales: 1,250

The Villages is the largest master-planned golf course retirement community in the world with 37 golf courses, more than 1,000 clubs and other amenities.

3. Nocatee

Ponte Vedra

2016 mid-year sales: 616

2015 mid-year sales: 601

Nocatee consists of a cluster of village-like neighborhoods, each with a unique size and style. Amenities include a resort-style splash park, a community park with fitness trails and an expansive nature preserve, a fitness club and planned events for residents.

4. Summerlin

Las Vegas, N.V.

2016 mid-year sales: 366

2015 mid-year sales: 327

Located adjacent to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Summerlin is a 22,500-acre master-planned community with open spaces, views of the Las Vegas Strip and diverse housing options.

5. Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch

2016 mid-year sales: 360

2015 mid-year sales: 264

Located on 30,000 acres across Sarasota and Manatee counties, Lakewood Ranch is about halfway through its development life. It features nine villages, with everything from townhomes to estates, planned around golf courses, walking trails, shopping, dining and other amenities.