Are you torn between a brand‑new build and a move‑in‑ready resale in Hammock Bay? You are not alone. Both paths can work well in Freeport, but the right choice depends on your timeline, budget, and appetite for customization. In this guide, you will compare real numbers, timelines, ongoing fees, and practical steps so you can move forward with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Hammock Bay at a glance
Hammock Bay is a master‑planned community on Choctawhatchee Bay with resort‑style amenities, including clubhouses, multiple pools, a fitness center, sports courts, trails, and the Town Center known as The Windmills. You can explore the amenity overview on the official community site to see how the lifestyle fits your goals: Hammock Bay amenities.
The community is roughly 20 to 30 miles from South Walton beaches, which is helpful if you want bayfront living with beach access a short drive away. Hammock Bay is designed for easy walking and biking, and many neighborhoods connect to trails.
One key cost note: Hammock Bay uses both a master HOA and a Community Development District. The CDD helps fund infrastructure and levies assessments that are separate from HOA dues. You can review how the district operates and how assessments work at the Hammock Bay CDD page. When you compare homes, include both HOA and CDD in your budget.
New construction: what to expect
Builders and product types
You will find a mix of production, semicustom, and custom homes in Hammock Bay. Production builders offer the most accessible entry points, with common 3 to 5 bedroom plans around 1,900 to 2,700 square feet. Semicustom and custom builders, including Randy Wise Homes, deliver larger footprints, higher‑end finishes, and bayfront options in select gated sections. For examples of this tier, view the Randy Wise Homes page on Hammock Bay’s site.
Pricing and timelines
Pricing varies by neighborhood and product tier. Community and listing snapshots show a wide range from the mid‑$300Ks for smaller or production offerings to $1M and above for gated or bayfront custom properties. Recent new‑construction snapshots in Hammock Bay also show entry points in the low to mid $400Ks for certain production plans. Always request the current builder price sheet and available‑home list before you decide.
If speed matters, look for quick‑move‑in or spec homes, which often close in about 30 to 45 days depending on your loan process. For a to‑order production home, many builders cite several months of build time. As one reference point, the DSLD Homes FAQ outlines a typical production build of about 5.5 to 6 months once you go under contract. You can review their general guidance in the DSLD Homes FAQs. For fully custom or bayfront builds, plan on a wider range, roughly 9 to 18 months, due to design, permitting, site work, and selections. See background timing factors in this industry overview.
Warranties and incentives
New homes typically include builder warranties that cover workmanship, systems, and structure for set periods. Specific terms vary by builder, so read the warranty manual closely and ask how service requests are handled. You can get a sense of common coverage in the DSLD Homes FAQs.
Many builders offer incentives, such as closing cost help or appliance packages. These can be valuable, but they often come with a preferred‑lender requirement. Compare the builder’s offer with independent lender quotes so you understand the total cost of funds and the rate‑lock timeline for a new build. For a quick primer, review this guide on new construction financing considerations.
Resale homes: the tradeoffs
Resale homes in Hammock Bay can be a smart fit if you want to move sooner, prefer established landscaping, or like the idea of seeing the exact lot and finishes before you buy. Many resales fall in price bands from the mid‑$300Ks to the high‑$500Ks, with higher‑end gated and bayfront properties above $1M. Local MLS and community listings will give you the most current bands by neighborhood.
HOA and CDD fees to factor in
HOA dues vary by sub‑neighborhood and amenities. Recent neighborhood listings show a wide range of quarterly master association fees, from the low $300s to more than $900, with inclusions like common‑area maintenance, amenity access, and sometimes cable packages. You can see examples in recent Hammock Bay listings, then confirm specifics with the HOA resale certificate for the exact home you are considering.
Remember to include CDD assessments in your total monthly or annual budget. The CDD documents outline the bond history and assessment methodology. For clarity on how the district works, start here: Hammock Bay CDD overview.
Flood risk and insurance
Parts of Freeport sit near bayous and tidal areas, so flood zones can differ block by block. Always verify the property’s exact flood zone through the FEMA Map Service Center and review Walton County’s Floodplain Management resources. Flood zone designation can affect your insurance requirements and premiums.
Rental and use rules
Some Hammock Bay sub‑neighborhoods set minimum rental periods or disallow short‑term rentals. If you plan to rent, review the Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions and the HOA resale certificate for the specific neighborhood before you commit.
New vs resale: how to choose in Hammock Bay
- Timeline. If you need to be in a home within a few months, a resale or a quick‑move‑in new home is often the best fit. If you can wait and want more choice on finishes or floor plans, a to‑order production or custom build can work well.
- Budget and value. Production phases tend to offer the lowest entry points. Semicustom and bayfront custom homes in gated sections carry premium pricing. Compare immediate move‑in costs on a resale with the cost of optional upgrades if you build.
- Ongoing costs. HOA dues and CDD assessments vary by neighborhood and can change your monthly budget. Request the HOA statement, what it covers, and the CDD schedule for the exact lot or address.
- Risk tolerance and maintenance. New construction reduces near‑term maintenance risk and includes a builder warranty. Resale homes may offer mature landscaping and faster occupancy but can carry deferred maintenance, so inspections matter.
Your Hammock Bay buyer checklist
- Pull neighborhood‑level comps. Ask your agent for recent MLS sales and current actives in the same Hammock Bay sub‑neighborhood. Use them to confirm today’s price bands and days on market.
- Get the HOA resale certificate and covenants. Confirm current dues, what they include, amenity access, and any rental restrictions or planned assessments. Compare documents across neighborhoods to understand differences.
- Verify the CDD assessment for the specific lot. Ask if the assessment appears on the property tax bill and request the current schedule. For district background, see the Hammock Bay CDD overview.
- Check the flood zone early. Use the FEMA Map Service Center and Walton County’s Floodplain Management page, then get at least one preliminary insurance quote.
- For new construction, read the builder’s warranty manual. Ask about service timelines and whether third‑party inspections are welcome at pre‑drywall and final stages. You can review common warranty scope in the DSLD Homes FAQs.
- Compare financing. Weigh the builder’s preferred‑lender incentive against quotes from outside lenders. Understand rate‑lock options and costs on longer build timelines. Start with this new construction financing guide.
- Secure buyer representation. On‑site sales teams represent the builder, not you. A local buyer’s agent can help you evaluate contracts, options, and neighborhood‑level fees and guide inspections and deadlines.
Final thoughts
Both paths can be a win in Hammock Bay. If you want speed and certainty, a resale or quick‑move‑in new home can get you settled fast. If you value personalization and are comfortable with a longer timeline, building in a production or custom section may deliver the exact floor plan and finishes you want. Either way, the best first step is a side‑by‑side comparison of price, HOA plus CDD, insurance, and timeline.
If you would like tailored guidance on Hammock Bay neighborhoods, current builder offerings, and live resale comps, reach out. We will walk you through the numbers, preview options, and help you choose with confidence. Connect with Michelle Thierwechter to get started.
FAQs
What should I budget for HOA and CDD in Hammock Bay?
- Expect quarterly HOA dues that vary by neighborhood and a separate CDD assessment; confirm both with the HOA resale certificate and the Hammock Bay CDD overview.
How long does new construction take in Hammock Bay?
- Quick‑move‑in homes can close in about 30 to 45 days, production builds often run several months, and custom homes commonly take 9 to 18 months depending on permits and selections.
Are new homes in Hammock Bay covered by warranties?
- Most production builders provide workmanship, systems, and structural coverage for set periods; review the builder’s manual and see examples in the DSLD Homes FAQs.
How do I check flood risk for a Hammock Bay property?
- Search the specific address on the FEMA Map Service Center and review Walton County’s Floodplain Management page, then get an insurance quote.
Can I use a builder’s preferred lender and still compare rates?
- Yes; request a written estimate from the preferred lender and compare it with quotes from outside lenders to evaluate incentives, rates, and rate‑lock costs for your timeline.
Do Hammock Bay neighborhoods allow short‑term rentals?
- Some do not; minimum rental periods and use rules vary by sub‑neighborhood, so review the HOA covenants and the resale certificate for the exact address before you buy.
