As we kick off 2026, there is a clear winner in the Central Florida housing market: the modern single-story home. While two-story homes often offer more total square footage, buyers in Kissimmee, St. Cloud, and Poinciana are increasingly prioritizing “Forever Home” functionality. Single-story designs, like the open-concept models from Ashton Woods in Hawks Run, eliminate the “staircase tax” on your daily life, offering a seamless flow that appeals to everyone from young families with toddlers to active adults planning for long-term accessibility. In the 2026 market, “Luxury” is being redefined as “Convenience,” and nothing says convenience like having your primary suite, laundry, and social spaces all on one level.
The financial profile of a single-story home in Kissimmee is also highly attractive in the current economy. Beyond the immediate lifestyle benefits, single-story homes are generally more energy-efficient to cool during the Florida summers. Without a second floor trapping heat, your HVAC system doesn’t have to work overtime, leading to lower monthly utility billsâa key consideration for 2026 buyers. Furthermore, builders like Ashton Woods are currently offering aggressive “Quick Move-In” incentives in Kissimmee, with some credits reaching as high as $50,000 in Flex Cash that can be used to buy down your interest rate or cover your closing costs entirely.
One of the standout features of the latest Ashton Woods designs in Hawks Run is the emphasis on the “Indoor-Outdoor” transition. These homes are designed with massive sliding glass doors that lead to covered lanais, effectively doubling your living space for entertaining. In a city like Kissimmee, where the climate allows for year-round outdoor living, this design choice maximizes the footprint of a single-story home. Buyers are moving away from the “formal dining room” of the past and toward these expansive “Great Rooms” that serve as the heart of the home, proving that you don’t need a second floor to have a home that feels massive and high-end.
However, navigating the new construction landscape in Kissimmee requires a strategic approach. While the models look perfect, the “base price” rarely includes the high-end finishes seen in the video tours. Furthermore, the most desirable lotsâthose with water views or no rear neighborsâoften carry significant premiums that are negotiable if you know the builder’s current inventory goals. In 2026, builders are highly motivated to hit their quarterly targets, and having an advocate who knows the “real” bottom line can save you thousands on your final contract.
How Incisive Realty Can Help: At Incisive Realty, we specialize in the Kissimmee and St. Cloud new construction markets. We don’t just take you to the model homes; we provide an incisive comparison of different builders’ “standard” vs. “upgraded” features so you know exactly where your money is going. Our team has helped hundreds of families navigate builder contracts to secure max incentives and the best lots in Hawks Run and Storey Creek. If youâre looking for a single-story “Forever Home” in Kissimmee, let Incisive Realty ensure you get the most value for your investment.