New Construction Closing Timeline: Contract to Keys
From the day you sign to the day you get the keys, here's what actually happens, and which steps quietly add weeks to your move-in date.
Written and reviewed by Carla Goddard, Founder & CEO, Vicinity. Last reviewed September 12, 2026.
Buying a new construction home doesn't follow exactly the same timeline as buying an existing home. You may sign a contract months, or even more than a year, before the house is finished. Then, as construction gets closer to completion, things start moving quickly.
Inspections.
Final selections.
Loan approval.
Appraisal.
Walkthrough.
Closing documents.
And finally:
The keys.
The exact timeline varies by builder, lender, location and contract. But understanding the general sequence can make the final stretch much easier to manage.
First: Know What Kind of New Construction You're Buying
Your timeline depends heavily on where the home is in the building process. To-be-built home The home hasn't been constructed yet. You may have a long period between signing the contract and closing. Home under construction Construction is already underway. Your closing date may still be months away, but the timeline becomes easier to estimate as the home progresses. Completed or nearly completed home The home is already finished or close to it. Your closing may happen relatively soon, depending on financing, inspections and the builder's schedule. This distinction matters because "new construction" isn't one timeline.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When do you close on a new construction home?
You close after the builder receives the certificate of occupancy (CO) from the local building department, typically 60 to 120 days after framing is complete, or 6 to 12 months after you sign the purchase agreement on a to-be-built home. Inventory or 'quick move-in' homes can close in 30 - 45 days because the CO is already issued.
Can a builder push your closing date?
Yes, almost every builder contract gives them a delay clause (often 30, 60, or even 180 days) for weather, supply chain, or municipal inspection backlogs. You typically have no recourse during the grace period; after it expires, most contracts allow you to terminate and recover your earnest money. Read the 'delay' and 'force majeure' sections before signing.
What happens at a new construction final walkthrough?
The builder's site superintendent walks the home with you 24 - 72 hours before closing. You document every cosmetic and functional defect (scratches, paint touch-ups, appliances, HVAC, plumbing, electrical) on a 'punch list.' Items the builder agrees to fix go on a closing addendum. Bring blue painter's tape, a phone with camera, and ideally a third-party inspector, you only get this leverage once.
When is the down payment due on a new construction home?
Earnest money (1 - 10% of purchase price) is due at contract signing. Design center upgrades are usually billed 50% upfront when you make selections (60 - 120 days in). The remainder of your down payment is collected at the closing table, along with all closing costs. Some builders also collect 'lot deposits' or 'option deposits' for premium lots or upgrades, these are typically non-refundable.
How long does it take to close on a new construction home from contract?
Inventory home: 30 - 45 days. To-be-built production home: 6 - 9 months in most markets, up to 14 months for higher-end or supply-constrained markets. Custom builds: 9 - 18 months. The clock starts when the lot is released to construction, not when you sign, which is itself often 30 - 60 days after contract.
What documents do you need at a new construction closing?
Government photo ID, certified funds (wire) for cash to close, proof of homeowners insurance (binder + paid receipt), and any builder warranty enrollment paperwork. Your lender will send a Closing Disclosure (CD) at least 3 business days before closing, review it line-by-line against your final Loan Estimate. Bring a printed copy and your buyer's agent to the table.
