New Construction in Nova Scotia: HRM vs. Annapolis Valley vs. the Rest

Nova Scotia Home Finder
Dec 30, 2025
2 min read

Nova Scotia's new construction market thrives amid a housing boom, but opportunities differ sharply by region - urban HRM leads in scale, affordable Annapolis Valley appeals to custom builders, and rural areas offer steady but smaller growth.

New Construction housing in Nova Scotia — New construction in Nova Scotia has been on the rise in the recent past

Price Breakdown by Region

New build costs hinge on land scarcity, infrastructure, and demand. HRM prices soar due to urban premiums, while Annapolis Valley delivers value through cheaper acreage.

Region	Average New Build Price (2025)	Price per Sq Ft Range
HRM (Halifax)	$450,000–$800,000+	$185–$250+
Annapolis Valley	$300,000–$500,000	$168–$185
Rest of NS	$350,000–$600,000	$170–$220

HRM's higher tags reflect proximity to jobs and amenities, but Annapolis Valley lots average $65,000 per acre for spacious rural designs.

Active Developments Snapshot

HRM hosts the bulk of projects with over 131 communities and massive sites like Shannon Park. Annapolis Valley focuses on bespoke homes, and rural NS scatters affordable units province-wide

HRM: 44 new sales in May 2025 (9.5% market share), 13,000+ units underway in Eastern Passage and Lantz; rentals dominate.
Annapolis Valley: Growing prefab and modern farms, serviced lots for custom builds.
Rest of NS: 500+ federal-backed homes, Liverpool's 30-unit co-op; outside HRM, activity down 10.5% YTD.

Growth Forecasts to 2034

Province-wide residential activity surges with 21% employment gains projected, but HRM powers ahead via doubled housing starts. Rural regions like Annapolis Valley benefit from migration and affordability.[8][9]

Region	2025 Starts Trend	2026–2034 Outlook
HRM (Halifax)	+32% YOY, $292M investment	14,000/year target; urban rentals
Annapolis Valley	Stable, low volume	Moderate rural/custom demand
Rest of NS	-10.5% outside HRM	Renovations rise post-2030