This is one of the questions I get asked more than almost anything else. A buyer will come to me and say, "I think I want something new," and then we'll walk through a brand-new home in Greens on Gardiner and they'll love it — but then they see what a similarly sized home costs in an established neighbourhood like Wood Meadows or Parkridge, and suddenly the decision isn't so simple anymore. Or it goes the other way. Someone set on an older home with a big yard falls in love with a new build's open floor plan and energy efficiency, and now they're rethinking everything.
There's no universally right answer here. But there are real differences in what each option actually costs, what you're signing up for, and what your daily life will look like. Let me walk you through it honestly so you can figure out which one fits.
What New Builds Actually Cost
The sticker price on a new build in east Regina can be a bit misleading — and I say that as someone who shows these homes every week. In communities like The Creeks, Greens on Gardiner, The Towns, and Eastbrook (the newer sections), you'll see listed prices that look competitive — until you start adding things up.
Most new builds come with a base price, and then the upgrades begin. Better cabinets, hardwood instead of laminate, a finished basement, upgraded fixtures, a deck. Those choices can add $30,000 to $80,000 depending on the builder and the home. Then there's landscaping — most new builds come with bare dirt. A basic front and back yard (sod, a fence, maybe a small patio) runs $15,000 to $25,000 easily. And don't forget GST. On a new build in Saskatchewan, you're paying 5% GST on the purchase price, which on a $500,000 home means $25,000 that doesn't apply to a resale purchase.
So that $480,000 new build can realistically end up costing you $550,000 to $600,000 once it's actually liveable. That doesn't make it a bad deal — it just means you need to plan for the real number, not the listed one. I always walk my clients through this math before we start touring new construction because the surprise can be significant.
What Established Homes Actually Cost
On the other side, an established home in a neighbourhood like Windsor Park, Varsity Park, Glencairn, Gardiner Heights, or Richmond Place typically gives you more square footage for less money. The median price in many of these neighbourhoods sits between $275,000 and $350,000, which is significantly lower than what new construction costs in east Regina.
But the purchase price isn't the whole story here either. Older homes come with a renovation budget — whether you plan for it or not. A house built in the 1970s or 1980s might need updated electrical, new windows, a furnace that's nearing end of life, or a roof that's got five years left in it. None of these are emergencies on day one, but they're coming. Budget $15,000 to $40,000 over your first five years for updates, depending on the home's age and condition.
No GST on resale homes though. And the landscaping is done — mature trees, established yards, fences already in place. You're not paying to build a yard from scratch. The total cost of ownership over five years can be surprisingly close between the two options, but the money comes at different times. New builds cost more upfront. Established homes cost more over time.
This is why I always tell my clients: get the home inspection. On an older home, it's not optional. It's how you find out what that real budget looks like before you commit.
The Maintenance Question
New builds come with a warranty — typically the Saskatchewan New Home Warranty through the National Home Warranty Program. That covers major structural issues for up to five years and some components for longer. It's genuine peace of mind, and for buyers who don't want to think about repairs for a few years, it matters.
But new homes aren't maintenance-free. I've had clients deal with settling foundations, drywall cracks, and builder-grade appliances that don't last as long as you'd expect. Warranty claims happen. They're not always quick.
Established homes don't have that warranty safety net, but the upside is that the systems have been tested by time. A 25-year-old home that's been well maintained has already proven itself. The furnace works. The roof held through two decades of Regina winters. You know what you're getting. The trade-off is that when something does fail, it's your problem and your chequebook.
Neither option is worry-free. You're just choosing which kind of maintenance reality you'd rather manage.
Neighbourhood Infrastructure
This is where new builds and established homes differ in ways people don't always think about until they've moved in.
In newer communities like The Creeks, Greens on Gardiner, and parts of The Towns, the infrastructure is still filling in. Schools are being built (there's a new high school planned for The Towns, but it's not open yet). Commercial areas are developing. Trees are saplings. Parks exist, but they haven't matured. Some sections are still active construction zones with trucks and noise during the day. That all changes over 5 to 10 years, but you're living through the growing pains.
In established neighbourhoods like Wood Meadows, Parkridge, Windsor Park, or Glencairn, everything is already there. Mature trees line the streets. Parks have real shade. Schools are operational and have track records you can evaluate. Shopping centres, medical clinics, and community centres have been serving residents for decades. You're not waiting for anything — you're moving into a finished community.
For families with school-age kids, this can be a deciding factor. Having a school within walking distance right now is different from having one that might be built in three years.
Resale and Long-Term Value
New builds in east Regina's growing communities have generally held their value well, especially in well-planned developments like Greens on Gardiner. The newer the construction, the more appealing it tends to be to the next buyer. But you're also competing with the builder when you sell — if they're still building in the same community, buyers can choose new construction over your resale.
Established homes in desirable neighbourhoods appreciate more steadily, and there's no builder down the street undercutting your price with a fresh product. Scarcity works in your favour — they're not making more lots in Wood Meadows. Over the long term, both options can be solid investments. It depends more on the specific neighbourhood and how well the home is maintained than on whether it's new or old.
The Honest Answer
There isn't one. I've had clients who were certain they wanted a new build, toured a beautifully maintained 1985 bungalow in Parkridge with a huge yard and mature landscaping, and completely changed their mind. And I've had families who swore they'd only buy established end up in Greens on Gardiner because the schools and pathways won them over.
What matters is your priorities. If low upfront maintenance, modern layouts, and energy efficiency matter most — lean toward new construction. If you want more space for less money, mature trees, and a neighbourhood that's already complete — established homes make a lot of sense. And if you're not sure, that's completely fine. That's what the touring process is for.
I'll give you all the options and we'll figure it out together. No rush, no pressure — just honest information so you can make the decision that's right for your family. You can start by browsing East Regina homes for sale, or reach out and we'll walk through both types of neighbourhoods in person. Sometimes seeing the difference is what makes it click.
