New Construction Homes in Livingston County: What Buyers Need to Know

Livingston County has quietly become one of the most active new construction markets in southeastern Michigan. With a population approaching 200,000 — and consistent growth of over 6% in the last decade — buyers and builders are drawn to the area's spacious lots, top-rated schools, and convenient access to both Flint and Ann Arbor.

If you've been thinking about building a custom home in Livingston County, you're not alone. Demand for new construction here has been steadily climbing, and communities like Tyrone Township are leading the way. Here's what you need to know about the new construction landscape in Livingston County — and one community in particular that stands out.

Why Livingston County for New Construction?

Several factors make Livingston County a prime location for building a new home:

• Spacious Lots: Unlike many suburban communities closer to metro Detroit, Livingston County offers larger parcels of land — frequently one acre or more — giving buyers room for the custom homes they envision.
• Top-Rated Schools: The county is home to several highly regarded school districts, including Hartland Consolidated Schools, which consistently ranks in the top 5–10% of Michigan districts with a graduation rate approaching 96%.
• Strategic Location: Livingston County sits along the US-23 and I-96 corridors, providing easy commuting access to Flint, Ann Arbor, Lansing, and the broader metro Detroit area.
• Growth & Value: The county's population has grown steadily, and new construction homes here tend to hold strong resale value due to the combination of school quality, lot size, and community amenities.

Oaks of Tyrone: A Premier New Construction Community

One of the most exciting new construction communities in Livingston County is Oaks of Tyrone, located in Tyrone Township. Developed exclusively by Big Sky Development — one of Michigan's top-ranked builders — Oaks of Tyrone features approximately one-acre lots and 34 homesites with easy access to US-23.

The community falls within the Hartland School District, making it particularly attractive for families who prioritize education. Tyrone Township itself has a population of approximately 12,000 residents and offers the rural-suburban lifestyle that today's buyers are seeking — generous setbacks, wooded settings, and a strong sense of community — while still being minutes from major highways and everyday conveniences.

Big Sky Development has been building custom craftsmen-style homes in southeastern Michigan since 1994. Ranked #10 in Michigan for market share and named a 2024 Top 20 Home Builder, Big Sky offers an all-inclusive building process: you work directly with the owner on the job site, choose finishes in a state-of-the-art design showroom, and receive an exclusive 10-year structural warranty — one of the strongest in the region.

What to Expect in the New Construction Build Process

Building a new construction home is one of the most rewarding experiences a buyer can have — but it helps to know what to expect. Here's a high-level overview of the typical timeline and process when working with an established builder like Big Sky Development:

1. Initial Consultation & Site Selection

The process begins with a consultation to discuss your vision, budget, and timeline. Your agent and builder will help you evaluate available homesites — considering factors like lot orientation, topography, soil conditions, and proximity to utilities. At Oaks of Tyrone, homesites are approximately one acre, giving you significant flexibility in home placement and outdoor living design.

2. Design & Floor Plan Development

Big Sky Development offers dozens of floor plans that can be customized to your needs. You'll work directly with the design team in their showroom to select materials, fixtures, finishes, and layout modifications. From granite countertops and KOHLER fixtures to flooring, cabinetry, and exterior stone — every detail reflects your personal style.

3. Financing & Construction Loan

Construction financing can seem intimidating, but it's more accessible than many buyers realize. Big Sky Development partners with Dart Bank to offer construction loans with as little as 5% down, fixed interest rates, and interest-only payments during construction. A single closing covers the lot purchase, construction costs, and permanent mortgage — simplifying the financial process significantly.

Todd Murawski, VP/Senior Mortgage Banker at Dart Bank, specializes in new construction financing and can walk you through every option. You can reach Todd at (810) 656-6701 or tmurawski@dartbank.com.

4. Construction Timeline

Most custom homes are completed within 8 to 12 months from foundation pour to final walkthrough, depending on floor plan complexity, finish selections, and seasonal weather conditions. Michigan's climate does impact construction schedules — spring weight restrictions can temporarily limit heavy deliveries on local roads, so builders plan concrete pours and major material deliveries carefully around these annual windows.

Livingston County vs. Surrounding Areas

How does Livingston County compare to other new construction markets in southeastern Michigan? Here's a quick look:

• vs. Oakland County: Livingston County typically offers larger lots at lower price-per-acre costs, making it attractive for buyers who want space without the premium prices of communities like Rochester Hills or Milford.
• vs. Genesee County: Livingston County's school districts — particularly Hartland and Howell — are among the highest-rated in the region, which is a significant draw for families comparing new construction options.
• vs. Washtenaw County: While Ann Arbor offers urban amenities, Livingston County provides a quieter, more rural setting with easier highway access and more affordable land for custom builds.

Working with an Experienced Local Team

Building a new construction home requires navigating zoning regulations, soil evaluations, septic considerations for properties outside municipal sewer service, and the seasonal realities of Michigan construction. Working with an agent who understands both the real estate side and the building process makes an enormous difference.

At The Moen Group, we maintain strong relationships with the area's top builders, including Big Sky Development. If you're considering a new construction home in Livingston County — whether at Oaks of Tyrone or another community — I'd welcome the chance to help you explore your options.

Contact me directly at (810) 691-0019 or send a message to start the conversation.