Cadence, a prominent master-planned community in East Henderson, has risen to the occasion by achieving a significant milestone in the home sales market. In 2025, it is ranked No. 3 nationally, showcasing a strong performance despite a broader decline in new-home sales across the country.
This prestigious ranking follows its earlier accomplishment of finishing at No. 4 in mid-year rankings of 2024 and No. 3 for the whole of 2024, according to a study by housing consulting firm RCLCO.
During the first half of 2025, Cadence recorded a total of 722 sales, which represents a slight decrease of four sales compared to the same period in 2024. This equates to less than a 1 percent decline, illustrating its resilience in a cooling new-home market.
Contrasting Cadence’s performance, the 50 top-selling master-planned communities in the nation saw a more significant downturn, with overall sales down by 6.6 percent compared to the same timeframe in the previous year. Economic uncertainty, weak consumer sentiment, and ongoing affordability challenges are among the factors contributing to this cooling trend in new home sales.
Karl Pischke, an RCLCO principal, noted that the broader new home market also faced challenges, with the seasonally adjusted annual rate of new single-family house sales in the United States slipping to 627,000 in June 2025, marking a 6.6 percent decrease from June 2024.
Amidst these challenges, The Villages active-adult community in Central Florida continues to lead the rankings as the top-selling community in the nation, attracting retiree buyers. Lakewood Ranch in Sarasota, Florida, holds the No. 2 position overall, being the top-selling multigenerational community with 1,185 sales.
Summerlin, another notable master-planned community, ranks at No. 7 this year with 515 sales, experiencing a 14 percent drop from the 596 sales recorded in the first half of 2024. Summerlin was previously ranked No. 5 mid-year in 2024.
In Las Vegas, Heartland at Tule Springs, developed by D.R. Horton, remains consistent at No. 41 with 211 sales, down 14 percent from a year prior. Meanwhile, Inspirada slid to No. 42, down from No. 38, with 207 sales, representing a 21 percent decline from its previous total.
Skye Canyon in northwest Las Vegas fell out of the top 50, having ranked No. 48 last year with 213 sales. Current projections suggest that its sales for 2025 will exceed 100.
Despite the slight drop in numbers, Pischke highlighted that Cadence’s sales have soared by 62 percent compared to the first half of 2023, showcasing its successful master plan and its ability to meet demand in the housing market.
“This year we saw declines in sales across master plans, but Cadence was quite successful in the face of broader declines,” Pischke stated, emphasizing that maintaining a sales decline under 1 percent is a notable achievement.
Pischke remarked that while master plan communities are experiencing a downturn, they are performing better than other new home sales outside of these developments, which are down 4 percent in comparison year-over-year.
He attributed these trends to consumer confidence and economic uncertainty, identifying these as significant reasons behind the decline in sales. Affordability remains a noteworthy challenge, but economic uncertainty weighs heavily on prospective buyers’ decisions.
Master plan communities like Cadence tend to be viewed as safer investments, providing not only a home but also a lifestyle and amenities that appeal to buyers. This sentiment is especially critical during times of market uncertainty.
Pischke commended Summerlin for its enduring success, noting its impressive track record since the inception of RCLCO rankings in 1994. Maintaining a position within the top 50 for such an extended period speaks to its sustained appeal over the years.
With 28 years within the top 25 and poised to enter its 29th consecutive year, Summerlin has experienced numerous top 10 finishes, particularly flourishing from 1994 to 2007 and again from 2015 onward.
“It is remarkable that Summerlin is continuing to perform at that top 10 pace,” Pischke stated, acknowledging fluctuations but reaffirming its strong standing amidst broader market challenges. The historical premium on prices for properties in long-established communities like Summerlin also contributes to their allure compared to newer builder subdivisions.
Looking ahead, Inspirada’s decline in the rankings was anticipated as the community approaches the winding down of its sales activities in 2026. However, maintaining a top 50 finish until the end reflects the sustained value created within the community.
Pischke anticipates that Las Vegas will face challenges similar to those affecting the broader national market, including economic uncertainty, affordability issues, and consumer confidence.
Nevertheless, he cited robust job growth across the country as a positive indicator, suggesting that many households remain financially capable of entering the housing market. Emerging demographic trends and long-term demand for homeownership, alongside structural housing shortages, complicate the outlook but also support future growth.
Pischke believes that if mortgage rates stabilize and decline, it could energize the housing market, particularly given the favorable job growth and overall economic health of most American households.
While the forecast indicates potential for overall sales to decline significantly in 2025 compared to 2024, there is hope for recovery in the following year. If the Federal Reserve avoids taking a more aggressive stance on interest rates, improvements could emerge by mid-2026.
He stressed the importance of builders exercising discipline as the market slows, noting that declines in permits and starts will lead to fewer sales six months down the line.
“As we observe historical trends, today’s downturn is not on the scale of the late 2000s financial crisis,” Pischke clarified. “We see builders who are well-positioned for the slowdown, and as sales, starts, and permits decline, we can expect a slower 2025 compared to 2024. However, the hope remains that we will see a turn for the better as interest rates begin to decrease.”
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