Housing Growth in Lee County

Lee County Leads Southwest Florida in Housing Growth: A Look at the Region’s Major New Developments

Lee County continues to lead the way in new construction across Southwest Florida. In April 2025, the county issued 994 single-family building permits, a number that accounts for the vast majority of the 1,514 total permits issued regionwide, according to data from Florida Gulf Coast University’s Regional Economic Research Institute.

As reported by The News-Press, this construction surge reflects an ambitious wave of development across the region, especially in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Estero, and surrounding unincorporated areas. Thousands of new homes are either approved, under construction, or currently being planned.

Highlights from Lee County's New Developments

Kingston

One of the largest projects on the horizon, Kingston, is being developed by Cameratta Companies and has been approved for up to 10,000 homes on a massive 6,702-acre site near Corkscrew Road and State Road 82. This formerly agricultural land is now positioned to become one of the largest new communities in the region.

Verdana Village

Also from Cameratta, Verdana Village is a master-planned community that’s been approved for 2,400 residential units. The first 600 homes are currently under construction, and the retail center, The Shoppes at Verdana Village, anchored by a Publix, is now open, offering convenience to both new and future residents.

Babcock Ranch

The Lee County portion of Babcock Ranch is growing. According to project proposals, developers are seeking to increase the residential unit count from 1,630 to 2,078 homes while expanding the on-site preservation area to 2,613 acres. Part of the project also involves transferring land to the state for improvements to State Road 31.

Olga and Alva

Zoning was approved earlier this year for a 1,099-home development on 788 acres in Olga. As part of the plan, 420 acres will be placed under conservation easements. However, residents in nearby Alva have filed a legal appeal challenging the decision, citing land use and environmental concerns.

Cape Coral

• Hudson Creek: A 1,745-acre project in northwest Cape Coral is set to include up to 3,500 homes, 425,000 square feet of retail and commercial space, and a 500-room hotel. The site is located near Burnt Store Road and borders the Yucca Pens Preserve.

• Redfish Pointe: Proposed on 350 acres near Rotary Park, this project calls for 800 homes, a 300-bed resort, and up to 50,000 square feet of commercial space. According to city staff, the development may face hurdles due to potential environmental impacts on nearby wetlands.

Fort Myers & Fort Myers Beach

• Royal Palm Square: This former commercial site near the Midpoint Bridge has been cleared to make way for 300–400 residential units, offering an updated entry point into the city from Cape Coral.

• Arches Bayfront (Moss Marina Project): Recently approved by the Fort Myers Beach Town Council, this waterfront development includes a 263-room hotel, restaurants, retail space, and a marina. The project involves rezoning several residential lots for commercial use and will bring buildings up to 100 feet tall along the bayfront.

Estero

• Woodfield Estero: Approved by the Village of Estero earlier this year, this 45.6-acre mixed-use development will include:

  • 538 multifamily units

  • 58 townhomes

  • 260 hotel rooms

  • Over 150,000 square feet of commercial, medical, office, and civic space

  • Four parking garages with more than 2,000 spaces
    Located across from Coconut Point Mall, the project is expected to become a major residential and commercial hub.

• Coconut Pointe Residences: Infill development is also underway near The Brooks, where a long-vacant Winn-Dixie site will be replaced with a 137-unit apartment complex.

What It All Means

The momentum across Lee County shows no sign of slowing. Driven by continued demand and long-term planning, these communities are set to reshape the region’s residential landscape, introduce new retail and hospitality corridors, and add substantial infrastructure.

For buyers, investors, and those watching Florida’s growth patterns, Lee County represents one of the most active and diverse development environments in the state.