Elmhurst new construction demand outpaces vacant lot supply

New construction demand in Elmhurst remains strong, but the harder task is finding land to build on. REALTOR® and Managing Broker Jack Pysz has secured nine Elmhurst properties for new construction projects in 2026, including a lot split on Comstock Avenue, as builders and buyers search beyond traditional vacant lots.

Why it matters: - Elmhurst buyers still want new homes, but scarce vacant land is shifting the market toward redevelopment, lot splits and off-market opportunities. - Homeowners with properties in desirable areas may draw interest even without listing for sale. - Builders need local, proactive property sourcing to keep new construction moving.

What happened: - Jack Pysz, REALTOR® and Managing Broker of RE/MAX Future in Elmhurst, has secured nine Elmhurst properties for new construction projects so far in 2026. - Pysz works with builders, developers and individual buyers on the real estate side, while the builders handle construction. - Pysz said the challenge in parts of Elmhurst is not demand, but the lack of vacant lots in preferred neighborhoods. - The search for buildable sites now often starts with an existing house rather than an empty parcel.

The details: - Pysz said his searches now include older homes, oversized properties, potential lot splits and homes that are not listed for sale. - He said “make me move” offers are becoming more common when buyers want a specific neighborhood or street. - Two new construction projects on Comstock Avenue show how existing land can be reworked into buildable sites. - The Comstock opportunity required splitting existing land into separate lots for two new homes. - Pysz handled the real estate and property side of the deal, while the builders are responsible for construction. - Pysz is preparing 1005 S. Mitchell Avenue as a coming-soon listing. - Pysz is also preparing 380 S. Fairview Avenue as another coming-soon Elmhurst property. - 607 S. Cedar Avenue is undergoing a significant rehab instead of being replaced. - The Mitchell Avenue property adds to redevelopment activity in South Elmhurst, where buyers continue to look for new construction, renovated homes and other opportunities.

Between the lines: - The Elmhurst market is rewarding people who can identify value before a property is publicly marketed. - Land scarcity is making local knowledge more important than simple listing searches. - The same property can present different outcomes, including teardown, lot split or rehabilitation, depending on the site and demand.

What's next: - Pysz expects finding buildable property in Elmhurst to require even more local knowledge and a proactive search. - More homeowners may receive unsolicited interest from builders or buyers as demand for new construction continues. - Buyers looking for land in Elmhurst may need to consider properties with existing houses, not just vacant lots.

The bottom line: - In Elmhurst, the next new-construction opportunity may be hidden in an existing property rather than a vacant lot.