June 22, 2026
New construction is a sought-after choice for many homebuyers. The advantages include getting exactly what you want, where you want it. If you’re looking to move to the Raleigh, NC, area, you can now build or buy a new home at Cattail Lake in Clayton, NC.
The first homes are nearing completion at Cattail in Clayton, about 14 miles southeast of Raleigh. Clayton is in the neighboring Johnston County, where property taxes are lower than Wake County, where Raleigh sits. Clayton residents can easily make the short trip to Raleigh using the major roadways that connect them to the state capital. And then they come home to a town and a community with a desirable quality of life.
Choosing Clayton as your hometown gives you the benefits of small town living. You’ll become part of a close knit community that takes pride in their town. And it’s a town that’s growing! Since 2010, the population has more than doubled in size, from 16,307 to 37,000. Homebuyers like the close proximity to Raleigh and the less urban lifestyle they experience in Clayton. It’s more affordable, maintains excellent recreation and schools, offers a vibrant downtown experience with new businesses moving in, and promotes a sense of community.
With Clayton’s growth comes the demand for more homes. A local developer purchased 575 acres of land that had been owned by one family for generations. One of the developers, Rob Bailey, is the grandson of the original landowner. He has created a vision for Cattail that honors the legacy.
With so much land and the 80-acre Cattail Lake, Rob and his business partner, Rich Van Tassel, could build a sprawling community of new waterfront homes for sale near Raleigh. But that’s not what they envisioned for the land. Rob and Rich want every family to have a big yard, so the lots start at a half-acre and go all the way to two acres. When completed, Cattail will comprise fewer than 300 homes.
A considerable portion of the acreage is also set aside for greenways, to be left untouched, so that residents can enjoy the natural beauty of their surroundings. You’ll also have the community amenities: resort-style pool overlooking the lake, pergola and cabanas, clubhouse, fire pits, community lawn, walking paths, boat launch, fishing place, and private docks.
The plans for Cattail in Clayton were announced in 2025, with the release of the first phase of 51 homesites. Already, many of the lots have been sold, and builders are also building homes on some lots, to be sold as quick move-in homes.
So, how can you build or buy a new home at Cattail Lake in Clayton, NC? Just follow these steps. Let’s start with the process for constructing a new home, from the ground up.
As a new community just getting underway, Cattail offers a great choice of locations for your new home. These waterfront homes for sale near Raleigh will be built on spacious lots, no matter which location you select here.
Cattail will comprise a variety of enclaves. In the first phase, The Peninsula at Cattail has 41 homesites right on the water’s edge, and 16 more across the road. Situated behind these premium lots, you’ll find two cul-de-sacs, generously sized from a half-acre and larger.
The Preserve at Cattail is the second enclave available in the first phase of the development. This section sits across Antioch Church Road, which separates it from The Peninsula at Cattail. You’ll have a short walk to the lake and a very private setting, particularly with the large yards included.
The Preserve at Cattail features five cul-de-sacs, and some of the largest homesites available in phase one, with lots of two acres and larger.
Plan to visit Cattail in Clayton, NC, and tour the available homesites so walk the site and see the view for yourself.
Rich and Rob, Cattail’s developers, selected four builders who will build exclusively in the community: Crosswind Custom Homes, Homes By Dickerson, New Home Inc., and Royalty Homes. Each builder was selected for its quality craftsmanship, distinctive home design, experience with custom home building, and superior personal service.
The builders offer their own floor plans, which include single-level and multi-story home designs, from 1,871 to nearly 5,000 square feet. You can also choose the option of having a custom plan created for your Cattail home.
Talk to your builder about the type of home you’re planning to build at Cattail. They can give you advice on how to best use the site’s features to situate the home. With the spacious homesites, you have no limitations for the size of your home.
Once you choose the floor plan, you’ll work on the details for the elevation, which is the architectural style of the exterior. Cattail’s builders are experts in customizing architecture. Whether you prefer English Cottage or French Country, Craftsman or Colonial, Coastal or Farmhouse—or just about any style—you can have the home you’ve been imagining.
The next step with customizing your floor plan is reviewing the options for the layout, like adding another bedroom or bathroom, changing the kitchen layout, extending the porch or patio, and converting the garage to side-loaded. Share your ideas and priorities with the builder.
Once you determine these features, your Cattail builder can give you an estimate of the cost to this point.
Most builders offer a set of standard features, included in the price of a home. These details cover items like the windows, door styles, flooring, cabinetry, countertops, hardware, lighting, mirrors, trims, plumbing fixtures, and appliances, including HVAC and water heater.
You have the opportunity to customize your selections. Maybe you want to change the kitchen lighting, upgrade the appliances or cabinets, or add a fireplace or built-ins. This is the time to make those decisions. The builder’s designer will guide you through the selections, one by one. You’ll browse the showroom and examine the samples. From big items like flooring and cabinetry to smaller details like drawer hardware, you’ll work through a long list of finishing details that complete the look of your new home.
With the lot, floor plan, and details selected, the next step in building your home is to sign the contract, also known as a purchase and sale agreement. The builder will present you with a lengthy document that details every aspect of the plan, including pricing and scheduling. You’ll carefully review the contract—probably giving it to your real estate attorney for review.
When everything looks good, you sign the contract and give the builder a deposit. This is not the same as a down payment; it’s quite a bit less, in fact. You’re simply backing up your promise to the builder with a small financial commitment. At closing, that money will be applied to your down payment. If you decide to cancel the contract, you’ll probably forfeit the deposit, depending on the reason you’ve changed your mind. Talk to your builder about the amount required.
With new construction on property owned by the builder, you don’t need a construction loan—another big benefit of choosing to build your home in a community, rather than on your own land. The price of the land is rolled into the cost of your home.
It’s important to note that any changes you make to your home after you’ve signed the contract can be costly. Because of the time it takes to obtain certain materials—like windows, appliances, countertops, and cabinets—the builder purchases them soon after the agreement is made. If they have already bought an item and you change your mind, you could be required to pay for the new material.
Similarly, once the home has been framed, decisions that alter the structure come with a cost. It might seem simple to you, but ask the builder what’s actually involved in making the change. It might be worth it to you to stick with your original plan.
With the contract signed and the deposit paid, the next step is to sit back and let the construction team get to work. The site has already been excavated, in preparation for building. If you had chosen to build on your own land, this step takes time and considerable budget. But at Cattail, everything is ready to start construction on your new home.
Before you close on your home, you’ll do a final walk-through with your sales agent and the project superintendent. This is a comprehensive tour that shows you every aspect of the home. You’ll learn about your HVAC system, be introduced to your circuit breaker, and discover what switches control which features (e.g., lights, garbage disposal, garage door opener). You’ll open and close every door and drawer, turn the faucets on and off, flush the toilets, and inspect the carpentry. You’ll look for any issues that need attention. Maybe there’s a scratch on a wall or floor, or a wobbly door knob. Check for creaks in the floor. Make sure the corners on the trim are aligned correctly.
As you walk through the home, the sales agent will make notes of any repairs to be made. The repairs will be completed according to this checklist, so make sure everything has been correctly noted. You’ll sign off on the checklist at the end of the walk-through.
Closing is the final step to becoming a Cattail homeowner. You’ll sign all the documents and pay the closing costs, like the down payment, appraisal fee, title search, property tax, and real estate attorney’s fee. Typically, you can estimate your total closing costs to be between 2% and 5% of the total purchase price. Your lender will give you an estimate.
At least three business days before your scheduled closing, you’ll receive a closing statement from your lender. This document, also known as a closing disclosure, presents all the details of your loan and the costs involved, including fees. The statement shows how much you will pay in fees and to whom. Have your real estate attorney review the closing statement to ensure the loan you believe you’re getting is actually what you’re signing!
When all the documents are signed on closing day, you receive the keys to your new home. Congratulations!
So, how long does it take to work through the home building process? There is no exact number. Weather can impact the early stages of construction, from pouring the foundation to framing. Changes to your original plan (after the contract is signed) could cause a delay as well.
In general, you can expect about six to eight months from the time you sign your contract to the final walk-through. Ask your builder for a timeline so that you’re both clear on expectations.
A quick move-in home (also known as “move-in ready”) is brand new construction that has been built “on spec”. The builder has chosen the lot, floor plan, and details, based on their knowledge of homebuyers’ preferences.
If you want to move quickly, then choosing a new home that is either complete or nearing completion is a great way to reap the benefits of brand new construction without the wait.
Some of the Cattail builders have anticipated the demand for quick move-in homes. There are several currently under construction in both The Peninsula and The Preserve. If you find a home that has not yet been completed, you might still be able to select some of the finishes. Browse the homes available and contact the builder to get information and schedule a visit.
Cattail is a one-of-a-kind community of waterfront homes for sale near Raleigh. The natural surroundings, large yards, amenities, and commitment to a quality Cattail lifestyle make this opportunity a standout for homebuyers. You’ll be close to all that Clayton and Raleigh have to offer! Contact a New Home Specialist to explore these new homes for sale in Clayton at Cattail Lake.