Thinking about building your dream home in Silverleaf but not sure what lots are truly left or how to get started? You’re not alone. Custom homes in this coveted gated community attract serious interest, and the path from picking a lot to breaking ground can feel complex. In this guide, you’ll get a clear view of what “remaining lots” really means, the tradeoffs to expect, the reviews and permits involved, and practical next steps to move forward with confidence. Let’s dive in.
First, a quick geography check
Silverleaf sits in the McDowell Mountain foothills of North Scottsdale within Maricopa County. It’s known for privacy, dramatic views, luxury amenities, and a private club environment inside a gated master plan. If you’re comparing neighborhoods across Scottsdale, keep in mind that Silverleaf is generally described as North or central Scottsdale, not South Scottsdale.
What “remaining lots” really means
When people ask what’s left in Silverleaf, they usually mean one of three things. Each option has different search strategies and timeline implications.
Developer releases
These are lots the developer still controls and releases in phases. Availability can shift based on the community’s phasing and strategy. Confirm current release status and future plans before relying on assumed timing.
- How to verify: developer or sales office announcements, current master plan and plat maps, and the community association’s lot inventories.
- Why it matters: phasing controls inventory, pricing power, and whether you should plan for a longer search window or pivot to a resale or infill opportunity.
Resale vacant lots
These are privately owned parcels being sold as land. They may be listed publicly or offered off market by owners or builders.
- How to verify: active listings, HOA maps, and parcel records to confirm ownership and any recorded easements.
- Why it matters: resale lots can appear sporadically and may come with unique conditions like prior grading, geotechnical notes, or special assessments.
Infill or tear-down opportunities
When supply is tight, many buyers acquire an existing home with the intent to rebuild. This widens your options without waiting on new lot releases.
- How to verify: target properties that align with your desired street, views, and building envelope. Confirm CC&Rs, setbacks, and ARC requirements early.
- Why it matters: infill can unlock top tier locations, but you must model demolition, site prep, and review timelines carefully.
Lot types you’ll encounter
Different lot categories come with distinct costs, sitework risks, and lifestyle benefits. Here’s what you’re likely to see in Silverleaf.
Estate lots
These are the largest parcels and often command the highest premiums. They can support expansive floor plans, resort-style outdoor living, and curated privacy.
- Benefits: flexibility of design, long-term value, and room for amenities.
- Considerations: larger envelope may involve more extensive grading, landscape requirements, and higher hard costs.
Hillside and view lots
Hillside parcels often deliver the most dramatic sightlines. They also carry the most complex sitework and coordination.
- Benefits: commanding views and premium resale appeal.
- Considerations: slope, rock, and drainage drive cost. Expect stepped footings, retaining walls, and careful cut-fill balancing. Plan for longer utility runs and specialized engineering.
Golf and amenity adjacency
Proximity to the club or fairways enhances lifestyle and can justify a premium.
- Benefits: walkability to amenities and enduring demand.
- Considerations: ARC and landscape standards may be more prescriptive near the amenity core. Confirm view corridors and any restrictions on fencing or lighting.
Infill pads near amenities
Smaller parcels close to community hubs can reduce sitework and shorten the build path.
- Benefits: efficient footprint and potentially faster schedules.
- Considerations: verify building envelopes, neighbor setbacks, and any prior grading approvals.
How scarcity shapes your strategy
Scarcity is a defining feature in Silverleaf. Limited future land releases inside gated phases tend to keep premiums elevated and competition high.
- Direct effects: higher lot prices, bidding pressure, and more time to find a fit.
- Indirect effects: pushes buyers toward infill or to consider new product types if the community introduces them.
- Action step: study past release cadence, current pipeline, and whether any remaining raw land might enter the supply. Be prepared to act decisively when the right parcel appears.
Topography and site conditions to scope early
The hillside setting is part of Silverleaf’s appeal, but it also increases technical complexity. Getting the right studies early helps you budget and protect your schedule.
Slope, rock, and soils
Slope and subgrade conditions influence excavation, foundation design, and retaining needs.
- What to expect: potential rock excavation, stepped or piered foundations, and enhanced drainage design.
- Budgeting tip: add contingency for unexpected rock and soils remediation.
Utilities and access
Some lots require longer utility runs or specialized solutions. While rare, confirm whether any lift stations or offsite improvements could apply.
- What to confirm: service availability, connection points, and who pays for any infrastructure extensions.
Early studies you need now
Starting with the right technical package sets a realistic budget and timeline.
- Topographic survey and recent improvements survey
- Preliminary geotechnical report with borings
- Conceptual site grading plan
- Utility location and availability summary
The review path in Silverleaf
Plan for both community and municipal oversight. Sequencing matters, and early engagement helps.
Architectural Review Committee
Silverleaf’s ARC places a high priority on cohesive design and site-sensitive building.
- Expect detailed submittals, including elevations, materials boards, landscape, and grading plans.
- Multiple review cycles are common. Timelines depend on submittal quality and required revisions.
City of Scottsdale permitting
Municipal reviews typically include grading, building, and civil permits. Projects that touch common areas or change infrastructure may require additional approvals.
- Plan review durations vary by workload and scope.
- If variances or conditional approvals are needed, add time to your plan.
Potential additional reviews
Depending on location and scope, expect to confirm flood control, protected plant requirements, and in some cases archaeological steps.
Sequence and timing
ARC approval often precedes full municipal submittals. The overall path usually includes design development, ARC cycles, municipal reviews, and then construction. Each phase can take weeks to months depending on complexity and completeness.
Construction logistics inside a gated community
Working behind the gate adds coordination. The right builder can save cycles and avoid rework.
- Staging and access: limited laydown space and controlled haul routes.
- Work hours: community restrictions can compress daily production.
- Team experience: choose builders familiar with hillside construction and Silverleaf’s ARC. This improves plan quality and speeds approvals.
- Contingencies: hold budget and time reserves for rock excavation, design refinements, and unforeseen site conditions.
Due diligence checklist for buyers and builders
Use this list to frame your early conversations and document requests. It helps you compare lots apples to apples.
Title and ownership
- Current deed and vesting
- Recorded easements and rights-of-way
- HOA special assessments or pending litigation noted in title or meeting minutes
Physical and technical site items
- Recorded plat, lot dimensions, building envelope, and setback lines
- Topographic and recent improvements surveys
- Preliminary geotechnical report or requirement to obtain one
- Conceptual grading plan and any prior grading approvals
- Utility location and availability for water, sewer, power, gas, and telecom
- FEMA flood zone and any Maricopa County flood control conditions
Governing documents and approvals
- CC&Rs, HOA bylaws, and ARC design guidelines with fee schedules
- Any special community standards for lighting, walls, or exterior finishes
- Developer restrictions if developer control remains in place
Financial and timing inputs
- Impact and permit fee estimates, plus any infrastructure assessments
- ARC review turnaround expectations and municipal permit timelines
- Typical build durations for similar lot types from local builders
Builder and consultant vetting
- Confirm hillside and Silverleaf-specific experience for your builder and engineers
- Verify familiarity with ARC and municipal reviewers
Questions to ask immediately
- Are additional phases planned, and what is the rough timing?
- Has the lot required blasting or special rock mitigation in the past?
- Are offsite improvement assessments anticipated?
- Does the ARC offer pre-application meetings, and what are current turn times?
- What construction restrictions apply inside the gate?
What’s next in Silverleaf
Occasionally, communities introduce new product types that complement traditional custom lots. In Silverleaf, that can include smaller-footprint luxury product such as courtyard villas or flats if allowed by the CC&Rs and zoning. Always confirm with the developer or community association before assuming any changes to product mix or density.
If future phases are planned, ask whether they require additional entitlements and how that could affect timing. Developer strategy matters too. A build-to-sell or build-to-hold approach can influence how and when lots or new product hit the market.
Smart timeline planning
Every site is unique, but most buyers follow a similar high-level path. Setting expectations early helps you make strong decisions.
- Due diligence and concept design: gather surveys, geotech, and early grading concepts, then test fit your program.
- ARC engagement: schedule a pre-application if available, refine design, and plan for multiple cycles.
- Municipal permits: coordinate grading, building, and civil submittals with your ARC milestones.
- Construction: hillside builds often take longer than flat sites. Build in flexibility for rock, retaining, and weather windows.
How Key Select Real Estate supports your build
You deserve a team that treats this as a life event, not a one-off transaction. With boutique, senior-led service, Key Select Real Estate helps you move from curiosity to construction with clarity and confidence.
- Strategy and search: we align your wish list with on-market, off-market, and infill opportunities within Silverleaf.
- Due diligence coordination: we help you request and review plats, CC&Rs, ARC guidelines, surveys, and early technical studies.
- Vendor and builder introductions: we connect you with local luxury builders, civil and geotechnical engineers experienced in Scottsdale hillside work.
- Timeline and risk management: we plan for ARC cycles, municipal reviews, and sitework contingencies so you can budget time and cost realistically.
- Absentee owner support: if you are out of state, we coordinate vendors and communications to simplify decision making.
Ready to evaluate what’s left and what’s next in Silverleaf with a trusted local partner? Let’s talk and map your best path to a custom home that lives exactly how you want.
FAQs
How many buildable lots are left in Silverleaf right now?
- The exact count changes often. Verify with the developer or community association, cross-check active listings, and review Maricopa County parcel records before you decide.
Are view lots worth the extra cost in Silverleaf?
- They can be, especially with strong orientation and unobstructed sightlines. Just budget for higher site development costs related to slope, retaining, and utilities.
Can you build condos or luxury flats inside Silverleaf?
- Only if allowed by the CC&Rs and zoning, and typically through developer-led phases. Confirm current rules with the developer or HOA before pursuing attached product.
How long until you can start construction on a custom home?
- Plan for design development, ARC cycles, and municipal permitting to add meaningful time. Builders familiar with Silverleaf can streamline reviews and reduce rework.
What surprises should buyers budget for on hillside lots?
- Unexpected rock excavation, enhanced drainage or retaining needs, offsite improvement assessments, and additional ARC revisions. Always carry time and cost contingencies.
How do you confirm utilities and review requirements for a specific lot?
- Request utility availability, the recorded plat with building envelope, ARC guidelines, and a preliminary geotechnical report. A topographic survey and conceptual grading plan are key early documents.
