When it comes to new home construction in North America, two names stand out from the crowd – Mattamy Homes and Lennar.
As the largest privately owned and second largest public homebuilder in North America respectively, Mattamy and Lennar have each made a significant impact in the new home market across the United States and Canada.
Deciding between these two homebuilding giants can be a difficult choice for prospective homebuyers. Both companies have strengths and weaknesses that differentiate them from one another.
To help make this decision easier, we’ve put together a comprehensive comparison of Mattamy Homes and Lennar across several key factors.
At A Glance Comparison Table
Before diving into the details, here is a high-level overview of how Mattamy and Lennar stack up:
| Category | Mattamy Homes | Lennar |
| Headquarters | Toronto, ON | Miami, FL |
| Year Founded | 1978 | 1954 |
| New Homes Built Annually | Approx. 8,500 | Approx. 50,000 |
| Primary Markets | Canada, Southeastern US | Nationwide across US |
| Average Home Prices | $700k – $1M+ | $300k – $700k |
| Home Types | Mostly detached single-family | Range of attached & detached |
| Key Differentiators | Quality craftsmanship, customization | Affordability, green building |
Now let’s explore each of these comparison points more thoroughly.
Home Types and Size Options Comparison
When it comes to home styles, Mattamy and Lennar take different approaches based on their target markets.
Mattamy has historically focused on building detached single-family homes in master-planned communities.
Two-story designs make up the bulk of their portfolio.
More recently, Mattamy has expanded into townhomes and duplexes.
However, condos and apartments are not part of their core offering.
Home sizes run from approximately 1,800 to 5,000+ square feet. Mattamy’s sweet spot is homes in the 2,500 to 4,000 square foot range. Ceiling heights up to 12 feet and options for finished basements help maximize living space.
Meanwhile, Lennar offers a wider spectrum of home types to serve diverse markets. Their bread and butter is detached single-family, but Lennar also builds large numbers of attached townhomes and duplexes. In urban markets, mid and high rise condos are part of their mix as well.
Lennar home sizes start as small as 1,500 square feet for more affordable product. Move-up category homes range from 2,200 to 3,500 square feet on average. Luxury designs scale up to 5,000+ square feet.
With various levels to serve first-time buyers and empty nesters alike, Lennar casts a wider net across demographics.
Customization and Personalization
One area where Mattamy stands out is customization. They promote a “your home, your way” approach that allows buyers to personalize their new home.
During the design process, Mattamy customers get to meet with a professional design consultant. The consultant assists the buyer in selecting finishes like cabinets, countertops, flooring, lighting, and more. Structural customizations like bonus rooms and expanded garages are also possible.
Mattamy’s online Design Studio features a range of design ideas and visualizers to bring choices to life. This technology makes the customization process interactive and user-friendly.
In contrast, Lennar focuses more on value-engineered standard designs with predetermined options packages. Buyers can pick from good/better/best finish packages but stay within the confines of Lennar’s floorplans. Structural changes are not part of their process.
While Lennar homes may lack the true custom feel, the trade-off is greater affordability through construction efficiencies. So customization vs. cost savings is an important distinction between these builders.
Quality and Craftsmanship Comparison of Mattamy Homes and Lennar
When evaluating home construction quality, Mattamy and Lennar take different approaches.
Mattamy places tremendous emphasis on building excellence and attention to detail.
Their construction process includes over 200 quality checks and inspections throughout the build.
During framing, Mattamy utilizes advanced techniques like screwed floor decking and silicone-sealed walls.
These practices reduce squeaks and air infiltration. Tile and masonry work is meticulously laid and finished. Cabinets and millwork reflect careful carpentry with furniture-quality finishes.
The result is a truly upscale homeownership experience that Mattamy stands behind with their comprehensive warranty. Just one example of Mattamy’s craftsmanship advantage.
Lennar follows a more production-oriented approach focused on efficiency. While their homes are built to code standards, fit and finish details may not match Mattamy’s artisan-like precision. Lennar also tends to use more cost-effective finishes and building materials. This helps keep their homes affordable but slightly impacts overall quality.
So buyers can expect a more bespoke homebuying experience with Mattamy. But Lennar provides solid construction with a better value perspective.
Green Building and Sustainability
For homebuyers concerned about environmental impact and energy efficiency, Lennar has made big strides with their green building program.
Lennar was named the #1 Green Homebuilder by Calvert Research and Management in 2021.
All Lennar homes are built according to their Next Gen® Home principles focused on energy and water savings, improved indoor air quality, and reduced environmental impact.
Features like EPA WaterSense faucets and showers, Energy Star appliances, double pane windows, and 14 SEER AC systems help reduce resource consumption. Smart home technology allows homeowners to monitor energy and water usage. Plus, solar leasing options are available in many communities.
Mattamy does not promote green building to the same extent as a core part of their brand. That said, they do incorporate certain energy efficient features into their homes such as foam insulation, high performance windows and spray foam sealing. Mattamy will also accommodate solar power installations if the homeowner requests it.
So Lennar goes the extra mile to bake sustainability into all their homes. Mattamy offers energy features but leaves the green focus more up to the individual buyer.
Location and Land Acquisition
Mattamy and Lennar each leverage strategic land acquisition as a driver of their growth. But the scope of their land dealings differ significantly.
As the largest privately-owned builder, Mattamy takes a more concentrated geographic approach. They focus on securing and developing master-planned communities in key metro areas mostly across Canada and the southeastern US.
Large swaths of land are carefully chosen based on projected growth patterns and demographics. Mattamy then builds out the entire community in phases over 5-10+ years.
Meanwhile, Lennar casts a far wider net geographically since they build nationwide. Land deals occur in a more scattered plot-by-plot fashion across Lennar’s broad footprint. Holdings tend to be smaller scale infill sites versus multi-phase master-planned projects.
Both models have advantages. Mattamy’s concentrated communities create critical mass and establish the Mattamy brand locally. Lennar’s flexibility allows adjusting to shifting market conditions across regions.
Awards and Recognition
Being top homebuilders, both Mattamy and Lennar have accumulated extensive industry awards and press over the years. A few highlights:
Mattamy Homes Awards
- Avid Gold Awards for Community of the Year, Best Marketing Program, and more (2021-2022)
- Canada’s Best Managed Companies Platinum Club Member (2019-2022)
- JD Power Customer Satisfaction Awards (2018-2022)
- BILD Awards for Home Builder of the Year (Ontario)
Lennar Awards
- JD Power #1 Customer Satisfaction in Florida, Texas, Carolina, Tennessee, Arizona, etc. (2018-2022)
- Forbes America’s Best Builder (2021)
- Fortune Magazine World’s Most Admired Homebuilding Company (2006-2022)
- Builder Magazine America’s Builder of the Year (2021)
While both builders have racked up numerous accolades, Mattamy’s honors reflect their leadership specifically in home construction quality. Lennar’s recognitions highlight their stellar customer experience and reputation as an admirable business overall.
Pricing and Homebuyer Affordability
When it comes to home pricing and affordability, significant differences exist between Mattamy and Lennar.
Mattamy focuses on building homes mostly in the upper-end of the market. The majority of their product offering lands in the $700k – $1M+ price range. Mattamy communities attract primarily move-up and luxury buyers.
Lennar takes a high-low approach. While they do sell homes up to $700k+, Lennar’s pricing sweet spot targets entry-level and mid-market. The average Lennar home sells from the high $200k’s to $500k range overall. This makes their homes accessible to first-time buyers in addition to mid-market move-up.
Beyond base pricing, Lennar also offers mortgage and title services through their affiliated companies. These one-stop programs and benefits can enhance affordability and convenience. Mattamy does not have the same integrated financial services.
So Lennar extends homeownership to a somewhat wider demographic through lower average pricing. But Mattamy delivers truly premium home designs in suburban communities with higher barriers to entry.
Warranties and Customer Service
Mattamy and Lennar both provide homeowners warranties along with customer service teams. However, Mattamy sets themselves apart with their comprehensive warranty designed to offer peace of mind.
The Mattamy Home Warranty covers defects in workmanship and materials for seven years. Major systems like the roof, windows, and HVAC are covered for 10 years. And structural components have a lifetime defect warranty.
To deliver excellent service, Mattamy Home Advocates are available to quickly respond to warranty requests and concerns. Homeowners can easily contact their Advocate well after closing. Mattamy also conducts 30, 60, and 90 day check-ins post-closing to ensure satisfaction.
Lennar provides a more standard one year workmanship and two year systems warranty. Their customer service team handles requests only during the warranty term, not for extended after-closing care. While service is primarily by appointment, Lennar does have an emergency line for more urgent issues.
Mattamy’s exceptionally long and comprehensive warranty coverage is a key differentiator. Their Home Advocates strive to provide white glove service before, during, and even long after move-in.
Resale Value and Return on Investment
Do Mattamy or Lennar homes make a better investment in the long run?
Resale value and return depend on several factors.
Due to their higher original sales prices and premium quality, Mattamy homes may appreciate more in dollars and percentages.
Mattamy communities also tend to be well-located in strong school districts, maintaining demand. Limited local competition among other luxury builders helps sustain prices.
That said, Lennar homes provide an attractive return for the segments they target. Their focus on affordability ensures demand from first-time buyers even in downturns. Strategic land purchases in high growth areas supports appreciation too.
Overall, both Mattamy and Lennar homes should maintain value and generate profitable returns when sold. But Mattamy may beat Lennar slightly when it comes to maximizing dollars earned. The trade-off is Lennar’s lower buy-in cost makes their homes accessible to more consumers initially.
Which Is Best For You?
In summary, Mattamy and Lennar take notably different approaches to developing communities and building homes:
- Mattamy favors master-planned communities in key metro areas mostly across Canada and the SE United States. Lennar builds nationwide across a wider geography.
- Mattamy focuses on detached homes with ample customization. Lennar offers diverse housing types with more standardized options.
- Mattamy prioritizes luxury quality with premium finishes. Lennar provides good value paired with efficiency.
- Lennar emphasizes green building for sustainability. Mattamy incorporates eco-features upon request.
- Mattamy pricing caters to upper-end move-up and luxury buyers. Lennar targets entry-level and mid-market segments.
Determining whether Mattamy or Lennar is a better fit depends on your location, lifestyle, budget, and priorities as a homebuyer. Consider your options in light of these key differentiators. With a better understanding of these two admired homebuilders, you can decide with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Mattamy Homes and Lennar:
Mattamy Homes is the largest privately owned homebuilder in North America. Founded in 1978, Mattamy builds approximately 8,500 homes per year across Canada and the southeastern United States.
The slogan of Mattamy Homes is “It’s about coming home to quality.” This tagline emphasizes their focus on luxury quality and craftsmanship.
Mattamy Homes is privately owned by Mattamy Asset Management, the personal holding company of Canadian businessman Peter Gilgan who founded Mattamy in 1978.
Wrapping Up
In the world of home construction, Mattamy and Lennar represent two leading yet distinctly different options for new home buyers across North America. With Mattamy’s artisanal approach focused on quality craftsmanship and customization, homebuyers can expect a premium experience from start to finish.
For those seeking great value along with sustainability, Lennar provides solidly built homes incorporating the latest in green technology and efficiency.
By understanding these core contrasts between Mattamy and Lennar, prospective buyers can zero in on the builder that best fits their priorities. Whether it’s luxury living or affordable quality, Mattamy and Lennar have each made their mark on the new home landscape with an array of impressive communities tailored to diverse homeowner needs.
Just remember to carefully weigh the key factors covered here as you evaluate which builder’s vision most closely matches your new home wish list.