The starting price on a new Sea Haven home is $1,207,990. The starting price on a Villosa home is $1,376,990. Those numbers are technically accurate. They are also technically misleading, because they represent the base price on the smallest floorplan with no upgrades, no lot premium, no landscaping, no window coverings, and no closing costs.

What a new Marina home actually costs, the number you write on the check, typically runs 15 to 30% higher than the base advertised price. This is the honest 2026 breakdown of what Sea Haven, The Dunes on Monterey Bay, and Marina new construction actually cost, from the starting number to move-in day to the 10-year total cost of ownership.

The Actual Pricing at Sea Haven in 2026

Layia at Sea Haven

• Starting price: $1,207,990
• Price range: $1.2M to $1.3M base
• Home sizes: 1,849 to 2,725 square feet
• Bedrooms: 3 to 5
• Bathrooms: 2 to 3.5
• Floor plans: 5

Villosa at Sea Haven

• Starting price: $1,376,990
• Price range: $1.4M to $1.6M base
• Home sizes: 2,380 to 3,411 square feet
• Bedrooms: 3 to 7
• Bathrooms: 2.5 to 4
• Floor plans: 5
• Elevations: 4

The Dunes on Monterey Bay

• Median listing price: ~$1.19M
• Bay House (duet homes): 2,044 to 2,387 sqft, 3 to 5 bedrooms
• Rooftops: Townhomes, flats, and live-work retail units
• Amenities: Target, Best Buy, REI, Kohl's, Century Theatres, growing restaurant lineup

For context on how these new construction prices compare to the broader Marina market and how Marina fits into the Peninsula pricing landscape, see our complete guide to Marina real estate.

The Add-Ons: What Turns $1.2M Into $1.5M

The base price is the starting point. Here is what buyers typically add on top:

1. Lot Premium

Every new construction lot is priced individually. Interior lots at the base price. Premium lots, corner lots, larger lots, lots backing to open space, lots with view corridors, carry premiums.

• Interior lots: Base price
• Corner lots: +$15,000 to $40,000
• Larger lots: +$25,000 to $75,000
• Premium view lots: +$50,000 to $150,000+
• Cul-de-sac or premium orientation: +$10,000 to $50,000

At Sea Haven, the best lots typically go first during a phased release. Buyers who wait for the neighborhood to be fully priced often end up with the interior lots because premium lots sold months earlier.

2. Upgrades and Options

Base price at Sea Haven includes standard flooring, cabinets, countertops, appliances, and fixtures. Upgrades to what most buyers actually want are meaningful:

• Flooring upgrades (hardwood, LVP, tile throughout): $8,000 to $25,000
• Kitchen countertops (quartz upgrade): $5,000 to $15,000
• Cabinets (soft-close, upgraded finishes): $5,000 to $15,000
• Appliance package upgrade (KitchenAid to Wolf/Sub-Zero): $8,000 to $40,000
• Primary bath upgrades (freestanding tub, tile shower): $5,000 to $15,000
• Fireplace, built-ins, ceiling upgrades: $3,000 to $12,000 per item
• Structural options (additional bedroom, loft conversion, California room): $15,000 to $60,000
• Solar package: Often required by California code, sometimes included, sometimes $12,000 to $25,000

A typical Sea Haven buyer spends $50,000 to $100,000 on upgrades. High-end buyers routinely spend $150,000 to $250,000+. The math: a $1.4M base price with $100K in upgrades is a $1.5M home before closing costs.

3. Landscaping

Front yard landscaping is typically included at Sea Haven. Backyard landscaping is not. Buyers move in to a graded, empty backyard and have to landscape it themselves.

• Basic backyard landscaping (sod, minimal hardscape): $10,000 to $25,000
• Standard backyard (patio, plantings, irrigation, some hardscape): $25,000 to $60,000
• Premium backyard (outdoor kitchen, fire feature, extensive hardscape): $60,000 to $200,000+

4. Window Coverings, Media, Storage

New homes come with bare windows and no closet organization. Buyers typically spend:

• Window coverings (blinds, shades): $3,000 to $10,000
• Closet organization (walk-ins, custom systems): $3,000 to $15,000
• Garage storage: $2,000 to $8,000
• Media / audio-video prewire: $2,000 to $15,000

5. Closing Costs

Buyer closing costs on a $1.4M new construction purchase typically run $18,000 to $35,000, including:

• Loan origination fees
• Title insurance
• Escrow fees
• Property tax and insurance impounds
• Inspection fees (yes, new construction should still be inspected)

Ongoing Costs: HOA, Property Tax, Mello-Roos, Insurance

The purchase price is not the ongoing cost. New construction in Marina carries several recurring costs that buyers should model before writing an offer.

HOA fees

• Sea Haven HOA: $150 per month ($1,800/year)
• The Dunes HOAs: Vary by specific neighborhood, typically $100 to $250/month

HOA fees at Sea Haven fund maintenance of the 10 planned parks, walking trails, The Cove Clubhouse, and neighborhood common areas.

Property tax

California Proposition 13 caps the base property tax rate at 1% of assessed value, plus local voter-approved assessments (typically bringing effective rates to 1.1% to 1.25%).

On a $1.4M Sea Haven home:

• Annual base property tax: approximately $15,400 to $17,500
• Monthly equivalent: $1,283 to $1,458

Mello-Roos taxes

This is the line item most Sea Haven and Dunes buyers underestimate. Mello-Roos is a special tax district created to fund public infrastructure in new developments (roads, schools, parks, sewer, water). Homeowners in Mello-Roos districts pay an additional annual assessment on top of their standard property tax.

• Typical Mello-Roos rate: 0.3% to 1.0%+ of assessed value annually
• On a $1.4M home: approximately $4,200 to $14,000+ per year additional
• Duration: Typically 30 to 40 years, until infrastructure bonds are paid off

Buyers must verify the specific Mello-Roos assessment on any Sea Haven or Dunes lot before writing an offer. This is disclosed in the developer's Public Report, but many buyers miss it in the excitement of touring model homes. On a $1.4M home with a 0.6% Mello-Roos rate, total annual property-related taxes can hit $22,000 to $25,000, meaningfully higher than a comparable resale home in Marina without Mello-Roos.

Homeowner's insurance

New construction typically insures cleanly with standard carriers. Marina is not in a high wildfire risk zone. Expect $1,200 to $2,500 per year for standard homeowner's insurance on a $1.4M home.

Earthquake insurance is optional and adds meaningfully to annual premiums ($800 to $2,000+ per year).

Solar and utilities

California requires solar on new construction as of 2020. Sea Haven homes include solar packages, either through purchase (bundled into home price) or lease/PPA. Buyers should confirm which structure applies and understand the ongoing implications:

• Owned solar: Higher upfront cost, lower ongoing utility bill, adds to home value
• Leased solar: Lower upfront cost, monthly lease payment, complicates future resale

The Total Delivered Cost: A Real Example

Here is what a typical Villosa buyer in Marina spends to actually move into their new construction home in 2026:

That is a 14% add on top of the base price. Buyers who spend more on upgrades routinely see delivered costs of $1,650,000 to $1,800,000 on a home advertised at $1.4M.

Monthly ongoing costs

Annual cost of ownership: approximately $140,000. Over 10 years (before principal paydown and appreciation): approximately $1.4M in cumulative outflow.

New Construction vs. Marina Resale: The Honest Comparison

Buyers targeting Marina generally have two paths: new construction at Sea Haven or The Dunes, or resale in the established Marina neighborhoods.

New construction advantages

• Brand-new systems, no deferred maintenance
• Warranty coverage (typically 1 year comprehensive, 2 years systems, 10 years structural)
• Modern floorplans and finishes
• Community amenities (Sea Haven parks, The Cove Clubhouse)
• Energy efficiency (Title 24 compliant, solar included)
• Move-in condition, no immediate renovation costs

New construction tradeoffs

• Higher base pricing than resale ($1.2M+ vs. ~$700K to $850K for resale)
• Mello-Roos adds meaningful ongoing cost
• Landscaping and finish costs come out of buyer's pocket
• Active construction traffic during buildout phase
• Less established neighborhood character (still developing)
• Less negotiation room than resale market

Resale advantages

• Lower entry point ($700K to $850K for 1960s-1980s homes)
• No Mello-Roos on most established Marina homes
• Established neighborhoods with mature landscaping
• Real negotiation room (14-day median days on market, but well-priced homes sell fast)

Resale tradeoffs

• Older systems requiring updates (electrical, roof, windows)
• Deferred maintenance to address
• Renovation cost on top of purchase price
• No warranty coverage

Neither path is universally better. Buyers with high renovation tolerance and lower budgets often win on resale. Buyers who want move-in condition, modern amenities, and are willing to pay the premium (both upfront and ongoing) often prefer new construction.

The Sea Haven BMR Path

The City of Marina runs a Below Market Rate (BMR) program that allows qualified income-restricted buyers access to new-construction townhomes at reduced pricing. This is one of the few genuine paths to new coastal California construction under $700K.

• Buyers must qualify through the city's BMR program
• Income limits apply (varies by household size)
• Deed restrictions apply (limits on future sale and appreciation)
• Application process runs through the City of Marina and Sea Haven's lender partner

Full details and application information available through the City of Marina Below Market Rate program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the actual starting price for Sea Haven homes in Marina?

Layia at Sea Haven starts at $1,207,990 (1,849 to 2,725 sqft, 3-5 bedrooms). Villosa at Sea Haven starts at $1,376,990 (2,380 to 3,411 sqft, 3-7 bedrooms). These are base prices before lot premiums, upgrades, landscaping, window coverings, and closing costs.

What does new construction in Marina actually cost after all add-ons?

Typical delivered cost runs 15 to 30% above base price. A Villosa buyer at $1.4M base typically spends $1,550,000 to $1,650,000 total to move in with reasonable upgrades and landscaping. High-end buyers can reach $1,800,000 to $2,000,000+.

What are Mello-Roos taxes at Sea Haven and The Dunes?

Mello-Roos are special taxes funding public infrastructure in new developments. Typical rates run 0.3% to 1.0%+ of assessed value annually, adding $4,200 to $14,000+ per year on a $1.4M home. Verify the specific Mello-Roos assessment on any lot before writing an offer.

What are the HOA fees at Sea Haven?

Sea Haven HOA fees are $150 per month ($1,800 per year), funding maintenance of the 10 planned parks, walking trails, and The Cove Clubhouse.

Should I still get inspections on new construction?

Yes. Third-party pre-drywall inspections and final walk-through inspections catch defects that developer walk-throughs miss. Expect $600 to $1,500 total for comprehensive new construction inspections.

Is new construction in Marina a good investment?

Depends on hold period and specific lot. Marina real estate has appreciated 12.9% year-over-year (Redfin, 2026) with the lowest coastal Peninsula pricing. New construction typically holds value well over 5+ year holds but faces initial "new home premium" depreciation similar to a new car. Long-term hold buyers typically do better than short-term flippers.

What is the Sea Haven BMR program?

The City of Marina's Below Market Rate program provides qualified income-restricted buyers access to new-construction townhomes at reduced pricing. Deed restrictions limit future sale price and appreciation. Application through the City of Marina.

How is The Dunes on Monterey Bay different from Sea Haven?

Sea Haven is primarily residential (Layia and Villosa single-family homes plus The Cove Clubhouse). The Dunes is mixed-use with residential (Rooftops townhomes, Bay House duet homes) and major commercial (Target, Best Buy, REI, Kohl's, Century Theatres). Buyers who prioritize walkable retail choose The Dunes. Buyers who prioritize community amenities and parks choose Sea Haven.

The Bottom Line

New construction in Marina delivers what most Monterey Peninsula buyers cannot find elsewhere: modern floorplans, brand-new systems, energy efficiency, community amenities, and move-in condition on the coast. The trade is real: base prices start at $1.2M and typical delivered costs run 15 to 30% higher after lot premiums, upgrades, landscaping, and closing costs. Ongoing costs include Mello-Roos, HOA, property tax, and insurance that combine to $2,600 to $3,000+ per month on top of the mortgage.

Buyers who go in with clear budgets, understand the true delivered cost, and factor Mello-Roos into their long-term ownership model consistently have positive Sea Haven experiences. Buyers who assume the base price is the final price consistently end up over budget and frustrated.

The right agent for a Sea Haven or Dunes purchase walks you through the full delivered cost analysis, verifies Mello-Roos on your specific lot, negotiates on lot selection and upgrade credits (developers often have room to move on both), and helps you compare new construction against resale alternatives objectively.

Related Reading

• Coastal Monterey Peninsula for Less Than $1M: Why Buyers Are Choosing Marina
• Monterey Real Estate Fall 2026 Market Report
• A First-Time Buyer's Playbook for South Salinas
• Marina Real Estate & Community Guide

References

1. Trumark Homes, Sea Haven. https://trumarkhomes.com/new-homes/ca/marina/sea-haven/
2. Trumark Homes, Villosa at Sea Haven. https://trumarkhomes.com/new-homes/ca/marina/villosa-at-sea-haven/
3. Homes.com, Sea Haven Villosa Community. https://www.homes.com/new-homes/community/sea-haven-villosa/88d73mswrd5x5/
4. Homes.com, Sea Haven Layia Community. https://www.homes.com/new-homes/community/sea-haven-layia/9e8kvrfecbpzk/
5. Redfin, Marina CA Housing Market. https://www.redfin.com/city/11675/CA/Marina/housing-market
6. California Board of Equalization, Mello-Roos Community Facilities Districts. https://www.boe.ca.gov
7. City of Marina Below Market Rate program. https://www.cityofmarina.org