The only reason that spec sub-divisions like that are profitable is all the permitting and other bureaucratic work is too burdensome for individuals. It require

The only reason that spec sub-divisions like that are profitable is all the permitting and other bureaucratic work is too burdensome for individuals. It requires economy of scale to get over that hump. Of course, there is some economy of scale with building multiple homes, buying bulk, etc. (and most of all, cutting corners that an individual home owner would never cut if they were building for themselves) but overall, it's the bureaucracy that makes it difficult for your average person.