Major homebuilders scooping up area lots

LAFAYETTE — A pending boom in new single-family housing looks set to occur next year, led in part by some of the largest homebuilders in the nation.

Meritage Homes of Colorado and Ryland Homes recently have purchased dozens of lots for new developments or to dramatically expand an existing community.

Ryland Homes in November closed on a $1.1 million deal to acquire 38 lots in the Coal Creek subdivision in Lafayette. It will be the first of several large purchases in the city that Ryland makes during the next year or so, Denver division president Dan Nickless said.

The lots are the next…