Move-up buyers are once again providing muscle to the new home market in Manteca.

But unlike before the housing bubble burst in 2006, buyers aren’t simply settling for bigger is better.

Buyers at the area’s two hottest new home developments that aren’t age-restricted like Del Webb at Woodbridge, are fueling three trends that have emerged since the overheated housing market came crashing back down to earth.

New residents at Oakwood Shores southwest of Manteca as well as the Summit Collection at Union Ranch in North Manteca have made it clear that they are embracing:

•buying and creating a lifestyle and not simply a home  as a stepping stone.

•Flex floor plans that allow them to semi-customize the shapes of various rooms plus decide exactly what room configurations they desire.

•multi-generational living.

Atherton Homes’ Summit Collection in north Manteca east of Del Webb at Woodbridge is typical of the new trends.

Of the 61 lots in the neighborhood’s second unit, all but one home have been sold. Of those, 16 — more than one out of every four —  include casitas or multigenerational living space floor plans.

It was an option that was non-existent in Manteca prior to 2006.

The casitas have separate entrances from an outdoor courtyard as well as a separate access to the main living areas with a door, much like the concept of adjoining rooms in a hotel. The casitas themselves have a bedroom that rival many tract homes’ master suites, a bathroom, walk-in closet and a living area complete with fireplace, sink and refrigerator.

The design allows privacy and the ability for the extended family to mingle.

Atherton Homes Sales Manager Kathy Hammons noted those buying floor plans with casitas do so with the idea of their parents living in them. Sometimes they assist with the down payment while in some cases parents and adult children obtain a mortgage together. As such it reduces housing costs and increases affordability.

The Summit Collection features five single-story floor plans and a pair of two-story homes ranging in base price from $299,990 to $411,990.

They are offering broker co-op fees of 3 percent plus a $10,000 builder incentive and a $10,000 lender incentive with Academy Mortgage.

There is also a $2,500 Refer a Friend offer.

The largest floor plan - The Pinnacle - is typical of the Summit Collection design that incorporates classy lines, well-planned living areas, and unique features that prevent it from being lumped with other large homes as a McMansion.

It starts with a casita that accesses the same court yard as the front door and has a door leading to the main house. It is designed as living quarters for grandparents, complete with bedroom, large walk-in closet a living room that comes with a sink and refrigerator. You can have it built as a living room and office if you’d like. The two-story, four-bedroom, and 4.5-bathroom home has a spacious master suite that is just the right size, a Jack-n-Jill bedroom and bathroom set-up and an upstairs laundry that rivals most secondary bedrooms in size, compete with cabinets and built-in ironing board.

There is a wine room that can replace a dining nook and cabinets. An extended hearth comes standard on the family room fireplace. Coved ceilings and other classic touches blend the family room and kitchen areas together.

The third car stall for the tandem garage can be converted into a bonus room.

The community also includes a park where improvements are underway and an area set aside for a possible future elementary school campus.

The Summit Collection sales office is located on Edgebrook Lane accessed by turning right off Union Road at the traffic signal at the entrance of Del Webb at Woodbridge north of Lathrop Road.

The models are open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information go to www.atherton-homes.com or call 824-2071.