Bring your own multi-unit development plans

Super Admin

So, you’ve set your sights on an investment development and, being a hands-on investor, you’ve made the decision to engage an architect or draftsperson to design your project and manage the planning process through council. The main advantage of this choice, of course, is that you’re in the driver’s seat; you own the plans and can then manage the tendering process with a selection of builders of your choice. 

It also ensures you have a detailed understanding of your project. Most importantly it gives you greater control of the overall design to suit the location and target market you are aiming to sell to.

If this approach appeals to your style of property investing, read on to learn more about the benefits of getting your plans ready before presenting them to the builder of your choice.

Creative freedom

Some developers have a very specific design in mind and engage an architect to draw up their plans. By nominating to work with either a draftsperson or architect to design your multi-unit development you’re free to choose the architecture and design features that fit your vision rather than being tied to set floor plans that may be offered by a project builder. Your block of land may also require a site-specific design and that’s where your architect or draftsperson can tailor plans to take advantage of the aspect, accommodate the slope of the land, and meet local area planning requirements such as necessary setbacks and private open spaces for example.

Preparing for your multi-unit development build

Before engaging your development builder there’s a long list of preparatory requirements to work through. You will need to prepare and submit the development application to Council.  A contour & detail survey, stormwater engineering, landscaping plan, soil report, a Statement of Environmental Effects (SoEE) and a draft subdivision plan will also be needed to ensure your block of land is appropriate for the build. Once the Development Consent has been issued by council, the slab and structural engineering ii prepared, Council’s developer contributions are paid and it is time to lodge the Construction Certificate application via a private certifier.

Experienced developers often choose to engage a builder once they have done all these preliminary works themselves or via their architect/draftsperson, engineer and surveyor thereby saving themselves the associated fees that come with having a builder manage this preliminary works process for them.  It also allows the developer the freedom to select the builder of their choice rather than being locked in with a designer/builder.

A development builder for your sized project

Once you’ve secured all necessary council approvals and certificates and you’ve got finance approval, your next challenge is to find an experienced builder in the Hunter Valley, Newcastle or Port Stephens. You need a builder you can trust with a long standing reputation.

With over 50 years experience in the construction industry working on a vast range of multi-unit developments from small private projects through to large-scale developments Valley Homes can step in with a formal tender for the construction of your investment development.

Valley Homes has secured major multi-housing projects for the Commonwealth Department of Housing and Construction, the NSW Department of Housing, and more recently, Defence Housing Australia.

Valley Homes is also the preferred builder of Tallowood Medowie in Port Stephens, an over-55s complex offering beautiful homes and luxury amenities. A multi-unit development of 216 dwellings already constructed, Tallowood Medowie, is a great example of resort style living featuring quality architecture and thoughtful design. 

Duplex or Dual Occupancy

Of course, your investment property may be a more modest development such as a duplex or dual occupancy.  A relatively low risk development, a dual occupancy is ideal for a range of developers including experienced investors, owner-occupiers, and even first home buyers. So too, a duplex can double the equity in your property without doubling the investment cost, so you can secure strong returns with relatively low risk. 

For some the decision to do a knockdown-rebuild on their existing block can make better use of the land. By subdividing the block it’s possible to create value, boost your income, reduce maintenance or even improve housing affordability. When the options are there,Valley Homes has the expertise to bring your investment development plans to fruition.


When you’re ready to team up

If you have your own plans and want to build new units, a dual occupancy or duplex and you’re looking for an experienced builder in the Hunter Valley, Newcastle or Port Stephens for your multi-unit development, then give Valley Homes a call today. We’re happy to work with your plans. No matter how large or small your investment development is, we’re the ideal partner to help you to achieve your development objectives. 


Valley Homes Acreage Louth park exterior rural

Reflecting the best in custom home design

Super Admin

There’s a lot of freedom to enjoy when building an acreage home. The wide open space offers flexibility to incorporate the best views and make the most of the natural environment as well as include all the specific features for a house design to suit your lifestyle. Our latest feature home, Reflection Drive, Louth Park is the perfect example of this. Working with Valley Homes to create the ideal custom home design for their family, we spoke to James and Corrine about why their new contemporary country style home is everything they had wished for and more…

On first impression, your home speaks ‘country homestead meets cool, coastal Hamptons’. Was this your vision from the outset or was it a style that evolved as you planned your dream home?

That perfectly sums up what the vision was for the house from the start, so we’re glad it shows. We really love the cool, coastal look of an all-white home but also wanted to still create something that suited and tied in with our semi-rural setting.

Valley Homes Acreage Louth park exterior rural front facade

Would it be correct to say that you like entertaining? Your home is perfect for it with wide spaces and a large kitchen with butler’s pantry and plenty of storage. How have you been socialising in your new home?

We sure do! We knew especially given our surroundings that the back of the house was going to be the perfect spot for entertaining and wanted to ensure the layout of the house complimented that. The bi-fold window out from the kitchen was a must for this and is a great spot for serving and plating food inside and out. The extra bench and storage space in the butler’s pantry is perfect for keeping the main section of the kitchen clutter free.

You obviously had a vision for making the most of the natural scenery with your outdoor entertainment living area. Transitioning effortlessly from inside to out, this is a great extension of the indoor living zone. It has it all: places to relax, eat, cook and the bar at the bi-fold kitchen windows is another way of bridging the indoors and outdoors. How have you been enjoying this area and are you utilising it as you imagined?

We wanted our alfresco area to be a comfortable place to entertain and relax while also acting as another space to eat and enjoy a meal. We have been spending a lot of time out there enjoying the outdoors, playing with the kids and watching the bird life on the water. When the stacker doors are pushed right open it creates a seamless flow moving from inside and out of the home and is really nice to do when hosting parties.

Valley Homes Acreage Louth park exterior rural alfresco

The cabinetry and finishes are classic, clean and streamlined. Tell us about your experience working with the Valley Homes team on achieving the look and finishes you were after.

We had a pretty clear vision of what we wanted our home to look like and what feel we wanted to create. The Valley Homes team were really helpful in bringing it to life and were happy to accommodate all the changes and additions we made throughout the design process. 

The fireplace is a seamless feature, recessed into the wall it effectively delivers heat to two areas. Can you tell us about the design idea behind it?

A double sided fireplace was a ‘dream home’ inclusion for us and it formed a fairly central role in the design of the floorplan. We wanted to ensure that it was heating spaces that we were always using and also be in a spot which creates that focal point and fits in with the flow of the house. We weren’t a fan of mounting TV’s above the fireplace and wanted it to be its own feature on its own wall. The end result is great and it’s something that we can look forward to using in the cooler months.

Valley Homes Acreage Louth park mudroom

We love the practicality of the mud room with hooks and clever storage, to keep everything from work boots to sports kit and wet weather gear. Was this a specific part of the interior design brief and how has your family been using it?

The mud room was one of the specific items we wanted incorporated into the house design and it is the perfect place to ‘unload’ when coming out of the car before entering the house. It’s one of those spaces which is used multiple times each day and has been a great inclusion.

The Fire pit with sandstone block seating must be great for night-sky gazing, as an outdoors retreat or an extra party zone. How have you been spending time in this space?

Given the amount of outdoor space we have, a fire pit area was a perfect addition to create another place to sit and enjoy the outdoors. The completed fire pit is only a fairly new inclusion so we didn’t get to spend too much time there during the past winter, but we are looking forward to use it more during the cooler months. For now, the kids have loved playing out there and climbing up and down the sandstone blocks!

Valley Homes Acreage Louth park exterior rural

Ready to build your dream home?

Renowned Maitland builder, Valley Homes, has proven, time and again, to have the experience and expertise to accommodate the specifics of their customers’ designs to create unique and beautiful homes. If you’re looking for a Hunter Valley builder to design and/or construct your custom home design give Valley Homes a call. We’re ready to build your dream home


Valley Homes Acreage Louth park exterior rural alfresco

New year, new trends: ideas & inspiration for your next build

Super Admin

If we could choose one word to encapsulate current interior design trends it would have to be comfort. It’s the big theme for this year with home as the haven from all the drama being played out on the world stage in addition to the financial and social pressures being felt across Australia. 

If one of your financial goals is to build a new home or investment we’ve got plenty of design inspiration to show you how to transfer the latest trends into your home design.

Getting cosy with curves

Repeatedly the message from interior designers is soft and rounded curves. These can be found in curved soft furnishings, plump settees, round cushions, arches, organic-shaped tiles and round edges on benches. Incorporating a variety of textures from natural stone to natural fibres, including throws and plush rugs.

Colours to reflect the theme

For further inspiration to build upon the notion of a safe and cosy home, the Taubmans Colour Forecast has pitched four palettes to provide a backdrop of comfort while still offering a splash of colour. Each palette encourages different styles and unexpected colour combinations allowing your individuality to shine through.

Composure is all about rest and relaxation. Perfectly described as “soft yet fun, sophisticated without being clinical.” Think light earthy tones paired with natural stone and timbers of different shades.

The Grounded palette includes warm olive greens and dusty blues. This scheme invites you to imagine ‘an escape at home’ and sits well with the biophilic trends of recent years, to “bring a sense of nature into your space” further enhancing indoor-outdoor living

The third palette, Centred, is all about ensuring a state of calm with soothing variations of white and cream. It offers the perfect antidote to our busy lifestyles allowing you to create a haven of tranquillity.

Euphoric is the fourth palette and encourages the big bold statement while still contributing to the cosiness of your home. Inspired by the maximalism trend, the Euphoric range is about boldness in colours, patterns and textures.

Natural flow

It could seem that this year’s interior design trends are a variation on last year’s themes with ‘bringing nature indoors’ still one of the favourite trends amongst designers.

The ongoing yearning to connect with nature can be achieved by ensuring your house design includes flow from indoors to outdoors.

Nicholas Kaiko of Kaiko Design believes that great contemporary designs that feature open, airy spaces pay homage to Australia’s love for the outdoors, while interiors, thoughtfully curated with both modern and traditional elements, can create spaces that are timeless yet trendy.

Large windows also help create links with nature to feel more relaxed and grounded at home.

Taking advantage of the best aspect of your block of land will allow you to incorporate a grand vista into your home design. Even if you’re not fortunate enough to overlook a sweeping valley, a clever design can frame an old gum tree or garden feature within any window’s outlook.

Valley Homes Acreage Louth park open plan living
Valley Homes Newcastle Acreage builder laundry

Cost effective measures

High on the list of 2024 building trends comes functionality and sustainability. There’s great desire to incorporate cost effective measures into house designs to reduce initial outlay as well as ongoing maintenance of the home. 

One of the easiest ways this can be achieved is by designing rooms to serve more than one purpose. Keeping the heart of the home centred around the open planned kitchen-living room areas, the island bench can be extended to serve, excuse the pun, as a dining table with the lounge area sitting just beyond this space. This design eliminates the need for separate dining and lounge rooms.

A lot of people are also choosing to take full advantage of their outdoor entertainment area, fitting it out with screens, fans and heaters to maximise indoor outdoor living all year round. 

Combining the boot room or mudroom and laundry space is also an effective interior design trend. Streamlining the space with well crafted cabinetry and handy baskets can make it look attractive as well as highly functional.

Built in cabinetry is also trending. We’re seeing this in custom home design that’s done away with an office space altogether by incorporating an office alcove within the living room.

Sustainable greens

Another area in which functionality and sustainability can flourish is landscape and garden design. 

The big trends  here are edible gardens – from large herb pots to vertical gardens for growing salads and micro herbs.

Drought proof plants, hardy natives and pollinators to encourage native bees are also popular garden approaches for the year ahead.

back garden with fire pit

A home builder to support your vision

Ultimately, whatever inspires your new building design, you want it to reflect your own personal taste so that you can truly feel at home. Which is precisely why it’s important to select a builder capable of offering custom home design to suit your specific needs and desires. Hunter Valley builder, Valley Homes, has been designing and constructing homes from Port Stephens to Newcastle with their expertise and craftsmanship achieved from over 50 years in the industry. If you can dream it, Valley Homes can build it – call us today find out how.


Shoreline Villas Tea Gardens multi unit builder Port Stephens

Incentives for change and investment

Super Admin

This year we have explored many ‘possibilities’ from the idea of the tree change, building on acreage in the Hunter Valley, or dreams of coastal living in Tea Gardens and Port Stephens, to investment property options. We’re recapping our most popular articles of the year so there’s no need to fear missing out on our best home builder info of the year. Starting at number five, let the countdown begin!

More than a sea change

Maybe it’s the thought of having easy access to all the beautiful bays of Port Stephens that makes this article a favourite. We encouraged readers to imagine Port Stephens as more than a holiday spot or day trip destination and consider property development in the area. The article also explores the possibilities for investment property further afield in Tea Gardens and Myall Lakes.

With Port Stephens and the Mid North Coast councils preparing for population growth they’re encouraging diverse and affordable housing. This is especially exciting for those considering a multi-unit investment property

So if you’re contemplating combining a sea change with a property investment plan Valley Homes is one of the top local construction companies already building in this region with the knowledge and expertise to help you achieve your goal.

Read the full article

Big sky dreaming: the beauty of building on acreage

At number four, this article’s popularity confirmed people’s desire to reconnect with nature. We headed inland to the Hunter Valley, in beautiful Regional New South Wales, looking at townships from Singleton to Maitland. We explored the many reasons to build an acreage home in this area and why it could suit anyone from the early retiree seeking a tree-change to the growing family looking for the benefits of a rural lifestyle. 

As a Hunter Valley builder,Valley Homes is a respected acreage builder. Not only has our design team created a great range of acreage house plans but we’ve had many satisfying collaborations with customers creating the dream home that they’ve longed for. Whether it’s country style or contemporary the Valley Homes team can customise our acreage house plans so that your new home construction is uniquely yours.

Over the holiday break, take a drive through the Hunter Valley, enjoy the serenity — and keep an eye out for that ideal block of land.

Read the full article
Acreage hunter valley builder land property
Acreage home design hunter valley builder

Investor Incentive: What the 2023 Federal Budget means for property

The need for more information on the pros and cons of the Federal Budget 2023 had people clicking on article number three. With a focus on addressing the rental crisis and the provision of affordable housing there was good news for investors and incentives for multi-unit investment property.

The increasing demand for build-to-rent houses, alongside various incentives and tax breaks for property investors, plus changes to stamp duty provided by the NSW government, the 2023 Federal Budget provided good reasons to invest and be a part of the solution to the housing shortage Australia faces. 

If your plan is to build an investment property in 2024, call on the expertise and experience of Valley Homes.

Read the full article

Custom home design at its best

We love collaborating with happy clients to showcase the best of custom home design. It’s a great way to inspire new customers to consider the ways in which Valley Homes successfully creates the dream home build that people envision. Whether you choose to bring plans from your own architect or you take advantage of the Valley Homes designs, we have the right team for your new home construction.

In February we featured a dream home build, 44 Vista Parade. Veering away from a classic heritage home build, the owners followed their passion for recycled timbers and heritage pieces to create a unique industrial style home.

“Building a custom design home with Valley Homes allowed us to tailor design our dreams. Valley Homes’ willingness to incorporate five different exterior materials was perfect for making our home stand out – giving it ‘wow’ factor.”

We’re incredibly proud that Valley Homes was the Maitland builder they trusted to bring these ideas to fruition.

Read the full article
hamptons style kitchen

And our #1 story of the year is…

Shoreline Villas: Where Lifestyle Meets Demand

Appealing to those keen to build an investment property or make a lifestyle change our number one article celebrates the Tea Gardens community and beautiful environment confirming it’s a great place to live as well as an area of growth. 

Valley Homes was the chosen Port Stephens builder of property developer, Sheargold for their multi unit development, Shoreline Villas and they’ve proven to be a winning team with  

Shoreline Villas set to be entered into the next HIA Awards – under the Multiple Dwelling Category. 

Sales uptake on these homes confirmed that there’s a demand for more Port Stephens  developments and Valley Homes is ready to collaborate with like minded property developers.

Read the full article

Holiday dreaming

Take time out to imagine the possibilities – whether it’s a new home build or investment property plan for 2024 – get in touch, we’d love to help build those dreams into a reality.

As we wind down to Christmas we want to say a huge thank you for reading and building with us this year, wishing you a happy and peaceful festive season and beyond!

Valley Homes Merry Christmas

Wirripang duplex design builder hunter Valley newcastle nsw

Savvy duplex strategies to set you up for life

Super Admin

Whether you’re dreaming of an affordable first home, contemplating downsizing, or perhaps you’re curious about building to invest in the property market, a duplex could be the perfect solution to any one of these scenarios.

Something for everyone

With the nationwide demand for more diverse and affordable housing options – and local councils encouraging infill housing as part of their housing strategies – there has never been a better time to consider the exciting advantages of a duplex property investment strategy. From the experienced investor to the first-time home builder or those looking for additional income in their retirement.

Duplex basics

For those new to the concept, a duplex is two separate homes or units within one structure. Duplex designs include a shared common central wall but have their own entrances and amenities. These two dwellings can either exist on one land title and be owned and sold together, or exist on separate titles and be individually owned and sold. 

One of the obvious benefits of a duplex is that it maximises the potential of the land.  Other advantages of building a duplex are that building costs are reduced, so too the stamp duty, and insurance costs. 

Home Builders Hunter Valley

The many possibilities

If you’re keen to build an investment property as either a first-time or experienced property investor, a duplex is a great option to consider. If generating investment income is your focus a duplex offers double your rental income earning potential when you choose to rent out both units.

For the first time buyer, a duplex allows you to build to live in one dwelling while renting out the second to achieve an ongoing return. The other choice is to sell the second dwelling after a period of time to create cash flow or reduce the mortgage of the unit you live in.

If you build a Torrens title duplex, you’re effectively subdividing your single block into 2 separate lots with separate services therefore increasing the value of your investment immediately.  A strata title subdivision also allows you to sell each unit separately but both units share services and often common land.  

The duplex downsize strategy

For those retirees ready to say goodbye to the endless maintenance that comes with the old family home and garden, a duplex can be a great way to downsize. The sale of the family home can be committed to a duplex property investment strategy. There are plenty of duplex designs allowing you to plan a home to suit your retirement lifestyle. The second dwelling could be sold to turn a profit or be rented out to generate an income. 

Tax advantages

There’s also an array of tax benefits that come with a duplex property investment strategy right from the first year of building. Over the years, you can claim ‘tax depreciation’ in the form of various deductions, including things like maintenance and repairs, insurance, property management fees and water charges. The list is extensive so it’s wise to seek the advice of a financial advisor to ensure you get the best return on investment.

Retirement on your own land duplex dual occupancy Hunter Valley

Have a clear investment strategy

While there’s a multitude of benefits that come with building a duplex, the most important first step is to determine whether your financial situation matches your duplex property investment strategy

A duplex can offer a high growth and high yield investment, but with that comes a higher financial commitment than just buying an existing house or even a house and land package. A duplex build might require you to service a large loan so you need to be realistic as to how far you can stretch your finances.

In recent years, across the construction industry, home builders and investors have had to face the reality of significant increases in building prices. On top of this, there’s been the added strain of rising interest rates increasing monthly loan repayments. It’s crucial to be realistic about how far you can stretch yourself when choosing to build to invest and remember that the money you’ll earn from renting out your property won’t come until that property is built so ensure you have a good buffer, and then add a bit more just to cover the unexpected.

Be clear on where you need further information and seek support. 

Find the right builder to bring your duplex dreams to life

Once you’ve done your research, arranged your finances and you’re ready to build an investment property the next step is to find a recognised duplex builder with a range of duplex designs to suit your budget and block of land.

Of all the duplex builders Newcastle has on offer, Valley Homes is the one with over 50 years experience in the construction industry and a trustworthy reputation to match. Valley Homes has the knowledge and experience to ensure your build will meet local council regulations and zoning. 

Valley Homes’ duplex designs are diverse and fully customisable, can be single or double-storey, and can accommodate a range of block sizes. We’re here to help you find the best strategy for building a duplex that you can be proud of. Contact us today.

Note: The information provided in this article is general in nature and does not consider your individual financial situation, so be sure to understand any tax implications and consult your accountant for further advice. 


Space to build in today’s property market

Super Admin

With all the talk about interest rates, a housing shortage and the cost of building in today’s residential property market, it can be difficult to know which locations and what type of build you might be able to afford. Fortunately, there’s a wealth of great ideas for the residential builder looking for options on where and how to build a new home around the Hunter Valley, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. Read on to find out more…

Affordable location options

There are always opportunities if you look in the right places and consider all of your options with regard to both location and house design.

The Lake Macquarie area has great appeal with its suburbs nestled around the largest coastal saltwater lake in the southern hemisphere. There’s an abundance of outdoor activities from boating and fishing at various locations across the lake to cycling along the Fernleigh bike track or walking along the foreshore at Warners Bay. At its northern end, Speers Point is where you’ll find the best and biggest playground between the Central Coast and Newcastle.

For those with a passion for creative pursuits the Lake Macquarie Museum of Art and Culture is a unique arts and cultural destination hosting exhibitions and events. Affordable housing is a real possibility particularly when you start exploring the western side of Lake Macquarie where it’s possible to snatch up blocks of land for a great price in suburbs like Teralba, Cameron Park and further south to Cooranbong. These provide opportunities for development for investors or the residential builder making first steps into the property market.

For those more inclined to a rural setting, the Hunter Valley offers economical blocks of land in areas such as Lochinvar, Paterson, Vacy, Gillieston Heights, Farley and Chisolm, all within easy reach of Maitland, where there’s a continued demand for affordable housing

So too, the City of Newcastle Council’s housing strategy has a focus on infill housing in corridors stretching out to Mayfield, Broadmeadow and Adamstown and it’s a great opportunity for investors to meet the need for affordable housing in this ever growing metropolis.

When less is more

Smaller blocks of land are obviously more affordable and there are plenty of benefits to starting small especially when you’re new to the property market. Long term maintenance is reduced and so too heating and cooling costs.

Smaller blocks of land benefit from clever design to make the most of the space but that doesn’t have to come at a huge cost. In line with our belief that great design should be affordable for everyone, Valley Homes came up with the Urban Series. Whether you’re a first-time builder or an investor, off the plan can reduce the stress of design by offering a complete package. What’s more, the Urban Series maximises space and creates a relaxed flow throughout each design while providing an abundance of choices.  

Striving for originality

Certainly the residential builder can opt for custom home design to create the unique dream home however this does require architecturally drawn plans and the skills of an experienced builder. Most construction companies will warn of the increased cost of building due to current shortages in the labour market as well as delays caused by supply of materials whether it’s a standard or off the plan design. However, house designs and costs related to the creation of ‘one of a kind’ homes will be considerably more. This raises the question — is it possible to create affordable housing without compromising on style?  

Finding a happy medium with flexible home design

What if you could have ‘off the plan with a twist’? Valley Homes created the Valley Series with this in mind. While offering a range of practical floor plans that answer to the needs of every household, you then have the pleasure of matching your chosen floor plan with a front and rear facade from the extensive range on offer. The beauty of the Valley Series is that you can have an architecturally inspired home at an affordable price which satisfies the needs of both the residential builder and the investor.

The Valley Series offers six different four bedroom, two bathroom floor plans each with alfresco entertainment areas and ample living space. This Series employs passive design principles to make best use of heating, cooling, ventilation and light. All of these designs allow the home to be light-filled with a natural flow throughout. Having the choice of a facade and rear, from a classic Hamptons with gabled roofline to a sleek lined contemporary design with skillion roof, allows you to make your own particular stylistic statement.

When it comes to affordable housing, great design also reduces the cost of heating and cooling a home and that’s where the Valley Series offers further appeal. By including passive design principles in each of these house designs, the Valley Series ensures ongoing affordability. 

Partner with the right builder 

Whether you’re looking for a Lake Macquarie builder or you’re investigating construction companies in  Newcastle, Port Stephens and the Hunter Valley, the company with over 50 years experience in the building industry is Valley Homes. From off the plan to custom home design Valley Homes offers house designs and costs to meet the budgets of both investors and residential builders

Contact us to find out more today.


Shoreline Villas Tea Gardens multi unit builder Port Stephens

Shoreline Villas: where lifestyle meets demand

Super Admin

Light-filled homes located in a peaceful town surrounded by bushland and water with the benefits of the city only an hour’s drive away are what sells. And that’s why  Shoreline Villas have proven to be exactly what buyers are looking for. In a region where housing demand is rising, it’s crucial for investors interested in multi-unit development to partner with an experienced construction company. Shoreline Villas are the perfect case in point, demonstrating why reliable partnerships are vital in today’s property market.

Tea Gardens, the hidden coastal gem

Shoreline Villas is situated in the up and coming area of Tea Gardens. As the southern gateway to the spectacular Barrington Coast Tea Gardens is also described by some as a playground for the rich and ‘anonymously famous’ – a place they can keep a low profile, with the privacy of going largely unnoticed while enjoying the best lifestyle Port Stephens has to offer.  

Across the water from Nelson Bay, this beautiful riverside town provides the space to get about with ease while pursuing the quiet pleasures of life from waterside strolls to fishing, kayaking and boating. There are plenty of cycling paths to explore or you can cross over the ‘singing bridge’ that spans the Myall River to enjoy more opportunities for exercise and socialising at Hawks Nest Golf Club. 

For those with a passion for creativity, the natural environment is pure inspiration with waterside vistas, and an abundance of flora and fauna. It’s no wonder that a number of award-winning photographers, artists and historians have chosen to settle in this inspiring location. Tea Gardens has a permanent gallery that hosts regular exhibitions and events. 

While it’s a commutable drive to Newcastle, providing easy access to city services, Tea Gardens is also within reach of the beautiful Myall Lakes.

If you’re looking for property development opportunities in Port Stephens, detour away from the tourists and the traffic on the east side of the bay and take a look at Tea Gardens and the surrounding areas for development opportunities.

Shoreline Villas Tea Gardens multi unit builder Port Stephens

Image from Visit NSW

The Shoreline Villas appeal

Shoreline Villas have been thoughtfully designed with every consideration for effortless flow and efficient use. Each home impresses with its stylish and contemporary architecture, timeless Hamptons themed design and landscaped gardens. With generous 2.7m ceiling heights, these homes are light-filled and airy from the front entrance to the generous alfresco area.

Each home includes a designer styled kitchen and also features world leading, in-home technology designed to make life easier, safer and smarter, from remote control of home security to temperature setting via your mobile device — from anywhere in the world!

What’s more, Shoreline Villas has been created with ‘future proof‘ living in mind. Residents can settle into their home knowing they’ll never need to move again. The master bedroom is located on the ground floor and there’s plenty of room for visiting family and guests.

Ease of living is guaranteed with modern medical facilities, shops, cafes and supermarkets all conveniently located nearby.

Shoreline Villas Tea Gardens multi unit builder Port Stephens
Shoreline Villas Tea Gardens multi unit builder Port Stephens

Sheargold vision and excellence

One of NSW leading property developers, Sheargold are UDIA (Urban Development Institute of Australia) award winning developers. For over 50 years Sheargold have developed, owned and managed property across all sectors with the purpose of creating inspiring spaces, whether these be new communities, homes or work places.The Sheargold vision is people-centred and their values focus on exceeding exceptions, delivering with integrity, and creating the future.

“The spaces we develop, own and manage will be influential and significant parts of our customers’ lives for many, many years to come. Therefore we have a long term outlook in our decision making that seeks to provide spaces that will look as good in 50 years time as they do now as well as understanding future trends and incorporating these into our spaces.”

The perfect team 

With quality construction and craftsmanship a priority, it’s no surprise that Sheargold chose Valley Homes above all the other Port Stephens builders. Sharing the same values and philosophy ensured they’d be a winning team. In fact, confidence in this project has them set to enter Shoreline Villas into the next HIA awards – under the Multiple Dwelling category. 

Designed in collaboration with a leading architect to the highest design standards, Valley Homes constructed the Tea Gardens development of ten freehold title homes in about six months. Everything about each property speaks quality and attention to detail.

Shoreline Villas Tea Gardens multi unit builder Port Stephens

A region of promise and growth

The sales uptake during construction of Shoreline Villas was especially encouraging and confirmed to Valley Homes that there are certainly enthusiastic buyers for homes and developments in this area. 

If you’re searching for a Port Stephens builder to construct your multi unit development or investment property, take a look at the Valley Homes’ diverse portfolio – including large scale developments such as Tallowood Medowie, and quality housing projects such as DHA Wirraway Estate. Now is a great time to meet the demand by planning and building beautiful homes with one of the regions most experienced construction companiesCall us today.


Best Home Builders Hunter Valley

Knockdown rebuild: the benefits of clearing the canvas

Super Admin

People often think of a knockdown as only a drastic but necessary response to major structural issues with a home: subsidence, termites, fire or storm damage, however there are many reasons why you might decide to knock down and rebuild home or a  KDRB as it is also called in the construction industry.

Knockdown vs renovate

Renovating can have great appeal however attempts to retain the old world charm and unique features of your home can make the process complicated and lengthy. Major renovations usually entail replacing bathrooms and kitchens which is costly enough but it’s often during a renovation that a house’s worst structural secrets are revealed leading to further delays and budget blowouts. With the price of building at a premium, time and resources need to be used effectively. 

If your knockdown rebuild is being done by an experienced builder you’ll know exactly what the final cost will be from the outset. The beauty of a knockdown is that you start your rebuild on a blank canvas giving you the freedom to design your ideal home on your block of land without the need to compromise.

Why move away from the suburb you love for more space?

You originally bought your home because you liked the area, perhaps because it was centrally located or close to great schools. These days the little weatherboard house feels too cramped now that the kids and all their friends are bigger. Or perhaps you’ve always wanted a studio space for that creative project or an office space for the new business. The bottom line is: you need extra space. Buying a bigger block of land means a move to a different suburb which also means paying stamp duty, real estate fees and potentially still needing to do some basic renovation to make the new place home. Could a knockdown rebuild be the answer? Stay in the neighbourhood you love and make the most of your block of land. By doing a KDRB you’re not restricted by the original floor plan and an effective design can make better use of your space.

Adamstown multi unit development Valley Homes

Knockdown Rebuild: the surprising solution to increasing energy efficiency

Novocastrians often delude themselves that winters are brief, and yet every year, when the temperature dramatically drops in June, there’s a collective moan about how cold it is! The simple fact is that so many Newcastle homes are not properly heated or insulated. Retrofitting insulation in the walls is costly and increased charges for power bills mean long term solutions are being sought.

A knockdown rebuild is a great opportunity to reposition your house on your block of land to take advantage of the northern light for greater sunlight on solar panels and to incorporate a solar passive design. Draughts sneaking in through your weatherboards and floorboards will be a thing of the past with improved building materials. Windows with efficient seals will also ensure your home’s temperature remains stable.

A knockdown rebuild is a great opportunity to reposition your house on your block of land to take advantage of the northern light for greater sunlight on solar panels and to incorporate a solar passive design.

Knockdown rebuild for investment

The knockdown rebuild is also a great idea when your home has outgrown you! It’s served the family well over the years but you’re wondering if it’s time to downsize. Once again, moving house involves dealing with estate agents, paying stamp duty and, worst of all, leaving the neighbourhood you’ve grown to love. Why not capitalise on your block of land and consider a knockdown rebuild for investment? A duplex build can provide a smaller more practical home with less maintenance for yourself and the second property can be sold or rented out so you can enjoy the income.

You may even consider a duplex or dual occupancy to allow for another member of the family to live in close proximity — intergenerational living at its best with plenty of ‘space in your togetherness’! Whatever you choose, a knockdown rebuild for investment enables you to unlock the potential of your existing block and increase the value of your land. 

Of course, you don’t have to be a retiree to consider this option. If a block of land is large enough to accommodate more than one property and the council regulations and zoning allow, a multi-unit build is a great way to meet the call for affordable infill housing. Savvy developers see the knockdown rebuild as a great opportunity for long term investment.

Best Home Builders Hunter Valley
Valley Homes townhouse development Wallsend
Digger demolishing a house knockdown rebuild Valley Homes

Where to start?

When considering a KDRB it’s important to factor in the costs for everything from the demolition of your existing property to the design and build. Don’t get overwhelmed! Valley Homes is the Hunter Valley and Newcastle construction company that can help you understand all the ins and outs of a knockdown rebuild. We’ll provide the complete picture including knowledge of council regulations and zoning, as well as full transparency on the cost to knockdown and rebuild with no hidden extras.

Contact us to find out more – with over 50 years of experience in the construction industry Valley Homes provides the best service when it comes to a knockdown rebuild.


Acreage home design hunter valley builder

Big sky dreaming: the beauty of building on acreage

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When a weekend escape to the country doesn’t feel long enough you know it’s time to consider building your dream acreage home on your own block of land. Where better to look than the Hunter Valley in beautiful Regional New South Wales. From the early retiree, eager to enjoy a tree-change to the growing family looking for the benefits of a rural lifestyle without the responsibility of a farm, there are plenty of great reasons to build an acreage home in this area.

Explore the Hunter Valley

Singleton acts as the gateway between the Lower and Upper Hunter Valley and offers country life with big city convenience. The Singleton area is a great place to explore for a lifestyle change or a home-based business venture both possible if you were to build an acreage home

An easy 2.5 hours’ drive from Sydney and only an hour’s drive to Newcastle, Singleton sits at the end of the Hunter Expressway and the junction of the Golden and New England highways. Agriculture, mining and the Defence Force provide the majority of employment but growing niche markets include award-winning wineries, cuisine and thoroughbred horse breeding. With thriving retail and tourism sectors Singleton offers the best of both worlds. 

On the outskirts of Singleton there are parcels of land with big views just waiting for your acreage house plans to be transformed into a new home construction. Browsing the real estate pages it’s possible to find a cleared block of land with town water, phone, NBN and power available, ready for you to build your dream home.

Hunter Valley NSW Australia wine region property investment build own live
Acreage hunter valley builder land property
Acreage home design hunter valley builder

Small villages with big vistas

Under the wide Hunter Valley skies it’s possible to find the perfect location to build an acreage home in the rolling hills between Singleton and Maitland. The villages of Paterson and Vacy, Branxton and Greta are also essential hubs for the local communities. These are all worth exploring to find a vacant block of land to build your dream home in a picturesque setting with all the benefits of small town community to enjoy.

As you drive closer to Maitland you’ll find outer areas like Lochinvar & Louth Park provide a rural acreage feel with the ease and convenience of close proximity to a big town. 

Wine country dreaming

For those with big dreams to build an acreage home with views of the Broken Back mountain range they need to get out and explore the areas of Broke, Pokolbin and Rothbury. While there is the attraction of a quiet country life there’s also the lifestyle benefits of world-class wineries, hatted restaurants, golf resorts, concerts in the vineyards. So many additional reasons to host friends and family! Located in the heart of the Hunter Valley, wine country land is at a premium but a large block of land to suit your budget can still be found for keen and persistent buyers.

winery hunter valley
Valley Homes Acreage scene country hunter valley

Looking further afield

If you’re prepared to travel further there are more affordable options and more diverse views to be found in the Hunter Valley. Your rural escape could be hidden away in Congewai or Millfield on the way to the historic town of Wollombi.

With so much National Parkland in the Hunter Valley nature enthusiasts and bushwalkers are spoilt for choice. It’s here they can imagine their dream home built on a block of land within easy access of beautiful bushland. An outdoor entertainment area with a fire pit would make the perfect addition to their acreage house plans.

Build an acreage home to meet your needs

Taking the time to imagine your rural lifestyle is important when considering acreage house plans. For some people it’s all about the view, making the most of the best aspect with big windows to let in sunlight and beautiful vistas. For others, a priority is the double or triple garage and space for ‘big toy’ storage or to house a workshop.

You’ll want to enjoy having plenty of room to host friends and family and have the option of both indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces. You need to envisage the aesthetics as well. Do you imagine yourself living in a contemporary or country style home? 

With all these questions to answer you’ll be researching house builders in the Hunter Valley who know how to listen to your ideas and make the most of your particular block of land and the surrounding landscape.

Acreage home design hunter valley builder
Acreage hunter valley builder land property

The experienced and recommended acreage builder

Whatever you envision for your rural dream home, Hunter Valley builder, Valley Homes, can help you build an acreage home that meets your every requirement. The positive reviews from satisfied customers say it all. Call us today to speak with the team about our acreage house plans.


Home investment property development goals

Investor incentive: what the 2023 Budget means for property

Super Admin

Housing affordability and the rental crisis has long been a concern in Australia so the government’s response in the 2023 Federal Budget was much anticipated with measures included to create more affordable housing and help more Australians into home ownership.

Dual Occupancy Newcastle

Facing the challenges

There’s no denying that the building industry still faces continued high construction expenses and this is a reality we will have to factor into projects for some time yet. The need to reduce costs and make construction more economical is yet to be addressed by the government. However, increased levels of migration and investment in TAFE to grow our national skills base were positive factors of the 2023 Federal Budget and will contribute to helping address labour shortages in the construction industry. There were also a number of key measures that will particularly interest those keen to build an investment property.

Incentives to help address the rental crisis

In response to the current pressures felt by those renters struggling with housing affordability, the budget brought relief with a 15% increase in Commonwealth Rent Assistance. Support for renters also serves to raise investor’s confidence in the build-to-rent sector.

Compared to other countries, the build-to-rent market in Australia is relatively small and new. Overall, the current size of the sector is estimated to be just 0.2% of the total value of the residential housing sector. To stimulate growth in this area, one of the tax breaks for property investors included in the Budget was the increase to the capital works tax deduction or depreciation rate from 2.5 per cent to 4 per cent per year. There was also an increase in the after-tax returns for newly constructed build‑to‑rent developments. 

As reported in the Property Tribune, Mike Zorbas, Chief Executive, Property Council of Australia, feels that the budget has provided a powerful win for good public policy.

“Levelling the tax playing field for build-to-rent projects is a significant one and will allow a welcome new asset class to grow into its full potential across Australia, unlocking up to 150,000 new homes and relieving pressure in the rental market over the next decade.”

Multiple dwelling project builder
Valley Homes townhouse development Wallsend

More good news for property developers

The 2023 Federal Budget halved Managed Investment Trust (MIT) Withholding Tax from 30% to 15% on newly constructed, conditional build‑to‑rent developments.

This was one of the key recommendations outlined in a study commissioned by the Property Council of Australia. 

The study revealed cutting the tax would see the number of new apartments developed triple from the projected 50,000 to 150,000 in the next 10 years.* This measure is sure to attract and retain foreign investment in Australia to benefit the build-to-rent sector.

Creating more opportunities to step onto the property ladder

The First Home Guarantee Scheme which previously was only available to married or de facto couples is now open to any two borrowers such as siblings or friends and non‑first home buyers who have not owned a property in Australia in the preceding 10 years. It’s perfect for those who like the idea of shared ownership and paying off their own mortgage rather than being stuck in the rental market. What’s more, if they reside in NSW, they can take advantage of the recent amendments to stamp duty

The NSW Government has introduced changes to the First Home Buyers Assistance scheme with the threshold for stamp duty exemptions for first home buyers being lifted from $650,000 to $800,000 and stamp duty concessions from $800,000 to $1 million. This will commence from July 1st but to be eligible for this offer it’s a requirement to live in the home for at least one year. This is great opportunity for those wanting to own their own home or considering long term property investment for the rental market.

Custom Designed duplex newcastle Valley Homes builder
Dual Occupancy Home Designs Newcastle

Reasons to be optimistic

It’s hard not to agree with the positive sentiment expressed in API magazine by Bobby Haeri, Co-Director of The Investors Agency.

“All these announcements are pro-property investing and it’s promising to see that the government has acknowledged the importance of property investors in this country. I believe with over 350,000 people entering the country annually over the next couple of years and interest rates at or near their peak, we will see a promising few years in the property sector within Australia.”

With the demand for build-to-rent houses, alongside various incentives and tax breaks for property investors, plus changes to stamp duty provided by the NSW government, the opportunity is there to invest and be a part of the solution to the housing shortage Australia faces. 

Wondering where to start? Valley Homes can provide the experience and expertise to help you build an investment property whether you’re planning a single dwelling or a multi unit development. We’ll make your investment property dream a reality which in turn will become somebody’s home.

* New tax cuts could deliver 150,000 new build-to-rent apartments, by Rowan Crosby, The Property Tribune, 2/5/2023


There are plenty of construction companies and house builders that can offer new home construction but if you’re looking for something more, whether it’s  a heritage home build, an industrial style home or a custom home design, it’s best to find a home builder in Maitland that can offer years of experience and a diverse portfolio.

Whatever your vision, Maitland home builder, Valley Homes, has a team of designers and builders with the expertise and vision to transform your plans and ideas into reality. We work with local retailers to provide the perfect products for your custom home design and to ensure your dream home build is everything you envisaged and more. Contact us today.


Tallowood Medowie retire over 55s Valley Homes multi unit builder

Tallowood Medowie: Project update

Super Admin

Retirement is a chapter of life that provides an opportunity to really come alive. So, imagine enjoying over 55s living in a location that reflects this sense of openness and possibilities. Tallowood Medowie, was created with this in mind. Thoughtfully designed, Tallowood offers resort living set in a beautiful landscape, conveniently located near shops, cafes and services.

Retire in style

Tallowood Medowie was developed for contemporary retirement lifestyle. Planning and pre-construction began in 2017 then momentum increased with construction in 2020 and 80 homes were soon available. Those savvy retirees that got in early have helped establish the Tallowood over 55s community and are a great advertisement for how to enjoy resort living.  Residents talk about how much they benefit from the social connectedness that comes with community living. A wealth of social opportunities make it easy to meet new friends and form meaningful relationships, contributing to a sense of belonging and wellbeing. 

Tallowood Medowie retire over 55s Valley Homes multi unit builder

Home sweet home

So often when people think of retirement villages, clusters of tightly-set pokey units are often what come to mind. In contrast, Tallowood offers dynamic living options to suit a variety of lifestyles and budgets. All homes are architecturally designed to maximise space and light and they’re finished to the highest quality. These are houses you can be proud to call home. 

There are a range of functional and flowing floor plans to choose from which feature an open-plan kitchen and generous living spaces. Each property has timber floors, an alfresco entertainment area as well as a choice of garage size to suit your lifestyle. Should the desire to travel take you on the road or to the skies you can confidently lock up your home knowing it will be safe and secure.

Most importantly, these houses are the blank canvas upon which you can add your own personal style and taste.

Tallowood Medowie retire over 55s Valley Homes multi unit builder

Could Tallowood be your new home?

Imagine sitting with friends around the firepit taking in the smell of the bush while gazing up at the night sky. Or picture yourself enjoying a meal in the country club and reading by the open fire in winter.

For those keen to get active and stay fit there’s a wellness centre, both indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna and a spa. Everything is tailored for the over 55s community’s needs and interests – even the gym is equipped with pneumatic technology for safer resistance training. Tallowood is the perfect marriage of retirement lifestyle and resort living with a diverse mix of community facilities and activities so there’s something to tempt everyone.

At home in nature

The natural environment is a key factor in the success of the Tallowood design. The architecture fits effortlessly into the landscape creating flow and serenity. Tallowood over 55’s living encourages an active and healthy lifestyle that allows you to connect with the environment whether that’s while fishing by the lake or walking in the surrounding parkland. In addition to this, the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of Port Stephens and Newcastle are only a short distance away.

74 meticulously designed homes are currently under construction and 71 homes remain in the project so now is the right time to consider a move to Tallowood Medowie if you don’t want to miss out.

Developed and built with community in mind

Large scale development has long been a feature of the Valley Homes’ portfolio and regular clients include Defence Housing Australia and Property Bloom Pty Ltd. Time and again, Valley Homes has proven to be the construction company that can be relied upon to complete the work on time and to budget. With extensive project management experience on large scale projects Valley Homes works with developers to realise their vision for homes and communities and Tallowood is an excellent example of this type of property development. Valley Homes is proud to be the Port Stephen’s builder making Tallowood the new home for the over 55s community in the Newcastle and Port Stephens region. With the project set to be completed in 2024 now is the right time to take a look at the opportunity for resort living.

Tallowood Medowie retire over 55s Valley Homes multi unit builder

Come and see for yourself

If you’re seriously thinking about downsizing to enjoy a maintenance free property in your retirement while embracing a social and healthy lifestyle then it’s definitely worth booking a personalised appointment to visit the Tallowood Medowie Display Suite. There’s a dedicated team ready to answer all your questions and offer advice on choosing the home that’s right for you. In fact, you’ll be supported through the whole experience of making the move to Tallowood. 

As one very happy resident advises, ‘Come and see it for yourself. Talk to the people and have a look around. You soon will see why Tallowood is the best choice.’ You might even wonder why it took you so long.


There are plenty of construction companies and house builders that can offer new home construction but if you’re looking for something more, whether it’s  a heritage home build, an industrial style home or a custom home design, it’s best to find a home builder in Maitland that can offer years of experience and a diverse portfolio.

Whatever your vision, Maitland home builder, Valley Homes, has a team of designers and builders with the expertise and vision to transform your plans and ideas into reality. We work with local retailers to provide the perfect products for your custom home design and to ensure your dream home build is everything you envisaged and more. Contact us today.


New home build, rustic industrial facade with large 3 car garage

Feature build: Custom home design at it’s finest

Super Admin

Successful custom home design is about combining a client’s vision with practical expertise, and our feature build demonstrates this beautifully. The owners of 44 Vista Parade, East Maitland have garnered their love of urban-industrial style with their passion for recycled timbers and heritage pieces to create a stylish and unique haven of comfort. Read on to find out their secret to achieving the desired ‘wow’ factor of this industrial style home overlooking Rathluba lagoon.

large sunken kitchen sink stainless steel

Your home makes a very distinctive first impression and you’ve clearly veered away from the classic heritage home build found in the area. What was the inspiration behind combining traditional with industrial elements? 

We envisioned an industrial style home. Prior to designing our home, we had stayed in some stunning places, which contained the architecture and colour that we liked, in Melbourne and Sydney and it was then that we gathered some ideas. We had fun putting together different materials to enhance the look we were after. The love of recycled timber gave us inspiration to include bridge beams from the 1800’s. Our son Zachary used his industrial skills to cut the heavy industrial brackets for these timber bridge beams.

Rustic style front door home facade

This style flows through into the house and you’ve managed to blend contemporary and country with the large homestead kitchen table, a variety of warm-toned timbers, leather lounges chairs and ottomans in complementary colours into the heart of the home. This open-planned living area looks like a welcoming space to relax. It must make for great family gatherings! In what ways has your vision become a reality?

We chose Taubmans Roman Rule for our exterior, and carried this from the outside in. We used this colour to complement our timber furniture. Our antique table was discovered in Orange and restored by David and his father. This table allows our family to gather in this perfect cosy space.

close up of bar with bar stools and liquor cabinet

The bar is a real standout feature, tell us more about the story behind this space.

David is a passionate collector of fine single malt whiskys. We wanted a space for these whiskys to be appreciated, not only visually but ‘tastefully’. Industrial brass taps and clever lighting were installed to highlight the amber tones of the whisky. A fun space to share a dram or two with family and friends!

You’ve made your alfresco area all the more enjoyable by installing an Escea outdoor fireplace. Can you describe the ways in which you use the outdoor entertaining space and how you make the most of the view?

The alfresco area is boarded by our bar and woodfire barbeque/fireplace. The barbeque/fireplace was David’s 50th birthday gift as he has an interest in cooking over wood. The old timber railway sleeper mantelpiece and fireplace surround add to our country themed style. We absolutely love entertaining in this space with family and friends. We adore our property’s view – the sunsets, the farmyards and wildlife are stunning! This view can be seen from many of our home’s spaces including our front door.

outdoor area with oven
bedroom with black framed windows and rustic double bed

The bedrooms evoke country comfort with the iron bed frames, rustic pieces such as the rocking chair and repurposed sewing machine. Are these heirlooms or are you enthusiastic seekers of antiques and second-hand treasures?

Many of our key pieces of furniture are family heirlooms. All pieces have been restored with love by David’s father, Richard. We feel that our industrial style and colours chosen compliment our most loved treasures and bring that country warmth to life.

The Bathrooms and laundry have contemporary clean lines – how did you select your tiles and cabinetry?

We wanted to cleverly design our home’s spaces to allow consistent colour and texture to flow as well as keeping to our industrial clean design. The recommended tile supplier, Amber Tiles and kitchen supplier, Valley Kitchens had the perfect products for our home and vision.

Tell us about your experience working with Maitland builder, Valley Homes in custom designing and building your own home.

Building a custom design home with Valley Homes allowed us to tailor design our dreams. Valley Homes’ willingness to incorporate five different exterior materials was perfect for making our home stand out-giving it ‘wow’ factor. The design team took on our plans and ideas and made them achievable. Our supervisor Brad’s attention to detail was noteworthy. We love our beautiful home and hope to make many memories with our family and friends. Thanks to the Valley Homes team!


There are plenty of construction companies and house builders that can offer new home construction but if you’re looking for something more, whether it’s  a heritage home build, an industrial style home or a custom home design, it’s best to find a home builder in Maitland that can offer years of experience and a diverse portfolio.

Whatever your vision, Maitland home builder, Valley Homes, has a team of designers and builders with the expertise and vision to transform your plans and ideas into reality. We work with local retailers to provide the perfect products for your custom home design and to ensure your dream home build is everything you envisaged and more. Contact us today.


Valley Homes series residential facade design

The ideal modular home design: affordable, adaptable and sustainable

Super Admin

When it comes to great house design ask any architect or savvy house builder in the Hunter Valley for the three words most often spoken on the topic and they’ll tell you: affordable, adaptable and sustainable. With interest rates on the rise and the continued demand for eco-wise approaches to design and building practices, home builders are seeking out affordable architecture to deliver both practical and creative design solutions. 

Design suited to the Australian Climate

The sustainable home builder is aware that effective architectural design must harness the best of the Australian climate as well as the specific challenges it presents. In a region that experiences an average of eight hours of sunlight a day, the Hunter Valley builder can take full advantage of that solar energy with the use of passive design principles. Effective design that incorporates sunlight in the winter months can contribute to reduction in heating costs.

Passive design principles factor in the orientation of the house on the block of land, making best use of the northern aspect. This can be particularly advantageous in winter months. Wherever the sun falls on a thermal mass, be it concrete or tiled flooring, the heat will be absorbed during the day and radiate that warmth long after the sun has disappeared. 

Likewise, reducing the impact of the sun in the summer months through adequate shading with the use of deep eaves or verandah, will lessen the reliance on air-conditioning and its expense.

Quality insulation and glazing are also core to passive design principles in order to keep in the warmth in winter and cool in summer. To maintain a comfortable living environment, adequate airflow is also an important aspect of effective design. 

Modular home design that has it all!

Offering architecturally inspired designs at an affordable price, The Valley Series allows homeowners to tailor the best aspects of modular home design to suit their needs. These Hunter Valley house designs are perfect for both the first time buyer or the investor, whether you’re looking for a modern or heritage styled home that includes favourite contemporary features. The secret of the Valley Series is the flexible home design with a range of modern and heritage front and rear façades.

Valley Homes series residential rear facade design

Heritage appeal

For some home owners the heritage style perfectly fits their vision of a classic Hunter Valley house design. The Valley Series has five pitched roof front and rear façades that would blend with the character of an older suburb or simply satisfy the desire for the Hamptons look.

A popular destination for wealthy New Yorkers, The Hamptons district of Long Island in the USA, is the source of inspiration for this ever-popular style. Hamptons is all about indoor/outdoor living and features large windows that fill the home with light. With the Valley Series it’s possible to capture the classic Hamptons style by choosing a front and rear façade with a pitched roof veranda and weatherboard effect. Painting the fascia and timber posts white will finesse the look. It’s a timeless style that comes across as effortless and charming. 

Modern lines

The Valley Series also offers contemporary designs with modern front and rear façades that include the skillion roof and covered outdoor area. These stylish designs provide a real contrast to the traditional pitched or gabled roofline. Some homeowners keen to install solar panels also have a preference for this style.

With all of the Valley Series floor plans you will find the best in modular home design including an open plan kitchen with generous living area utilising passive design principles.

There are a variety of layouts to satisfy every homeowner from ‘The Compact’, to fit the smaller block and budget to ‘The Connoisseur’ with its generous sized kitchen and servery while ‘The Executive’ is perfect for those looking to work from home.

The biophilic design principles of bringing the outside in and incorporating nature inspired elements  to contribute to health and well being have been applied to the Valley Series not only with use of natural light but also the inclusion of an alfresco area in each design. ‘The Sanctuary’ has the added bonus of private courtyard off the master bedroom, in which an abundance of plants could be cultivated to create a personal oasis of tranquility.

‘The Entertainer’ also has a private courtyard as well as a media room while ‘The Classic’ simply provides all you could want in a four bedroom home.

Valley Homes series residential rear facade design

The house builder in the Hunter Valley to offer the complete service 

Investors and buyers seeking  affordable architecture that allow use of passive design principles suited to the Australian climate need look no further than the Valley Series. And who better to build it than Valley Homes, the Hunter Valley builder with over 50 years experience in the construction industry. We keep the business of homebuilding simple and guide you all the way from design to build.


Port Stephens: more than a sea change

Super Admin

When you think of Port Stephens it’s likely you’ll picture its pristine waters, national parks, dolphins, water sports and whale watching cruises. It’s the perfect spot to holiday, retire or enjoy a day trip. Why stop there? The Port Stephens Council has prioritised adequate supply of new housing for its anticipated growth which also makes it a great place for property development. 

With land prices at a premium in Newcastle, Port Stephens is less than an hour up the road and has some great locations for multi unit investment property. But the exciting news is that the options for property development extend well beyond Nelson Bay!

A Vision for the Region

Councils from Newcastle and Port Stephens all the way up to the Midcoast are preparing for population growth. The Hunter Regional Plan 2041 focuses on ‘making great places with more everyday uses close to home, supported by the right sequencing of development and infrastructure to ensure sustainable growth.’ All of NSW local government councils were required to develop a local strategic planning statement (LSPS) setting out the 20-year vision for land use in their local area, including the special character and values that are to be preserved, and how change will be managed into the future.

Valley Homes townhouse development Wallsend

Of particular interest to investors and construction companies are these two key points of the plan:

  1. A focus on 15-minute mixed-use neighbourhoods.
  2. A preference for infill development rather than greenfield development, where we plan for housing densities that align with how a neighbourhood functions and the type of public transport available, and establish flexible land uses to allow communities to evolve. 

The 15-minute mixed use neighbourhoods are designed to be convenient locations for living and investing where a mix of things can happen closer to your home so that everyday needs like schools, shops, cafes and businesses could be only 15 minutes away with a walk or bike ride, or by car in more rural areas. The Port Stephens Council recognises that infill housing creates more compact neighbourhoods and supports local businesses. It also contributes to the sustainability of the area by helping reduce the urban sprawl. Reassuringly for investors, construction companies and home builders, Port Stephens Council has made amendments to developing controls and monitoring of supply to increase the proportion of infill housing.

Port Stephens attracts not only those seeking a sea or tree-change but also ‘regional returners’, those that grew up in the area. Knowing that it’s also perfect for future residents looking for more affordable housing suited to their needs and their budget, the savvy builder would be wise to keep an eye open for property development opportunities in the Port Stephens area, including smaller places like Tea Gardens. Port Stephens Council infill housing study identified the areas offering the most infill housing opportunities were: Raymond Terrace, Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay and Corlette. Other possibilities for selected types of infill housing were Anna Bay, the Tilligerry Peninsula, Karuah and Medowie.

Also of interest to home builders, Port Stephens Council have identified many blocks of land in Raymond Terrace that have potential to provide additional small-scale housing development such as duplex, triplex and dual occupancy. Construction companies will be happy to hear that the Council has been reaching out to landowners in Raymond Terrace to promote the potential for additional residential development.

More opportunities even further afield

Offering the best of both the beach and the bush Myall Lakes is great in any season – milder in Spring, long beach days in Summer and winter means less tourists and more wildlife, with 40 kilometers of unspoilt beaches along the coastline.

The Myall Lakes Waterway is the largest freshwater lake system on the eastern seaboard of Australia, perfect for canoeing and kayaking, boating and fishing. It’s also home to the tallest tree in NSW, a flooded gum known as ‘the Grandis’ (after its botanical name, Eucalyptus grandis).

But don’t be fooled into thinking this area is exclusively for the tourists! There are plenty of vibrant towns and villages within this Midcoast area that are benefitting from the emerging job opportunities in the health, agriculture, tourism, defence, energy and transport sectors. As a result, there’s a growing need for housing and great opportunities for property development.

A commutable 96 kilometers north-east of Newcastle, the inland township Bulahdelah is the western access to the Myall Lakes. This bypassed highway service town has had to search for a new identity and another potential location for property development.

For those ready to take advantage of land releases and property development opportunities in Port Stephens and the Myall Lakes area, you’ll be pleased to know that Valley Homes is already building in these areas and familiar with all the local council regulations.

Whether you have a duplex or multi unit development in mind, Valley Homes is the home builder to help you make your investment property dream a reality. So start exploring!

You bring the vision and we’ll build it

So on this note of optimism, we hope our ideas bring you the inspiration to make 2023 the year to fulfill your property dreams. Whether it’s to build a new home or an investment development, call the team at Valley Homes – we’re here to help make it happen.


Inspiring building trends heading into 2023

Super Admin

To activate your new year plans whether it’s to build an investment property, new home or simply add a spark of inspiration to your current home we’ve pooled together all the best 2023 trends. There’s a lot to get excited about!

PROPERTY INVESTORS: Put your focus where it matters

If your aim is to build an investment property as part of your 2023 financial goals, we’ve got two really crucial pieces of property investment information to share that will give you cause to be optimistic.

1. Look locally

Terry Ryder, specialist researcher/writer on residential property for over 35 years, is the creator of annual property report, Hotspotting. He observed that the tendency for property commentators and economists to generalise real estate markets – by discussing Australia as a single market – is impacting consumer’s knowledge of what is actually happening on the ground. His report revealed “countless examples of the reality that real estate is essentially a local affair, with markets within markets.”

This is a heartening reminder of what we already know to be true within Newcastle, Maitland, the Hunter Valley and Port Stephens.

2. Invest to meet the demand

In terms of property investment, the demand for affordable rentals continues to increase. In fact, ‘Units popular in good locations’ was one of The Property Tribune’s Top 5 Australian Property Market Trends for 2023. Weighing in on the discussion, Terry Ryder agrees. Buyers are seeking out affordable units in city areas. Ryder adds, “with borders open and overseas migrants and students returning, demand from renters and buyers of units has risen – and vacancies have dropped markedly.”

Newcastle and Hunter Valley councils have zoned areas for multi-unit investment development so the time and demand is right for this type of property investment.

Aerial view of historic Morpeth and Hunter River in New South Wales
BulBul duplex design Hunter Valley

HOME BUILDERS: Get smart on size, style, nature & colour

1. Smaller Homes

Another one of the very practical 2023 trends is the focus on smaller homes. “Due to current supply chain issues, the costs of building and renovating are rising so steeply, we expect to see a lean towards smaller homes with less of an environmental footprint,” says Emma Mahlook, creative director of Mim Design.

If your dream is to build a new home and economy of size matters, Valley Homes’ Urban Home Series is the perfect solution. If you’re tempted to go a step further and build an investment property then a Valley Homes duplex design could also be the answer. More than just a builder, Valley Homes’ in-house designers can customise all plans to suit your needs. 

2. Sustainable inspiration

So many 2023 trends continue on the theme of sustainability. Beyond the obvious eco-friendly features in homes like solar panels, wall and ceiling insulation and energy-efficient appliances, there’s more emphasis on true sustainability, looking at the entire picture and sourcing close to home is also part of this. Daniel Boddam, founder and director at Daniel Boddam Studio says, “Locally sourced furniture and materials that go into a project will help reduce the embodied energy component that goes into a building, and with it we take a step towards the circular economy.”

3. More fun ideas

‘Vintage Finds’ fits into the sustainability theme while adding something unique to the story of your home. The mix and match and layering of different textures and choice pieces is a feature of 2023 trends.

Gone are the smooth flat surfaces of previous trends. As a celebration of the senses, we’ll be seeing more textured materials from stone and grained timbers as well as rugs, throws and varied fabrics to create welcoming and eye-catching spaces. Picture natural elements like stone fireplaces and live-edge wood furnishings such as a rough, rounded edge on a coffee table from the girth of the tree.

4. Outside-in

This leads us to the ongoing biophilic obsession which gained popularity during the Covid19 pandemic lockdowns, as people sought to bring nature inside with a variety of indoor plants and living walls. This trend continues, with tons of designers taking their cues from nature via organic shapes and natural textures.

Katrina Yaxley, Home Beautiful Creative director also suggests sheer curtains to allow a celebration of green views. If you don’t have access to garden views, another option is to group oversized foliage in large, textured vases to bring joy and life to any room.

5. Colour Inspiration

In terms of colour trends, it could be possible to say ‘anything goes!’ but the general theme is drawn from nature: warm tones as well as a daring splash of colour. It’s no surprise that the Pantone Colour Institute chose Viva Magenta as this year’s colour. It’s described as “expressive of a new signal of strength” and “a pulsating colour whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration.”

You bring the vision and we’ll build it

So on this note of optimism, we hope our ideas bring you the inspiration to make 2023 the year to fulfill your property dreams. Whether it’s to build a new home or an investment development, call the team at Valley Homes – we’re here to help make it happen.


Year in review: answers to the affordability question

Super Admin

At Valley Homes our end of year wrap is a chance to review what news in particular really piqued our readers’ interest. 

One of the common themes was about making wise choices in the face of a challenging economy. Throughout 2022, the rising cost of living and interest rates have been on people’s minds as they contemplate future investments and new home construction. We appreciate that people are seeking trustworthy guidance as well as affordable solutions and that’s perhaps why our top five blogs have been so popular.

In keeping with tradition here’s our countdown starting with number 5.

5. Build an Economic Family Home in NSW

Packed full of information about the various government discounts and grants Build an Economic Family Home in NSW was the blog that brought a lot of hope to first time buyers who’d been feeling overwhelmed by the gloom and doom prevailing over the housing market. It also suggested exploring new suburbs within the Maitland and Hunter Valley region as a way of securing a great deal on land. 

We explored the Urban Homes series with energy efficient designs to contribute to reducing energy bills and the cost of living. The compact design of these three and four bedroom homes reduces the build times which can also provide additional cost reductions. When it comes to new home construction every saving counts especially in a time of rising inflation

This blog also served to remind readers that in the search for affordable home builders it makes sense to stay local. At Valley Homes we know that our customers benefit from the knowledge we have of local councils, the relationships we have built with complimentary businesses and our reputation as the go-to Maitland builder. Which leads us seamlessly onto our fourth most popular blog …

4. Location is Key When Building a Townhouse

With councils in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley looking to increase affordable and diverse medium density housing, townhouses are a great investment for property developers. Location is Key When Building a Townhouse was a blog that raised lots of ideas and answered plenty of questions on this topic. With location being key, we encouraged investors and developers to thoroughly research the demographics, amenities, transport and demand for multi unit developments in their chosen suburb. 

Most importantly we reminded readers to ensure the feasibility of the project and factor in rising interest rates and inflation.

3. Creating a Modern Country Home

Creating a Modern Country Home was a great opportunity to celebrate the magic that comes from working with passionate people. One of our Valley Homes customers generously shared the story behind their unique house design and allowed us to showcase its many features. 

A custom home design, 36 Vista Parade exemplifies the way in which Valley Homes works closely with clients to achieve their vision with great in-house design and quality craftsmanship, all within budget. 

We’re sure that this home will inspire more readers to build their own dream homes and choose Valley Homes as their custom home builder.

2. What it Takes to Build a Duplex

In looking for secure strong returns with a relatively lower risk it’s not surprising that many new and experienced investors start with a duplex. The amount of interest in this topic placed What it Takes to Build a Duplex as our second most read. 

This blog included a thorough checklist of all the essentials to consider before embarking on building a duplex. As we’ve already stated, the right location is a big factor with particular emphasis on the shape and size of your block of land. Meeting the requirements of the local council is an aspect that often overwhelms many inexperienced home builders and that’s why we proudly recommend Valley Homes as the Hunter Valley and Maitland builder with over 50 years of knowledge and experience working with local councils. Valley Homes also has a great range of duplex plans that can be adapted to suit your budget and specific block of land.

Champagne at the ready for our most read article…

1. Factoring All Costs Building a New Home or Investment

Early in 2022 we wrote a blog that laid bare some hard facts about the state of the building industry. We wanted our customers to have a clear understanding of the challenges we were, and still are, faced with and how we move forward. Readers appreciated our honesty and advice and that’s why Factoring All Costs Building a New Home or Investment came in at number one!

Our key message was: do your research! We cautioned readers about builders tendering on jobs at a preliminary stage without factoring any known or anticipated supplier price rises. Be aware of the risks and make informed decisions. 

It’s essential that you work with a reliable and trustworthy builder who has already weathered the construction industry storms. With five decades of experience you need look no further than Hunter Valley and Maitland builder, Valley Homes.


Time for dreaming

From the Valley Homes family to yours, we wish you a Christmas full of joy and peace. We look forward to sharing more great ideas and inspiration in 2023 with all you big dreaming home builders!


Heritage home facade - new build

Feature build: Contemporary style in the heart of historic Morpeth

Super Admin

Just a stone’s throw from Maitland, you’ll find the historic township of Morpeth – and if you travel down the main road of Swan Street, you just might spot the proud homeowners of a new country minimalist styled house enjoying a cuppa on their front porch. Taking advantage of our building service – bringing their own plans – they’ve been able to build a dream home keeping in character with its surrounding heritage while creating a modern interior to ensure comfortable year-round living. We took a tour of their home and they shared the vision that inspired the design…

Morpeth has a rich history and is set in beautiful location by the Hunter River. What first drew you to the area and what do you love most about living in Morpeth?

We have both lived in the Maitland area all our lives. We have always thought Morpeth is very scenic and has so much history.

We enjoy Morpeth’s close proximity to everything and that it has a strong heritage feel with all the old buildings and beautiful old trees.

It’s great to be able to walk to all the shops, parks and the wharf. 

In an historic town like Morpeth there are going to be regulations about the house design to be sympathetic to the local character. How did this effect the choices you made about the overall design and finishes? 

We wanted our house to fit in with the houses at Morpeth and also stand out at the same time.

There were a lot of regulations we had to follow when designing our house. We engaged Agcad Design for this process as they are used to designing houses in the heritage areas of Maitland and also working with council.

We had to consider things such as the pitch and colour of the roof, the material for the outside of the house and the setback and size of the house.

wooden floor lounge room
outdoor dining table on alfresco deck
Aerial view of historic Morpeth and Hunter River in New South Wales

Your home is the perfect blend of heritage and contemporary design to create a country minimalist style. What were the essential features you wanted to include in the house plan?

We wanted our house to be a good size family home with 4 bedrooms, 2 living areas, 2.5 bathrooms and a double garage with workshop.

The house had to be striking from the street with lots of Morpeth charm and have a contemporary look from the back of the house.

Anthony from Agcad Design met our request with a beautiful design we loved.

living room with wooden floor boards

The other striking aspect of your home is the abundance of light and space. While the exterior says cosy cottage the modern interior is bright and spacious. The open-planned living room is expansive with its raked skillion ceiling and well positioned windows. Can you tell us about your vision for this main living area?

We wanted the best of both worlds. The front half of the house has a heritage feel with big bedrooms, high ceilings and spotted gum floorboards.

You then step down to the second half of the house where our main living area is. It has a dramatic raked ceiling and a contemporary feel with big windows and glass doors overlooking farmland.

We wanted this part of the house to have a different feel from the front half of the house but at the same time feel connected and have a seamless flow throughout.

white skaka styled kitchen
fire pit in back yard of with sandstone blocks

It’s a dream kitchen with the butler’s pantry, plenty of storage and wide stone bench tops. You’ve obviously factored in catering for large gatherings of family and friends.

We wanted a big kitchen with a timeless design. There is plenty of space and storage for us all and works very well for the family.

You’ve got plenty of outdoor spaces from the small deck at the side, the classic front porch, and a fabulous covered deck for entertaining and enjoying the river view. Plus there’s the fire-pit. Creating a variety of outdoor zones is like having extra rooms. Do you find yourself making good use of these different areas? 

We really like our different outdoor areas and have used them all. The front porch is great for watching the world go by. The deck at the side has a beautiful view of an old fig tree making it a perfect coffee spot and the back deck is used for bigger family gatherings. The fire-pit with sandstone seating has been used as well!

The finishes are stunning from the timber floorboards and cabinetry right up to the New York cornices. You must be really happy with the quality of the craftsmanship. How important was craftsmanship in the build and direction of the interior design?

The quality of the craftsmanship was important to us and we feel that we have achieved a high quality home.

We wanted to use high quality materials throughout such as the spotted gum floorboards, wide heritage skirting and the detailed cornices.

living area with wooden floor boards

Choosing the right new home builder to build your dream home is crucial. Describe your experience building with the Valley Homes team.

At the start of our building process we worked with Kaye to make our initial selections for the detailed quote we received. She was extremely helpful and attentive.

 Our supervisor Troy was very diligent in his job and great at communicating. He worked with us to fix any problems that arose along the way.

 The quality of tradespeople they use is high and the job was completed on time and on budget.

 All Valley Homes staff were helpful and honest from start to finish.

Would you recommend Valley Homes and what would you say to anyone thinking about building their dream home with us?

We would recommend Valley Homes because the process was overall a positive one for us.

Our message to people thinking of building with Valley Homes is that they are open with their communication, honest, and finish the job on time and on budget. They build high quality homes for a reasonable price.


There are many construction companies and house builders to choose from around the Hunter Valley but it’s always reassuring to be guided by the recommendation of a new home owner who’s had a positive experience with a local Maitland builder. Valley Homes can offer a wealth of house plans or custom home design to help you build a dream home. Whether it’s a contemporary or heritage home you desire, our experienced team can match your vision and your budget so contact us today.


Valley Homes Duplex

Size matters: duplex, triplex, apartments, single or two story?

Super Admin

The demand for diverse and affordable housing in the Newcastle region brings increased opportunities for investment in multi-unit development. By choosing to sub-divide your block of land and build multiple dwellings you add value to that land. Everyone needs a place to live so building affordable units in a suburb zoned for multi-unit development is a win-win. 

Whether to build a duplex, triplex, townhouses or an apartment block that’s single or double story (or more!), will be determined by a multitude of factors: the size of your block of land, the council regulations, the amount of finance you can secure and most importantly the property development strategy that meets your investment goals. So, if multi-unit development is something you’re keen to pursue, read on.

Valley Homes townhouse development Wallsend
Valley Homes townhouse development Wallsend kitchen

Finance and investment strategy go hand in hand

When considering a multi-unit development, a good place to start is to ask yourself what sort of return you want on your investment. You also need to determine your long and short term goals. 

Building with the intention of renting out units will provide rental income to cover the majority, or possibly all, of your outgoing costs. There are also potential tax benefits to renting out units. Various expenses can be claimed from maintenance and property management fees to property depreciation and insurances. Renting out units can be a great long term plan but it is a huge and ongoing responsibility. If you don’t want the commitment of being a landlord then your objective will be to sell all units after construction in order to turn a profit.

Naturally there’s always the middle ground of keeping one unit to rent and then sell the rest. As stated, a tenanted property can often pay for itself. You may even decide to keep one to live in.  Some families also find that building multiple dwellings on their block of land is a great way to enjoy cross-generational living. With grandparents in an adjoining townhouse or duplex it’s a multi-unit development that combines lifestyle and investment.

It’s important to be aware of the process to sub-divide your block of land and secure a separate title for each lot. This extensive and complex procedure precedes the build of your multi-unit development. Involving council, surveyors and solicitors makes it a lengthy procedure to factor into your project timeframe.

Finance: what else to consider

When making an application to finance your multi-unit development remember banks will only fund a proportion of the end value of the project and some may actually want 100 per cent of your multi-unit development sold in advance. Therefore, you need to have contracts locked in before the bank will give you any money.

It’s also important to factor in funds for infrastructure, including surveys, road works, and connecting power to the lot. Generally banks will not lend you the money for these necessities. As with any property development strategy it’s crucial to include a financial buffer.

Multiple dwelling project builder
Best Home Builders Hunter Valley
duplex fingal bay valley homes port stephens builder

How many and what types of units?

First time investors are wise to curb their ambition and start with a modest multi-unit development in order to gain the confidence of their lender. With regard to finance it’s worth noting that a track record of having done any previous development will certainly help secure the necessary funds. By having completed a substantial renovation or a simple subdivision you’ll have some experience to show to your financier.

Across Newcastle there are many large blocks of land zoned as ‘medium density residential’ where building multiple dwellings is not only appropriate but encouraged. Even a block of land in suburbs zoned as ‘low density’ is perfectly suited to smaller developments such as dual occupancy. 

Factors such as council regulations, the size of the block of land,  site orientation and shadowing on neighbouring properties, space for vehicles and the slope of the land will also determine council approval on the height and size of your duplex or townhouses.

There are also plenty of opportunities for the more ambitious new suburb builder. Both new and experienced developers are investing in building multiple dwellings in new housing developments in Newcastle and throughout the Hunter.  

For those who take the time to thoroughly research the market and their chosen area to build as well as enlist the support of an experienced builder, anything’s possible.

Choose an experienced development builder

There are plenty of construction companies who can build your multi-unit development but it’s advantageous to choose one that has years of building experience and is familiar with the relevant council regulations

With over fifty years experience,Valley Homes’ has an established reputation as one of the top construction companies in Newcastle and the Hunter. We are the Newcastle builder to take you through the whole process from planning to completion of the build which is a huge advantage for first time builders as well as experienced developers. For those who already have plans of their own Valley Homes can also assist with pricing your designer’s work. Whether it’s your design or ours, we love creating multi-unit developments that satisfy the dreams and financial goals of our clients.

Adamstown multi unit development Valley Homes
Konara duplex design Hunter Valley Newcastle homes investment builder

Don’t leave the process to chance, choose a builder with solid experience

For all of these reasons, experienced and novice property developers alike choose to work with Valley Homes. Why struggle to manage a project alone when you can take advantage of the expertise of the company that’s been building in Maitland and Hunter Valley for over 50 years? It’s what we love to do. Call us today.


Hamptions style new home facade

Feature build: Creating a modern country home

Super Admin

This month we are delighted to showcase, 36 Vista Parade, a stunning Hunter Valley property evoking the timelessness of a classic country home with fresh contemporary living. We spoke with the proud owners Kathy and Peter about the inspiration for the overall heritage style and how they found the right builder to custom design their ideal home.

Describe your overall vision for the project. Was this the result of your vision for the work, the Valley Homes designers, or a team effort?

In building our new home, we had a clear vision of creating a place where our family and friends could gather, and feel relaxed and ‘at home’. We wanted to achieve an open plan with large spaces, especially for the living and dining areas, but also incorporate a sense of cosiness. Although we had a basic floor-plan to work with, the very talented Stef at Valley Homes helped us achieve a design that ticked all our boxes.

wooden dining table

There’s so much to love about the interior design: clean lines and a contemporary feel is combined with the warmth of leather and timbers as well as an an eclectic mix of furniture and French doors with textured glass. There’s a consistent theme throughout and  you’ve made it distinctly your own. The colour palette includes a choice of feature colours for example on the chimney breast and in the entertainment room that make a statement in keeping with the overall theme.
The timber floors and cabinetry have beautiful finishes. How important was craftsmanship in the build and direction of the interior design?

We wanted to achieve a ‘modern country’ farmhouse feel with our interior design. A lot of our furniture comprises antique Australian pieces which we have collected and restored over many years. We love the warmth of Australian timbers and the texture and colour of stone, so the colour palette evolved around these elements. The craftsmanship of the stonework around our fireplace and in our beautiful Australian Blackbutt flooring was central to achieving the look and feel we were after.

You’ve included all the essential features of a classic country kitchen: shaker-styled cabinetry, feature tile splash back, Belfast sink and large timber dining table. Homestead chic works well in this open-planned living area, the style is both effortless and welcoming making it feel like the heart of the home. How much was this part of your vision for your home? Tell us more about the kitchen design process.

Our kitchen has always been an important gathering place for our family. After much searching we found our characterful dining table, which was originally a work table on a dairy farm and dates to the late 1800s. It has its own unique story, and has now become the place where our stories are told. We wanted to create a functional, spacious area which was contemporary and easy to work in, but also had a nod to the historic past with finishes like the ‘pressed metal’ look of our splash-back tiles.

The floor tiles in the bathrooms and laundry are variations of the same pattern. Did you source the tiles yourself or through one of the Valley Homes suppliers? How difficult was it to choose your finishes and fixtures throughout?

A lot of thought went into our tile selection! Trying to find tiles that were going to be as timeless as possible and fit with the theme and colour scheme was probably one of the hardest decisions we had to make! Encaustic tiles have definitely withstood the test of time, and also fitted into the country home theme. Wherever we could, we tried to use Australian made products and these gorgeous encaustic ‘look’ tiles were made by a tile manufacturer in Victoria. Belinda at Hunter Valley Tile Mart was able to get samples for us and helped with our final selections.

You must love the view from the back deck out over the water. Was this one of the reasons you chose to build in this location of East Maitland? Were there any other factors that attracted you here?

We absolutely love where we live! We lived on the other side of Rathluba Lagoon for 26 years, so we haven’t moved far, and really appreciate our water and farmland views. Besides our furniture, the country style of our house was largely influenced by the fact that we have built on what was, until not long ago, a family farm.

The alfresco entertainment area is generous and well planned with the ceiling fan, overhead heating and the pull-down screens – such a fabulous idea! Explain more about your vision for this.

One of the ‘must-haves’ for our new home was an outdoor area that flowed easily from the indoor space, and could be part of a large enclosed area once our sliding doors were fully opened. The outdoor blinds, fan and heaters are there so that we can either enclose the area or open it all up depending the weather, and be able to use it all year around.

back garden with fire pit
back yard with large garden shed

The herb garden adds to the country cottage theme and the rear garden also includes recycled timbers and sandstone that create a heritage feel. Can you tell us a little more about this space and what you’re growing?

We’ve always loved having a garden so that we can have flowers in the house and fresh herbs for cooking. The rusty metal edging, recycled timber posts and sleepers, as well as the sandstone were chosen to give a rustic feel to the outdoor space, and to continue the theme from inside. The stonework around our fireplace and the recycled railway sleeper that is our mantle were part of the inspiration for the landscaping choices.

Is that a granny flat, summer house or shed in the backyard? Tell us more about this feature and how it will be used.

Our little shed in the backyard is actually a workshop! We wanted it to look like it belonged there, so had it constructed to match the house. The roofer had the challenge of positioning our old weather vane perfectly on its roof!

What is your favourite feature of the house?

We really love our fireplace and sitting area. It’s a part of our house that always feels inviting, and is a great spot to sit and relax.

close up of cosy fireplace

Describe your experience working with the Valley Homes team.

To achieve the vision we had for our new home, it was obvious to us after looking at lots of plans and project homes, that we would need a custom builder. Valley Homes offered the design service that we needed to tweak our plans, and to help us incorporate the features we wanted within our budget. Attention to detail and flexibility were really important to us, and Valley Homes were able to provide these for us.

Would you recommend Valley Homes and what would you say to anyone thinking about building their dream home with them?

We are really happy with design and build quality of our home. Valley Homes were able to make our dream home a reality. Building a new home is never without some challenges, however with collaboration and a builder who is flexible, it is possible to create something truly unique and special.


Build your home with us

If you’re looking for custom home design Valley Homes is the Maitland home builder to offer the expertise and craftsmanship required to make your new build the country home you’ve been dreaming of. Call us today.


Build the good life in Maitland

Super Admin

Maitland in the NSW Hunter Valley is a vibrant and growing city with a huge heart situated on Wonnarua country. With a growing population and increased public and private investment, now is a great time to make a tree change and be a part of that growth. Maitland can be an affordable and easy choice for any family or first-time buyer looking for a block of land to build their dream home.

Hamptions style new home facade

Well connected

When you’re living in Maitland you’re never far from wherever you need to be and the great news is, you don’t have to endure city traffic. Maitland has always been well connected since the early 1800s when the Hunter River was a crucial trade and transport link. These days you’re more likely to see kayaking or paddle boarding on the Hunter while trains and buses provide easy and reliable travel. By car, Newcastle and its airport are 30 mins away, Sydney is only 2hrs down the M1 Freeway and the Hunter Expressway provides easy access to the vineyards.

Well serviced

Families are especially lured to Maitland with the abundance of choice when it comes to learning and education as well as plenty of sports grounds and aquatic centres for active kids and grown-ups. The shared pathway along the Hunter is another way to enjoy the outdoors.

There are also great healthcare facilities with the new Maitland Hospital and Maitland Private Hospital as well as the Lower Hunter Community Health Service and other healthcare providers.

Cultural riches

Steeped in its colonial heritage, Maitland boasts architectural beauty throughout its historic city centre and nearby suburbs such as Morpeth, Lorn and Bolwarra where you’ll find magnificent examples of Victoria and Georgian buildings as well as Art Deco design. 

Maitland also a thriving business hub, and The Levee precinct has a huge variety of speciality shops, eateries and services as well as being home to the best art gallery in the region. Maitland Regional Art Gallery’s exhibitions and programs are welcoming and inclusive so whether you’re an artist, an art expert or novice you’ll find something of interest.

And Maitland knows how to have fun with festivals galore to keep things interesting. From beer at the ‘Bitter and Twisted’ or the ‘Bar and BBQ’ Festival, to coffee and chocolate at the Aroma Festival as well as multicultural diversity at Riverlights and the infamous Steamfest, attracting hoards of train and vintage enthusiasts from near and far.

Images credit: Maitland City Council

Heritage home facade - new build

Image credit: Maitland City Council

Get to know the suburbs

The Maitland region extends from Woodberry in the East to Lochinvar in the West and in-between there are over 50 suburbs to suit every budget and lifestyle.

If you’re looking for a complete breath of fresh air Lochinvar and Farley are great places to buy a block of land. Now is a great time to make the most of what’s on offer to build your own home.

Close to Heddon Greta and its historic drive-in is Cliftleigh, only a 10 minute drive from Maitland and with easy access to the Hunter Expressway. This area is great option for first time buyers to build a new home. 

Tenambit and family friendly Chisolm are suburbs that are also experiencing growth and if you’re looking for a block of land, you’ll find a huge variety to choose from. 

Greenhills boasts a huge shopping precinct and nearby it’s still possible to find a block of land in East Maitland and Ashtonfield. Family friendly Metford and Thornton on the East side of Maitland are also popular with easy access to Newcastle.

Build with the best in Maitland

With every good reason to build a new home in Maitland, choose a reliable builder you can trust to help create your dream home. It’s important to find a builder who is well established and has developed local supplier relationships. This is especially crucial while the building industry is experiencing supply challenges and disruptions due to both local and global issues. Working with local suppliers reduces transport costs and risks associated with long haul freight. It also helps support and build the local economy. Supporting the locals is a big factor in Maitland where community is everything.

If you were to walk around Maitland and ask for word-of-mouth recommendations for a Maitland Home Builder, Valley Homes would be the name you’d hear. Not only has Valley Homes been building in Maitland and the Hunter Valley for over 50 years, we also proudly support local trades and have well established supplier relationships. The reviews from our happy customers say it all.

So, you can see why living in Maitland is such a great option to build a new home for established and first time buyers alike. Valley Homes is your expert Maitland Home Builder committed to excellence in design and service, get in touch with us today.

Cover image credit: NSW Government