Shoreline Villas in the Limelight

Riding high on their win at the 2024 Hunter awards with the multi unit development Shoreline Villas, Valley Homes was proud to be announced as a finalist in the 2025 National  HIA Awards. Rich Harold from Valley Homes recently attended the conference and awards night in Melbourne and was honoured to represent the Hunter region in the Townhouse Villa Development category. Although they didn’t win, Rich said it was a humbling experience for Valley Homes to be recognised amongst such highly esteemed builders on the National stage.

A winning development team

With over 50 years of experience developing, owning and managing properties the Sheargold vision is people-centred and their values focus on delivering with integrity and creating the future.

Sydney-based Sheargold understands that ‘local knowledge is often best knowledge’, so multi-unit builder Valley Homes was their preferred Tea Gardens builder. Their shared philosophies and values about first rate design, construction and craftsmanship ensured the Shoreline Villa units were snapped up early by those in search of quality designed dwellings. 

Your Hunter Valley Multi Unit Builder

For any large scale developer keen to source a range of multiple dwelling development designs to inspire, look no further than Valley Homes’ diverse portfolio. Shoreline Villas is a great example of Valley Homes’ building expertise and award winning excellence but there’s also the stunning Tallowood Medowie, as well as quality housing projects such as DHA Wirraway Estate. 

When it comes to building an investment property in Port Stephens or Tea Gardens  contact reputable Port Stephens builder and  HIA-CSR award winners, Valley Homes.

The appeal of two separate homes

Across NSW, councils are increasing the density of residential areas through the development of additional dwellings on existing properties. A relatively low risk development, the detached dual occupancy is ideal for a range of developers from experienced investors to owner-occupiers and even first homebuyers. There are more costs involved when compared to a standard attached dual occupancy (duplex) however for the investor, it’s important to remember that a detached dual occupancy often provides better resale value.

The return on investment is almost guaranteed in the current housing market as the detached dual occupancy dwelling makes an affordable home for first time buyers or those keen to downsize. The added appeal for buyers is the low maintenance of these smaller properties.

Detached dual occupancies are a flexible option, as they allow for subdivision into separate titles, offering greater opportunities for long-term asset management with the option of renting one property while living in the other.

Dual occupancies also make intergenerational living possible and are ideal for families with aging parents or adult children. It’s a design that allows you to enjoy living in close proximity while creating plenty of space in your ‘togetherness’.

Corner block advantages

A detached dual occupancy is the perfect property development for maximising the value of a corner block. Council requires dual frontage for detached dual occupancy designs on corner blocks so each house has its own street frontage. 

Some new estates allow detached dual occupancies on corner blocks only so it’s best to engage an experienced builder like Valley Homes, or a town planner at council to confirm zoning and possible covenant to determine if detached dual occupancies are permissible on the block of land in question. 

Suitable land for a detached dual occupancy investment property can be found in suburbs of growth around the Hunter Valley such as Heddon Greta, Lochinvar and Farley.

We’re ready when you are

As a recognised and respected Maitland builder with a thorough understanding of local council regulations, it’s no surprise that we have a number of detached dual occupancy projects presently under construction in the suburbs of Lochinvar, Heddon Greta, Farley. 

If you’re eager to build a detached dual occupancy home as part of your property investment plan, Valley Homes is the Hunter Valley builder to guide you from concept through to completion. Call us today.

Salt Ash and Bob’s Farm 

Only an hour from Newcastle, Port Stephens is renowned for its spectacular sand dunes and stunning coastline. Located on the main road between Newcastle and Nelson Bay are the peaceful areas of Salt Ash and Bob’s Farm. These suburbs of Port Stephens are home to working farms and vineyards so the area is often referred to as ‘the food bowl of the peninsula’.

There’s an abundance of activities and swathes of natural beauty to enjoy nearby. On the coastal side of Salt Ash and Bob’s Farm, Worimi National Park is where you can enjoy whale watching, fishing and beach driving. Inland on the north west sits the Tilligerry National Park covering the north shore of Tilligerry Creek. If you’re quiet enough you can spot birdlife and koalas along these walking tracks. 

Choosing an acreage block in either Salt Ash or Bob’s Farm means you’re a mere 10 minute drive to Anna Bay and Boat Harbour for snorkelling and swimming in pristine beaches. The slice of paradise that is Birubi Beach can be found here too with its vast expanse of sand dunes spreading southwards. The wide vista enjoyed from the beach cafe leaves a lasting impression. Another ten minutes further along the road, you can be surfing the waves of beautiful One Mile Beach. Every day feels like holiday living.

Medowie

Medowie offers the perfect blend of rural living and convenience. Just half an hour from Newcastle,15 minutes from Raymond Terrace and 20 minutes to the Tomaree Peninsula, you have the perfect balance of a dream lifestyle with close access to key employment areas. Choosing an acreage block in Medowie will allow you to make an easy commute and with Newcastle airport at Williamtown, only 8 minutes away, you can make interstate flights with ease. 

The fast growing township of Medowie is surrounded by rural properties and growers such as Medowie Macadamias and The Little Tin Shed, famous for their flowers. Medowie provides a wide range of local community and sporting facilities perfect for every age range. 

Choosing your Port Stephens builder

If you like the sound of country coastal style for your new home construction, the suburbs of Port Stephens are great places to consider. You’ll want to choose a Port Stephens acreage builder with plenty of local knowledge and experience with council regulations – with over 50 years in the construction industry, Valley Homes is the Port Stephens builder you can trust to transform your acreage house plans into your dream home. Call us today.

Maximising light and space

It’s evident that it’s all about light and space when you enter this home.

The wide frame double-hung windows to the front façade allow for an abundance of light to flood into the home and the choice of plantation shutters creates a stylish and clean finish while allowing the amount of sunlight to be controlled.

With the inclusion of three skylights in the living area as well as internal French doors, light streams in ensuring sunny vibes even on the cloudiest of days. 

How to find the right builder for you

When our clients first considered a builder for this particular project they were looking for a team who could work with the architectural drawings they had prepared. It was Valley Homes’ reputation and decades long experience that drew them in. Having been owner-builders themselves their expectations were high – but also met. All work was completed to the highest standard.

“With over 50 years of experience in the Hunter region, their team of skilled staff and tradespeople brought a level of expertise and craftsmanship that truly impressed us. 

From the very beginning, Valley Homes demonstrated exceptional attention to detail, ensuring our vision was brought to life exactly as we had imagined. Having previously built as owner-builders, we were hoping for the same level of involvement and care in this process – and Valley Homes delivered. Their accommodating attitude toward any changes along the way made the experience seamless and stress-free.”

A local builder you can trust to bring your dream to life

At Valley Homes we pride ourselves on getting it right.  As a reputable builder, excellence in all we do and clear communication are our top goals. 

“We highly recommend Valley Homes to anyone looking for a quality builder who listens, collaborates, and brings visions to life with professionalism and skill.”

We’re proud to be recommended by our clients and look forward to building more custom dream homes in Maitland, Newcastle, Port Stephens and the Hunter. If you’ve got ready-drawn plans or simply a wealth of ideas for your new build, call the Valley Homes team today and let us help make your dream a reality.

Largs living

Resale value and target buyer market meant that location was a determining factor for our client to ensure return on investment. On the rural fringe and only a five minute drive into Maitland, Largs (named after the Scottish town, Largs) is an ideal location for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle. Along with adjacent Bolwarra, these were originally amongst the oldest suburbs in the Hunter as evidenced by some of the heritage homes within the area. The Largs school was established in 1838 and has been in continuous operation since then. This is now a growing suburb and a great spot to consider a property investment, either as part of a retirement plan or to build an investment such as a dual occupancy to then sell or rent for a good return on investment.

Stay connected in your retirement

It’s no surprise that both investors and retirees are looking at Maitland as the ideal location for property development. With its strong sense of community, the Maitland area is recognised as a great place to retire. It’s well serviced with a hospital, bus and train connections, recreational facilities including tennis and bowls clubs as well as cultural delights on offer through Maitland Regional Art Gallery and Maitland Repertory Theatre. Amongst heritage buildings and stunning architecture are a wealth of shops, cafes and eateries. For those looking for a slower pace than Sydney or Newcastle, Maitland offers a country vibe with all the conveniences of a large town.

Photo: Vaida Savickaite

Valley Homes, your Maitland Builder

Having worked in the region for five decades, Maitland builder, Valley Homes, has built strong relationships with local suppliers and has an excellent understanding of Maitland council regulations. If you’re looking for a Hunter Valley Builder with the expertise to take your plans to build a duplex from conception to completion, get in touch with Valley Homes today.

Colour your world

“In 2025, everyone will let their inner child shine,” Pinterest Predicts boldly states. In the exciting world of colour, interior design trends cater for all tastes, whether your inner child is playful or sophisticated. With primary colours in the spotlight, ‘dopamine decor’ means those on a budget can make clever use of bold paint colours to allow under-appreciated items such as bookcases, stands or lampshades to really pop. A great way to give yourself a dopamine hit and recharge your positivity.

Image credit: Kensington Leverne. Design by Stephanie Barba Mendoza

Multi generational living

One of the growing 2025 building trends is multi generational living. While increased cost of living demands as well as the housing crisis has young adults staying at home longer, there also continues to be a need to provide thoughtful and practical solutions for aging relatives. As a result, more families are choosing to live together. But ‘spaces in our togetherness’ is the secret to maintaining household harmony. The solution lies in custom home design featuring dual master suites, additional living quarters and separate entrances. The duplex also lends itself to multigenerational living making it a worthwhile consideration for those investing in property or keen to build a new home to accommodate extended family.

Invest in your property building dreams

The start of any year is always an exciting time for setting your aspirations and financial goals. If 2025 is your year to build an investment property or build your custom home design then your next step is to find a trustworthy Hunter Valley builder. Valley Homes has the expertise and customer support to guide you every step of the way – contact us about building your new home or investment property.

5. Solving the land shortage dilemma with custom duplex design

To combat concerns about land shortage for property investment in the Hunter Valley, this article explored the idea of increasing land value by choosing to build a duplex. Custom duplex design allows the duplex builder to maximise the potential of their block of land or take advantage of the less popular, small or odd-shaped block of land.

We also highlighted Hunter Valley locations such as Lochinvar, Farley and Gillieston Heights for property development consideration.

Drum roll now please, for our most popular 2024 article, the one that had readers buzzing …

What are your plans for the festive season?

Valley Homes has over 50 years of experience in the construction industry and has become the name to trust in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley.  Whether you’re a home builder eager to create your first dream home or a developer with your sights on a property development, let us help you reach your goals. Contact us today. 

We’ll be closed from Monday 23 December 2024, returning Monday 13 January 2025.

1. Who is responsible for the maintenance of a new home build? 

The upkeep of a new home is entirely the new home owner’s responsibility and this goes beyond regular tasks such as mowing the lawns and washing the floors. It’s important to make relevant seasonal and annual checks of your property and your appliances. 

We also recommend that you take the time to read the manuals that come with your appliances. A simple tip for organising and maintaining a newly built home is to keep a folder for the manuals of all your new appliances to ensure essential information is easy to access.

8. Are emergency repairs covered? 

• The builder must always be notified before any works are carried out. The warranty does not cover emergencies caused by occupier damage.
• If an emergency occurs on a weekend and is covered under warranty, the builder will require full documentation (photos and invoice) for reimbursement providing the owner cannot engage the builder. The weekend emergency repairs must be carried out by a licensed contractor.

Confidence guaranteed: feel free to ask us more

Valley Homes is the Maitland builder with extensive industry experience and long-standing supplier connections. We value quality and durability. Our new home build warranty ensures client’s confidence in our craftsmanship and their new home appliances. We’re here to support clients and that’s why we offer comprehensive homeowners warranty inclusions. 

If you need to know more or you have another question not covered here, don’t hesitate to call us today, the friendly team at Valley Homes is always here to help.

Industry recognition

The HIA awards give home builders and designers a unique opportunity to be recognised while showcasing their work to the broader building industry. To have the stylish multi unit Shoreline Villas placed amongst the Hunter’s most celebrated architecture and design is great validation for the teams of both Sheargold and Valley Homes. Shoreline Villas won not one, but three categories it was nominated in:

• Townhouse/Villa of the year 
• Townhouse/Villa Development of the year 
• Townhouse/Villa Development over 5 dwellings of the year

Dynamic development duo 

Sheargold brings over 50 years of experience developing, owning and managing properties across all sectors with the purpose of creating inspiring spaces, whether these be new communities, homes or workplaces. The Sheargold vision is people-centred and their values focus on delivering with integrity and creating the future.

Sydney-based, Sheargold have an understanding that ‘local knowledge is often best knowledge’, which is why they chose custom design builder, Valley Homes as their Tea Gardens builder. Their shared philosophies and values about first rate design, construction and craftsmanship have made them a winning team. It’s also the reason why the units in this development were snapped up early by the many savvy investors who recognised the value of these quality designed dwellings. 

Your Port Stephens and Tea Gardens multi unit builder 

Shoreline Villas is a showcase of Valley Homes’ building excellence as a deserving award winner. For any large scale developers keen to source a range of multiple dwelling development designs to inspire, look no further than Valley Homes’ diverse portfolio. It includes the stunning Tallowood Medowie, and quality housing projects such as DHA Wirraway Estate. 

If you have your sights set on building an investment property In Port Stephens or Tea Gardens contact the most experienced and reliable Port Stephens builder, Valley Homes. 

Good things come in small parcels

There’s an assumption that a large block is required to accommodate the many rooms and living spaces of the family home. A small block has people imagining the addition of another floor sending costs skyrocketing. This is where small block home designs offer a compact solution. With councils across Newcastle and the Hunter Valley addressing the housing shortage and planning for medium density growth, there are plenty of architects offering innovative custom designs to fit a variety of lot sizes.

Of course, architecturally drawn plans don’t match the budget of every home builder and that’s where pre-designed home plans are perfect. Hunter Valley builder, Valley Homes has created a suite of stylish and practical small block home designs that make it possible to build a three or four bedroom home with plenty of living space for all. 

The Carrington

The Carrington is the largest of the Urban Series at 244.03 m2 and with four bedrooms including master bedroom and ensuite; it’s a great family home. The open plan kitchen includes a walk-in pantry and island bench, dining and family area. It’s easy to envisage this space as the hub and heart of the home. What’s more, it opens out to a generous alfresco area, perfect for entertaining. And if it all gets too much, there’s a separate living room at the other end of the house, perfect for a quiet retreat. The Carrington also provides plenty of storage with built-in robes in every bedroom and laundry with a cupboard big enough to store everything from the vacuum cleaner to the household linen. 

The Victoria

At a compact 215.47 m2, The Victoria is the perfect size for first time home builders or for those looking to downsize. It’s a pint-sized gem that includes everything you need with three bedrooms, a good size open plan kitchen, dining and family area opening out to a compact corner alfresco. There’s also a side door from the laundry.

This design creates added privacy with an additional living room, master bedroom and ensuite separate from the other two bedrooms and the open plan living space. It’s easy to imagine a parents’ retreat at one end of the house while the teenagers enjoy the other. So too, for those retirees who opt for this design, the layout lends itself for having guests or grandchildren to stay over. 

Build your home with an experienced Hunter Valley Builder

If you’re looking to partner with a reputable Hunter Valley builder to build an affordable family home call Valley Homes. Our Urban Series small block home designs can be modified to suit your particular needs and desires. Let us help you create the perfect home.

Take a detour off the Pacific Highway

Those in a rush to drive north on the Pacific Highway could so easily miss the natural delights of the MidCoast.That’s probably a good thing for residents currently enjoying this little piece of paradise. While it’s a busy area in the holiday season, it’s an idyllic place to make home and the reason why the MidCoast is a popular location with retirees from the Central Coast and Sydney. It has everything you need for a healthy lifestyle. 

Only two and a half hours up the Pacific Highway from Newcastle, the MidCoast local government area includes the relaxed seaside towns of Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest, all within reach of the beautiful Myall Lakes. The area boasts easy access to essential services in nearby Taree including the Sydney to Brisbane rail line, Taree Regional Airport, Manning Hospital as well as sporting, entertainment and cultural facilities. 

Investment opportunity awaits

The MidCoast council recognises that a wide variety of housing is required to meet the diverse needs of its MidCoast residents. If your investment strategy includes dual occupancy, secondary dwellings (granny flats) and residential developments, the MidCoast is a great place to consider for a property investment opportunity.

That’s why boutique property developers and investors, Sheargold, have chosen to build their Parry’s Cove development in the MidCoast township of Tea Gardens-Hawks Nest.

Creating inspiring spaces

Sheargold have developed, owned and managed property across all sectors for over 50 years. Their values focus on delivering with integrity and ‘creating the future’ so it’s no surprise that Sheargold are UDIA (Urban Development Institute of Australia) award winning developers. Sheargold’s vision is people-centred and Parry’s Cove residential project is a great example of this.

Builder of choice

With quality construction and craftsmanship in mind, Sheargold recently partnered with Valley Homes, having successfully collaborated on the Shoreline Villas development. Valley Homes  hope to team up again to deliver homes that demonstrate quality and attention to detail.

Whether you’re looking for a Hawks Nest or a Tea Gardens builder to construct your property development or build a new home, Valley Homes is here to help you realise your goals. Call us today.

Why Newy?

Newcastle is the coastal gem that has it all: long sandy beaches, great surf, a world-class university, thriving music and arts scene, and facilities for every sports passion. The weekly Farmer’s Markets, diverse eateries, coffee, breweries and distilleries make it a ‘foodie heaven’. It’s only two hours by car to Sydney and in under an hour the Hunter Expressway has you in Hunter Valley wineries and stunning countryside. Newcastle offers a relaxed way of life with something for everyone making it a great place to consider a property investment.

Green lights for construction in Newcastle

Investors and developers keen to build a multi-unit development in Newcastle will be encouraged to know that Newcastle recorded the third highest number of building approvals for new dwellings in NSW this financial year. Council’s Accelerated Development Application pathway fast tracked more than 20 per cent of the city’s $1.5 billion development pipeline, determining the applications in less than 10 days, during the 2022/23 financial year.

The latest forecasts show the Newcastle local government area population set to increase by 41,150 residents to 202,050 by 2041, stimulating the demand for almost 20,000 new dwellings. City of Newcastle’s Planning and Environment Executive Director Michelle Bisson said CN is on track to meet its new housing targets. 

“CN has also been planning for future growth and higher densities to facilitate housing opportunities for our community through our work on the renewal corridors, Wickham Masterplan and currently through our collaboration with the Department of Planning on the Broadmeadow Place Strategy.”

Your property development in Newcastle 

As transformation continues in Newcastle there is a growing demand for multi unit projects. If you’re keen to find a builder in Newcastle look no further than Valley Homes. With over 50 years experience in the construction industry and a familiarity with the requirements of local council, Valley Homes is the Newcastle builder you can trust to ensure your property development goes to plan. Call us today.

Firstly, why the ban on Engineered Stone?

Rates of silicosis and silica-related diseases in Australian workers have risen substantially in recent years, with a disproportionate number of diagnoses in engineered stone workers. It was a lengthy and tireless campaign supported by doctors, trade unions and workers that highlighted the link between these severe illnesses and silica dust from the processing of engineered stone. With this evidence exposed the government introduced new regulations including banning the use of engineered stone to protect Australian workers from developing silicosis and other serious lung diseases.

Making the tough but necessary transition

Many engineered building products contain Crystalline silica, a naturally occurring mineral found in rocks, sand and clay, widely used in the creation of composite stone to fabricate bathroom benches and kitchen countertops since the 1960’s. Sounds versatile, right? The danger lies in the airborne dust released when materials or products containing silica are cut, sanded or drilled (think 100th the size of a grain of sand). This fine dust can be breathed in without even knowing. Depending on the length of exposure, health effects can include lung cancer and silicosis. For the protection of workers, massive change within the industry is imperative. From July 1st there will be appropriate exceptions for engineered stone products with negligible trace levels of crystalline silica (under 1%).

Trusted suppliers leading the charge on innovation

As they say, necessity is the mother of all invention – and industry leaders YDL Stone have been hard at work developing an innovative range that meets the strictest safety regulations without compromising on style. Thanks to their appealing colour range and competitive pricing YDL Stone has been one of Valley Homes’ trusted suppliers of low-silica engineered stone, most recently on the construction of Tallowood Medowie. 

YDL Stone’s commitment to transparency and compliance ensures that their stone products not only meet but exceed regulatory standards, setting a benchmark for sustainability in the industry. YDL Stone has been adapting to the challenges of the change in legislation and since before the announcement of the ban they’ve been making the transition from their low-silica engineered stone to their Crystalline silica-free range.

We’re here to guide you through the change

The engineered stone ban in Australia has brought much needed change to the industry but it will require a period of adjustment. During such times you need the assurance of an experienced builder to help you navigate the changes that apply to your project. Whether your next build is a multi-unit development or your dream home Valley Homes has over 50 years of design and craftsmanship to offer. Build with confidence – call us today.

Images courtesy of YDL Stone | Instagram: @ydlstoneau

What is passive home design and how can it be applied to my home design?

In a nutshell, passive home design reduces or eliminates the need for additional heating or cooling. Considering that approximately 40% of household energy is used for heating and cooling it’s definitely advantageous to understand and utilise these principles, especially when energy prices are painfully high.

Passive home design principles include: design for climate, orientation, passive heating, passive cooling, thermal mass, ventilation and airtightness, shading and insulation. The more effectively these principles are factored into your new house design, the more you can guarantee yourself an

Design for climate means that your home is designed to keep you at a comfortable temperature throughout the year, based on where you live. Australia has eight climate zones, defined by the National Construction Code (NCC). Each climate zone has different design and construction requirements. The Newcastle and Maitland region is located within Zone 5: Warm temperate. The main aims in this zone are to reduce the need for cooling in summer and heating in winter. 

One of the best ways to achieve this is through orientation. By positioning your house on your block so that the living areas face north you can take advantage of the solar warmth especially in the winter. Capturing this heat is the next important step and this can be achieved by ensuring your house design includes a thermal mass to absorb that winter sun. A polished concrete floor or a tiled living area is ideal for retaining that heat which can then be released after the sun has disappeared. So too, a brick or tiled outdoor entertainment area can also be used as a thermal mass releasing heat when you’re enjoying an evening al fresco meal. 

Star rated windows and doors as well as effective insulation ensure airtightness because once you’ve effectively warmed your home, you want it to keep in the heat.

In the summer months you’ll be relying on effective use of cross ventilation and shade to cool your home which is where passive home design is also effective.

The perfect combination: mix & match home design incorporating passive design principles for an energy efficient home.

Affordable architecture offered through the Valley Series mix & match design provides practical and effective floor plans as well as the option to individualise the look. By encouraging customers to choose front and rear facades to match any floor plan, Maitland builder, Valley Homes, makes it possible to create architecturally inspired homes at affordable prices that are also energy efficient. These designs all include cross breezes for good ventilation and cooling in summer months. 

Whether you choose a skillion or gabled roof, all of the Valley Series’ rear facades include deep eaves which is an integral aspect to passive home design principles. When they are north facing, the shade of these deep eaves will provide protection from the harsh summer sun thereby reducing cooling bills.

Floor plans to suit every lifestyle

With six four bedroom, two bathroom floor plans to choose from, the Valley Series has something for every budget from ‘The Compact’ at a total of 253.50 m2 to ‘The Executive’ or ‘The Sanctuary’ both at 293.45 m2.

Each of the Valley Series floor plans offers particular design features to appeal to specific needs. In addition to the large alfresco entertainment area off the living room, ‘The Entertainer’ includes a separate media room opening out to a private courtyard ensuring there’s plenty of options for large gatherings.

The Connoisseur caters for the amateur chef with a design that not only includes a generous sized kitchen with island bench and open planned dining area, but also a large kitchen servery. Perfect for sharing culinary creations. There’s a second living room and courtyard space for a more private al fresco experience. 

Planning for sustainable Winter living

The Valley Series’ intelligent home designs mean you don’t have to compromise on architectural aesthetics for functionality and energy efficiency. If you’re looking for a sustainable builder who can offer Hunter Valley house designs that incorporate passive home design, call Valley Homes today to start planning your new energy-efficient home.

The advantages of building a duplex

When it comes to property investment a duplex is a great option for both the experienced investor and the novice. It can double the equity of your property without doubling the investment cost and it gives you the choice to either rent out and benefit from the rental income or sell the properties for a quick and reliable return. A duplex also gives you the option of being a live-in investor. For strong returns at relatively low risk it’s definitely worth looking to build a duplex.

Where to build?

With our ageing population keen to downsize and young ones eager to own their own property, the demand for smaller, affordable homes in the Newcastle and the Hunter Valley region continues to grow increasing opportunities for the wise investor to build a duplex. But where are the best places of future growth for the duplex builder to consider for their property development?

LOCHINVAR

Close to the Hunter Valley wineries, and the olive groves of Lovedale and Rothbury, Lochinvar offers rural splendour within easy reach of country town convenience. With the New England highway as a main artery through Lochinvar it’s only a 10 minute drive into Maitland or 25 minutes in the opposite direction to Singleton. Its close proximity to the Hunter Expressway means you can also be in Newcastle within 45 mins. These options are great selling points for potential residents working in the region. Whether you choose to sell your property development in its entirety or you opt to rent out your duplex, a property investment in Lochinvar provides great opportunities.

FARLEY

Not far from Lochinvar is the growing township of Farley, another great spot to source a block of land. Farley has a semi-rural feel while offering the benefits of local shopping centres, homemaker outlets, quality schooling and recreation facilities in the nearby suburbs of Rutherford, Lochinvar and Maitland. It’s an affordable area for those stepping onto the property ladder so there would be no shortage of purchasers or renters interested in your property development.

GILLIESTON HEIGHTS

Once known as East Greta but renamed Gillieston Heights, in honour of former Maitland Mayor John Gillies, is a fast expanding suburb. Only 5kms from Maitland’s CBD, Gillieston Heights has experienced rapid population growth as part of Maitland City Council’s urban settlement strategy. With its Community Hub and family focus, growth is set to continue here ensuring a property investment in Gillieston Heights as a wise choice.

​​It’s not perfect but it might be the perfect block of land for you

Finding an affordable block of land sometimes requires a duplex builder to compromise on what they had originally envisioned for their investment property and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, by applying a flexible attitude it’s possible to increase the land value by taking advantage of its particular shape.  

A custom duplex design can be a great solution to an unusually shaped block of land. Creative design makes all the difference to increasing the land value and taking advantage of its best features whether it’s the aspect or the slope of the land. 

For example, a narrow block of land can present limitations when designing a family home but may accommodate a two storey custom duplex design. Making the most of its northern aspect to increase its solar passive advantage for both levels as well as designing to include cross breezes for cooling in the summer months can also be considered as part of effective design with a narrow block.

The increased street exposure makes some home builders reluctant to consider a corner block However, the corner block can be especially ideal for a custom duplex design as it allows for dual frontage to the two separate dwellings. Building two separate driveways increases and protects each resident’s privacy. It also enhances the individual aspect of each property which can increase street appeal and development value.

Experts in custom duplex design 

If you’re keen to build a duplex in Newcastle or the Hunter Valley but you’re faced with the challenge of an unusual block of land Valley Homes can provide custom duplex design as well as a variety of high-quality single and double storey duplex plans available to suit a range of budgets and property sizes. Valley Homes has the skill and expertise to help you capitalise on your block of land and build a duplex to fit your property development vision. Call us today.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.