Celebrate this joyous occasion with a warm and inviting Christmas table. Bring out your finest glassware, table linen and cutlery to create a striking table setting to host your family and friends and showcase your cooking skills! Cover image: Freedom 1. Work out your theme - If you already have...

Backed by more than 50 years of building experience and a model that simplifies selections and inclusions, HomeSolution centres on pre-configured homes, fixed pricing, and guided support through finance and construction. Below are four current packages where that immediacy is already built in.

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HomeSolution by Metricon

HomeSolution by Metricon, VIC

Inside HomeSolution by Metricon’s house and land packages with land ready to build now

The challenge for many first home buyers isn’t just price, it’s timing. Securing land, waiting for titles, and navigating approvals can stretch the path to ownership well beyond initial expectations. House and land packages where the land is already titled and ready to build shift that timeline forward, turning what is often an extended planning phase into a more swift / or timely construction start.HomeSolution by Metricon is positioning part of its Victorian offering around this exact condition. With land ready to build now across several packages, the focus moves from “when can I start?” to “what can I afford and how do I want to live?”, a different decision-making lens for buyers trying to exit renting or move quickly on a purchase.Backed by more than 50 years of building experience and a model that simplifies selections and inclusions, HomeSolution centres on pre-configured homes, fixed pricing, and guided support through finance and construction.Below are four current packages where that immediacy is already built in.<h2>Malin 14</h2>Heyfield (Winterbrook)From $482,355 | 3 bed, 2 bath, 1 carSet on a 766 sqm block, the Malin 14 represents the lower-entry point into detached housing, pairing a compact footprint with a conventional three-bedroom layout. The main bedroom sits at the front, separating it from the secondary bedrooms, while the central living zone connects kitchen, dining, and family areas without overextending the floorplan.[smartcode_home_builder:default home_builder_id=114 home_design_image_fid=12395]The package is structured around simplicity: fixed site costs, full flooring, double glazing to meet 7-star energy rating are included, reducing post-contract variations and spend creep.Buyer takeaway:For buyers prioritising land size and entry price, this package shows how regional or outer locations can deliver both, without adding complexity to the build process.<h2>Callula 17</h2>Maryborough (Woodland)From $483,595 | 3 bed, 2 bath, 2 carOn a 630 sqm block, the Callula 17 shifts slightly up in scale, adding a double garage and a more balanced layout between private and shared zones. The design retains a single living area but expands circulation space, making it better suited to households planning for longer-term occupancy rather than a first step.Inclusions extend to heating, double glazing, and durable internal finishes, aligning with a “move-in ready” baseline rather than a staged upgrade approach.Buyer takeaway:This sits in the segment where buyers are less focused on minimum entry price and more on avoiding immediate upgrades after move-in.[smartcode_home_builder:default home_builder_id=114 home_design_image_fid=5603]<h2>Callula 17</h2>Smythes Creek (Pinnacle)From $504,091 | 3 bed, 2 bath, 2 carThe same Callula 17 design appears again here, but on a smaller 370 sqm block, illustrating how the same home adapts across different estate conditions and price points. The internal layout remains consistent, but the overall package reflects a denser land offering.Additional inclusions such as a move-in pack and rainwater tank point to estate-specific requirements being addressed upfront.Buyer takeaway:This highlights a key consideration: the same home design can deliver very different value depending on land size and location, even within the same builder offering.<h2>Everly 13</h2>Beveridge (Alkyra)Fixed price $508,936 | 2 bed, 1.5 bath, 1 carThe Everly 13 is the most compact option in the group, designed for narrower blocks and lower ongoing costs. With two bedrooms and a reduced footprint, it targets buyers who prioritise manageability, either as first home buyers entering at a higher price point or those downsizing.[smartcode_home_builder:default home_builder_id=114 home_design_image_fid=12389]The fixed price structure includes site costs, flooring, heating, and developer requirements, alongside incentives such as build savings and eligibility for first home buyer grants.Buyer takeaway:Smaller homes like this are increasingly part of the entry-level mix, particularly where borrowing capacity is tight but buyers still want a new-build outcome.<h2>Land ready to build now</h2>Across all four packages, the common thread isn’t just pricing or design, it’s timing certainty. Each site is titled and ready for construction to begin sooner rather than later, removing one of the more unpredictable stages in the homebuilding process.For buyers, that has a few practical implications:<ul><li>Faster transition from renting to owning, with fewer delays tied to land registration</li><li>More accurate financial planning, as build timelines are clearer from the outset</li><li>Reduced exposure to cost escalation, particularly where fixed pricing and inclusions are already defined</li></ul>In a market where affordability is often discussed purely in terms of price, these packages show that delivery timing is becoming just as important. HomeSolution’s approach, pre-set designs, simplified selections, and build-ready land, positions the decision less around customisation, and more around certainty.For first home buyers weighing whether to build now or wait, that shift can be the deciding factor.

Victoria’s new-home market is rebounding faster than expected, with the state recording a 7.1 per cent rise in new home sales in August - the only major market in Australia to see growth. The latest HIA figures show sales over the past three months were 23.8 per cent higher than a year earlier,...

Mimosa Homes

Mimosa Homes, VIC

Mimosa Homes brings ‘Build with Confidence Commitment’ to Victoria’s rebounding new-home market

Victoria’s new-home market is rebounding faster than expected, with the state recording a 7.1 per cent rise in new home sales in August - the only major market in Australia to see growth. The latest HIA figures show sales over the past three months were 23.8 per cent higher than a year earlier, signalling renewed buyer confidence and strengthening construction activity.

With interest rates beginning to ease and population growth remaining strong, demand for new housing continues to build. Yet despite these positive shifts, challenges such as labour shortages and limited land supply persist - underscoring the need for builders who can deliver consistency and confidence in a still-rebalancing market.

In this landscape, trust in the building process has become central to buyer decision-making. Melbourne-based builder <a href="https://www.ibuildnew.com.au/home-builders/mimosa-homes-vic" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mimosa Homes</a> is responding to that demand with a model built on transparency, quality assurance and communication - an approach the company calls its Build with Confidence Commitment.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-14397 size-full" src="https://legacy-ibn-uploads.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Princeton-16m.jpg" alt="Saba 331 in Princeton facade" width="768" height="445" />

Established in 2007, Mimosa now delivers between 500 and 1,000 homes each year across Melbourne’s north, west, south-east, and Geelong, backed by memberships with the HIA and Master Builders Association.

The builder’s fixed-price contracts, 200-point quality assurance review, and guaranteed build times - 20 weeks for single-storey homes and 30 for double-storey designs - are designed to protect buyers from cost blowouts and extended delays. Its customer service model assigns dedicated consultants from contract to handover, ensuring regular communication and progress visibility via its MyMimosa online portal.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-14398 size-full" src="https://legacy-ibn-uploads.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Arlington-16m-web.jpg" alt="Mandurah 326 in Arlington facade" width="768" height="445" />

Mimosa’s process is also supported by one of the state’s broadest display networks, now spanning 19 locations across Melbourne’s fastest-growing corridors - from Tarneit and Mickleham to Clyde North and Lara - with seven more on the way. Each display allows buyers to experience floorplans, finishes and inclusions first-hand, a key factor in re-establishing confidence among those returning to the build market.

As population growth and policy support drive demand back toward detached housing, builders like Mimosa are helping deliver the consistency that’s been missing from Victoria’s construction cycle.

Mimosa’s focus on a dependable, quality-led process offers a clear signal to buyers navigating the uncertainty of a recovering market - that building new can still be a pathway defined by confidence, not risk.

Mimosa Homes has expanded its Geelong footprint with the opening of three new display homes at Armstrong Mt Duneed, adding further clarity for buyers assessing mid-to-upper family homes in one of the region’s most active growth corridors.

Mimosa Homes opens three new display homes at Armstrong Mt Duneed

Mimosa Homes has expanded its Geelong footprint with the opening of three new display homes at Armstrong Mt Duneed, adding further clarity for buyers assessing mid-to-upper family homes in one of the region’s most active growth corridors.Established in 2007 and delivering between 500 and 1,000 homes annually across Melbourne and Geelong, Mimosa Homes has increasingly focused its display strategy on estates with strong owner-occupier demand. The Armstrong opening forms part of a broader rollout, with recent displays also opening at Averley in Nar Nar Goon, Coridale DV2 in Lara, and Olivine DV2 in Donnybrook.The new Armstrong displays reflect a design approach centred on zoning, scale flexibility and long-term livability, themes that have previously seen Mimosa Homes recognised through multiple HIA display home awards and a Master Builders Special Commendation.<h2>Inside the Armstrong Mt Duneed display homes</h2>Armstrong Mt Duneed continues to attract owner-occupiers seeking access to Geelong’s employment base while remaining within reach of coastal amenities, schools and retail infrastructure. For buyers weighing house and land options, the estate offers a relatively mature setting compared to newer greenfield releases, with established streetscapes and nearby community facilities already in place.The new Armstrong display homes include three distinct designs, each targeting a different family profile while maintaining a consistent emphasis on space, zoning and liveability.<h3>Malvern 443</h3>Configured as a five-bedroom, three-bathroom home with a double garage, the Malvern 443 is the largest of the Armstrong displays and leans firmly into multi-generational and high-occupancy living.A double-height atrium anchors the main living zone, with the L-shaped kitchen and walk-in pantry positioned as the central gathering point.<img src="https://legacy-ibn-uploads.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Malvern-443-122-800x534.jpg" alt="">The ground floor includes a guest suite, theatre and home office, while the upper level is organised around a retreat space servicing four bedrooms.The main suite is deliberately oversized, incorporating a dressing room and double-vanity ensuite.<h3>Beaconsfield 329</h3>The four-bedroom Beaconsfield 329 combines a wellness focus with a layout that prioritises separation between adult and children’s zones, without extending into oversized footprints.The master suite is positioned to the rear, featuring dual walk-in robes and a double-vanity ensuite fitted with a private sauna, a wellness-led upgrade featured in the display home.<img src="https://legacy-ibn-uploads.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Beaconsfield-329-059-800x534.jpg" alt="">Living areas flow from the kitchen through meals and family spaces to the alfresco, supported by both a kids’ retreat and a separate rumpus.Storage has been prioritised throughout, with walk-in linen and a powder room adding to everyday practicality.<h3>Armadale 278</h3>At a more moderate scale, the Armadale 278 presents a four-bedroom layout focused on open-plan living and indoor-outdoor connection.An L-shaped kitchen with a large island bench forms the centre of the home, opening directly to the main living and dining area and extending to the alfresco.<img src="https://legacy-ibn-uploads.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Armadale-278-22-800x534.jpg" alt="">The design has already attracted industry attention, being named a finalist in the HIA Display Home $350,000–$400,000 category in both 2024 and 2025 for displays at Manor Lakes Estate.Other new Mimosa Homes display locationsThe Armstrong opening is part of a broader expansion of Mimosa Homes’ display network across several high-growth estates:<ul><li>Averley, Nar Nar Goon: two new display homes</li><li>Coridale DV2, Lara: two new display home</li><li>Olivine DV2, Donnybrook: four new display homes</li></ul>The expanded network allows buyers to compare similar designs across different estate contexts, offering insight into how layouts adapt to varying lot sizes, orientations and buyer profiles.<h2>Why this matters for you</h2>New display homes offer buyers more than a walkthrough of finishes and floorplans, they provide a real-time insight into how a builder is responding to current buyer preferences, construction costs and estate conditions.For buyers weighing house and land options, particularly those trying to future-proof without overbuilding, new displays are a practical reference point for understanding standard inclusions versus upgrades, spatial priorities, and how design decisions translate from plans into lived spaces.Seen together, the Armstrong displays function less as individual showpieces and more as a comparative tool, helping buyers assess what level of scale, layout and finish best aligns with their budget, block size and long-term needs.[smartcode_home_builder_cta:default home_builder_id=25]

Homebuyers today are seeking more than just affordability, they’re looking for value that lasts. While price remains a key consideration, many now expect homes to deliver more from the start: durable finishes, integrated upgrades, and spaces designed for both comfort and practicality. This shift...

Mimosa Homes offers “More at No Extra Cost” with the M Collection

Homebuyers today are seeking more than just affordability, they’re looking for value that lasts. While price remains a key consideration, many now expect homes to deliver more from the start: durable finishes, integrated upgrades, and spaces designed for both comfort and practicality.

This shift has seen builders move beyond the basic inclusions model, introducing collections that balance attainable pricing with thoughtful design and enhanced specifications. One builder leading the way is <a href="https://www.ibuildnew.com.au/home-builders/mimosa-homes-vic" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mimosa Homes</a>, whose M Collection redefines what “More at No Extra Cost” can look like in today’s market.

[caption id="attachment_14572" align="alignnone" width="800"]<img class="wp-image-14572 size-medium" src="https://legacy-ibn-uploads.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Lexton-287-96-800x534.jpg" alt="Lexton 287, kitchen display" width="800" height="534" /> Lexton 287, kitchen display[/caption]
<h2>Value-added living for modern buyers</h2>
Building on its entry-level V Collection, Mimosa’s M Collection takes the next step, offering larger homes, upgraded inclusions, and more flexible lot compatibility.

Set across 10.5 to 16-metre frontages, the range caters to a wide cross-section of buyers, from young families to established households wanting more space without the price tag of a premium upgrade.

Each home in the collection includes up to $48,778 worth of added value, bundled as standard. This encompasses a series of enhanced specifications that elevate both functionality and finish, from 2590 mm high ceilings and LED downlights throughout, to 20 mm vitrified compact benchtops, Colorbond® roofs (design specific), and semi-floating vanities in bathrooms and ensuites.

The M Collection’s “More at No Extra Cost” promise means buyers enjoy features that typically come as upgrades elsewhere, including stainless steel appliances such as a built-in microwave and dishwasher, a recessed tiled shower base, and floor coverings throughout.

Beyond finishes, practical quality is built in from the ground up, with an H1-class engineered waffle pod slab, termite protection system, and a six-month maintenance period for peace of mind.

[caption id="attachment_14571" align="alignnone" width="768"]<img class="wp-image-14571 size-full" src="https://legacy-ibn-uploads.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Ella-10.5m.jpg" alt="Darley 178, Ella facade" width="768" height="445" /> Darley 178, Ella facade[/caption]
<h2>Designs that grow with you</h2>
The M Collection spans a range of designs to suit different lifestyles and block sizes.

At the compact end, the <a href="https://www.ibuildnew.com.au/house-designs/mimosa-homes/671142-darley-178-m-collection" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Darley 178</a> (three-bed, two-bath, two-car) delivers smart, efficient living on a 10.5-metre frontage, with an open-plan heart and walk-in pantry for everyday convenience.

[caption id="attachment_14570" align="alignnone" width="768"]<img class="wp-image-14570 size-full" src="https://legacy-ibn-uploads.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Amelia-12.5m-Web.jpg" alt="Jamieson 176, Amelia facade" width="768" height="445" /> Jamieson 176, Amelia facade[/caption]

The Jamieson 176 offers another small-lot option for buyers wanting a well-resolved layout on a 12.5-metre frontage. With a generous master suite, walk-in pantry and an open-plan living zone, it suits couples and young families looking for practicality without compromising comfort.

The <a href="https://www.ibuildnew.com.au/house-designs/mimosa-homes/671152-lismore-192-m-collection" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lismore 192</a> expands the idea, a four-bedroom, two-bathroom home tailored for growing families, with a central living zone that encourages connection and light-filled spaces suited to 14-metre frontages.

[caption id="attachment_14569" align="alignnone" width="768"]<img class="wp-image-14569 size-full" src="https://legacy-ibn-uploads.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Princeton-16m.jpg" alt="Saba 331, Princeton Facade" width="768" height="445" /> Saba 331, Princeton Facade[/caption]

For those seeking a larger footprint, the Saba 331 offers a refined family layout with multiple living zones, a study, and an expansive alfresco, perfectly matched to wider 16-metre lots.

Together, these designs show how Mimosa is bridging the gap between compact and family-scale living, without requiring custom-level investment.

[caption id="attachment_14568" align="alignnone" width="800"]<img class="wp-image-14568 size-medium" src="https://legacy-ibn-uploads.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Boyd-Timber-16m-web-800x460.png" alt="Saba 331, Boyd Timber facade" width="800" height="460" /> Saba 331, Boyd Timber facade[/caption]
<h2>More choice, more confidence</h2>
Reflecting today’s evolving standards, the M Collection also offers the option to go fully electric through M Electrified, a sustainability-focused enhancement that aligns with energy-efficient living and modern building standards.

For Mimosa Homes, it’s all part of a commitment to delivering complete, ready-to-live-in homes that prioritise comfort, durability, and design cohesion.

As land sizes tighten and buyer expectations rise, collections like Mimosa’s M Series point to where the new home market is heading, toward inclusive value rather than optional luxury.

By combining upgraded specifications with adaptable designs and clear pricing, the M Collection meets today’s demand for homes that feel complete from day one, where quality, comfort, and design all come standard.

Mirvac is rolling out a limited-time incentive at its Olivine masterplanned community in Donnybrook, offering a $30,000 rebate on selected land lots alongside a reduced $10,000 deposit requirement, aimed at improving accessibility for buyers entering Melbourne’s northern growth corridor.

Ridgewater Homes

Ridgewater Homes, VIC

Simonds Homes

Simonds Homes, VIC

Home Group

Home Group, VIC

Mirvac offers $30K rebate and low-deposit entry at Olivine masterplanned community in Donnybrook

Mirvac is rolling out a limited-time incentive at its Olivine masterplanned community in Donnybrook, offering a $30,000 rebate on selected land lots alongside a reduced $10,000 deposit requirement, aimed at improving accessibility for buyers entering Melbourne’s northern growth corridor.The offer applies to select lots within Olivine, a large-scale community that has been progressively delivered since its 2018 launch. The rebate and low deposit initiative comes as the developer continues to release land in line with the project’s long-term rollout, which is expected to accommodate up to 12,000 residents across approximately 4,500 lots.Olivine spans around 460 hectares in Donnybrook, roughly 35 kilometres north of Melbourne’s CBD, and forms part of the city’s northern growth corridor. The masterplan integrates residential land with schools, parks, and community infrastructure, with early delivery of amenities forming a key part of Mirvac’s approach.The estate already includes education options such as Hume Anglican Grammar School and Donnybrook Primary School, alongside childcare centres and established parklands including Gumnut Park and Cycad Park. A broader recreation reserve is also being delivered in stages, incorporating AFL ovals, courts, and community facilities.Mirvac has positioned Olivine as a connected, walkable neighbourhood, with future plans for a town centre and continued expansion of local infrastructure. The project has been recognised by UDIA Victoria for its approach to community and social infrastructure, reflecting a focus on early activation and long-term liveability.The current rebate and deposit structure aligns with broader market conditions, where affordability and upfront costs remain key barriers for first home buyers and upgraders. By lowering the initial financial commitment, the developer is targeting buyers seeking entry into established, infrastructure-led communities rather than greenfield estates with delayed amenity.Beyond land-only options, Olivine also offers house and land packages and townhomes, giving buyers flexibility across different price points and housing typologies.<h2>Builders in Donnybrook</h2>In Donnybrook and the wider northern corridor, a range of builders are active in delivering housing outcomes within estates like Olivine, reflecting the area’s rapid population growth and sustained demand for new housing.<h3>Ridgewater Homes</h3>Ridgewater Homes is one of the emerging builders operating in the region, with a focus on personalised home design and client-led processes.The builder emphasises a collaborative approach, tailoring layouts and finishes to individual lifestyles, with an emphasis on transparency and customer involvement throughout the build journey.[smartcode_home_builder:default home_builder_id=28 home_design_image_fid=1580]<h3>Simonds Homes</h3>Simonds Homes, one of Australia’s longest-standing volume builders, also maintains a strong presence across Victoria.With more than 75 years of experience, Simonds offers house and land packages that combine fixed-price contracts with a range of adaptable home designs, aimed at streamlining the building process for buyers.[smartcode_home_builder:default home_builder_id=31 home_design_image_fid=12056]<h3>Home Group</h3>Home Group is another active participant in the Melbourne market, delivering house and land packages backed by over 30 years of building experience.The company’s model integrates land acquisition, design, and construction, with additional support services such as finance assistance and independent quality inspections to simplify the purchase process for buyers.[smartcode_home_builder:default home_builder_id=22 home_builder_image_fid=5350]Collectively, these builders reflect the diversity of housing delivery in Donnybrook, ranging from highly customised builds to turnkey house and land solutions. Their presence supports the ongoing growth of estates like Olivine, where developer-led infrastructure is complemented by builder-driven housing supply.As Melbourne’s northern corridor continues to expand, incentives such as Mirvac’s rebate and low-deposit offer highlight the competitive environment among developers, while reinforcing the role of masterplanned communities in addressing both affordability and lifestyle expectations for new home buyers.

Guides

How to Set Up Your Christmas Table for Entertainment

Celebrate this joyous occasion with a warm and inviting Christmas table. Bring out your finest glassware, table linen and cutlery to create a striking table setting to host your family and friends and showcase your cooking skills! Cover image: Freedom
1. Work out your theme - If you already have your <a href="https://www.ibuildnew.com.au/blog/inspiration/christmas-tree-decorations-impress/">Christmas tree decorations</a> set up, stick to the same theme and colour palette for a sense of coherence.
<img class="hCL kVc L4E MIw" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/76/1a/9d/761a9dc909b0844a88f7d68fe64c967b.jpg" alt="Planning a Christmas table setting? Bringing the outside in is such an effective, inexpensive way to make a space feel immediately more festive. Try strewing your table with some branches, stems of eucalyptus and pine cones for an on-trend Nordic look. #christmas #tablesetting #nordic #scandi #table #hosting #eucalyptus" />
2. Layer the table - use placements, table runners and tablecloth to add interest, then throw in some flowers, greenery or found branches to create different heights.
Tip: Textured natural linen for tablecloth and runner is versatile and suitable for Australian Christmas.

3. Design your centrepiece - there are so many ways you can go about this without breaking the bank, such as using tall glass vases and fill them with colourful baubles or making origami Christmas trees.
Tip: Try wrapping fairy lights around the cake stand, it looks magical at night.
4. Make it personable - let your guests feel welcomed with place cards.
5. Keep it simple - Don't overcomplicate or crowd the table, leave plenty of room for platters of amazing food.

How to Set Up Your Christmas Table for Entertainment

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