Before you sit down with your builder it's important to be clear about what it is you want in your new home design. There is lots to think about when it comes to choosing the right new home design and this is where some of life’s big decisions come into play. You need to spend some time thinking...

Stockland has officially launched Stockland Twin Waters, a premium masterplanned community on the Sunshine Coast that will deliver 450 new homesites across private waterfront, waterfront, and dry lots.


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Stockland launches 450 homes in new Twin Waters community

Stockland has officially launched Stockland Twin Waters, a premium masterplanned community on the Sunshine Coast that will deliver 450 new homesites across private waterfront, waterfront, and dry lots.The 104‑hectare site has been designed to integrate with the existing Twin Waters community, while dedicating more than 50 per cent to open space, including a 17.4‑hectare lake, shared pedestrian and cycling paths, walking trails, parks, waterside park areas and a dedicated kangaroo reserve.Stockland Development Director Josh Sondergeld said the project had been designed around its coastal setting in the sought-after area, reflecting its position between the Maroochy River and surrounding natural landscape.<img src="https://urban-project-bucket-production.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/3e87416a-ea7a-45dc-934f-8225777bb449-Render_Stockland_Twin_Waters_Hero_-_angle.png">“Stockland Twin Waters has been designed to set a new benchmark for waterside living on the Sunshine Coast, with the masterplan responding to both its natural setting and the way people increasingly want to live,” Mr Sondergeld said.“The scale of this new community has enabled more than half of the site to be dedicated to open space, with environmental areas and a central lake embedded into the masterplan from the outset, ensuring nature and outdoor living is part of everyday life within the community.”“The generous homesites range from 500 square metres to 1,200 square metres, with average lot sizes of around 700 square metres, giving buyers the flexibility to build their dream home, whether they are relocating to enjoy the coastal lifestyle, upgrading the family home, or right-sizing for their next chapter.”<img src="https://urban-project-bucket-production.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/44795b3d-a690-4a52-9a6a-b625bc5403a6-Render_Stockland_Twin_Waters_Lakeside_park_pickleball_courts.png">In addition to its extensive green space, the Stockland Twin Waters community will feature a range of lifestyle amenities, including proposed waterside recreation such as kayak launch pads and pickleball courts, as well as proposed future retail and convenience offerings as the community grows.Sunshine Coast Business Council Chair Sandy Zubrinich said new residential developments played an important role in increasing housing supply and housing diversity at a time when the region continued to experience extremely tight housing conditions, with the Sunshine Coast rental vacancy rate sitting at around 0.8 per cent.“New developments like Stockland Twin Waters are important in helping respond to ongoing housing demand on the Sunshine Coast, particularly as supply continues to struggle to keep pace with population growth,” Ms Zubrinich said.“Supply of large, level homesites is also limited, and releases like this support housing options at different price points and mobility across the market, with buyers transitioning into larger homes helping to create more attainable opportunities elsewhere in the region.”<img src="https://urban-project-bucket-production.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/97e3c617-f602-461c-a8c8-6bdc11563ceb-Render_Stockland_Twin_Waters_Masterplan_web_.jpg">Stockland Queensland State Sales Manager Tina Campbell added that interest in Stockland Twin Waters was expected to be strong, with demand for new land on the Sunshine Coast continuing to outpace supply, particularly in established growth corridors.“New land releases on the Sunshine Coast remain limited relative to demand, especially for projects that bring together location and amenity,” Ms Campbell said.“Stockland Twin Waters responds to the growing demand for coastal and waterside living that prioritises wellbeing, access to the natural environment and the outdoor lifestyle that the Sunshine Coast is known for.”Stockland Twin Waters is minutes away from the Maroochydore CBD, Sunshine Coast Airport, the Twin Waters Golf Club and Mudjimba Beach.The first release of 17 homesites is scheduled for late July, with pricing expected from $1.15 million, reflecting the scale, premium location and waterside nature of the community.

Shayher Group has appointed Place and Ray White Bulimba as joint agents for the first residential land release within its landmark Bulimba riverfront community. 

Shayher appoints Place and Ray White to launch first Bulimba land release

Shayher Group has appointed Place and Ray White Bulimba as joint agents for the first residential land release within its landmark Bulimba riverfront community. The first release will comprise 10 homesites, with prices ranging from $1.5 million to $2.5 million. The lots will be marketed by Matthew Hackett of Place and Scott Darwon of Ray White Bulimba, with the campaign to launch in the coming weeks.Located within the former Bulimba Barracks precinct, the release forms part of a rare 20.73-hectare master planned riverfront community, positioned just five kilometres from the Brisbane CBD.The broader project will deliver 76 residential land lots, with the first 10 homesites located across Baldwin Street, Griffin Street, Carbeen Street and Hood Street. Lot sizes range from approximately 305 sqm to 550 sqm.The development works for the new riverfront address are now complete, with titles progressing toward registration.Shayher expects strong interest from buyers seeking the increasingly rare opportunity to build a new home in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held riverfront suburbs.Bulimba Barracks has been planned as a connected lifestyle community, combining residential living with landscaped parkland, active and passive recreation spaces, and future retail amenity. That future amenity is expected to include a supermarket, dining options and everyday convenience services.The location places future residents moments from the Brisbane River, nearby riverwalk connections and the established lifestyle offering of Oxford Street, including dining, cafés, cinemas and boutique retail. The adjoining Apollo Road ferry terminal also provides direct CityCat access to the Brisbane CBD, New Farm and Teneriffe, with bus services available at the project’s doorstep.The vision for the Bulimba Barracks precinct is to deliver a long-term residential community that balances connectivity, green space and lifestyle within an established inner-city setting.Shayher Group is recognised for delivering considered residential developments with a focus on quality urban outcomes, liveability and enduring community design. The first release continues that approach, bringing a new collection of premium homesites to one of Brisbane’s most sought-after riverfront locations.The release is expected to appeal to owner occupiers, families and downsizers looking to secure land in an established suburb where future supply is limited.With only 10 homesites available in the first stage, the launch marks a significant new chapter for the Bulimba Barracks precinct and Brisbane’s inner-east residential market.

Stage 3 has launched at Montview Estate, Potter George's boutique land community on Mickleham Road in Craigieburn, with the developer reporting strong early demand and lots selling quickly from $420,000.

Freedom by Metricon

Freedom by Metricon, VIC

Designer by Metricon

Designer by Metricon, VIC

Simonds Homes

Simonds Homes, VIC

Ridgewater Homes

Ridgewater Homes, VIC

Home Group

Home Group, VIC

5AB Homes

5AB Homes, VIC

Montview Estate

Potter George opens Stage 3 at Montview Estate in Craigieburn, with lots from $420,000

Stage 3 has launched at Montview Estate, Potter George's boutique land community on Mickleham Road in Craigieburn, with the developer reporting strong early demand and lots selling quickly from $420,000.The release adds to a project designed for around 475 homes in total, making it one of the more compact offerings in Melbourne's northern growth corridor. Lots range from 263m² to 420m², suited to a range of popular builder designs, and titles for Stage 3 are anticipated mid-2026.Craigieburn sits approximately 30 kilometres north of the Melbourne CBD, with Montview Estate positioned to offer a 25-minute commute via the Tullamarine Freeway and just 10 minutes from Melbourne Airport, a practical consideration for buyers working in Melbourne's north-west or travelling regularly for work.<h2>About Montview Estate</h2>Montview Estate is developed by Potter George, a private property group with more than 20 years of experience delivering residential, retail, industrial and commercial projects along Australia's eastern seaboard. Previous projects include Catalina in Point Cook, Kerani Heights in Fraser Rise, and the sold-out Trijena in Mickleham.The estate is set within the Victorian Government's approved Craigieburn West Precinct Structure Plan (PSP), a broader urban framework that maps out an interconnected network of parks, town centre amenities, schools, sports facilities and residential neighbourhoods across the wider area. For buyers at Montview, that means future community infrastructure is part of an approved delivery plan.The estate itself is designed around a central community park, with level, easy-to-build homesites that give buyers flexibility to work with their preferred builder. The surrounding Craigieburn area already offers a well-established network of amenities, including Craigieburn Central and Craigieburn Junction shopping centres, multiple medical centres, and a broad range of schooling options across primary, secondary, and Catholic schools. Craigieburn Train Station is also accessible for buyers commuting into the city.Craigieburn has matured considerably over the past decade, transitioning from a greenfield growth area into an established residential suburb with a functioning amenity base. That maturity is increasingly attractive to buyers who want the space and affordability of Melbourne's outer north without the extended wait for services and infrastructure that characterises newer fringe developments.Land priced from $420,000 at Montview positions the estate as an accessible entry point for first-home buyers and owner-occupiers who have been progressively priced out of inner and middle-ring markets. At the same time, lot sizes starting at 263m² give buyers the flexibility to work with builder ranges designed for narrower blocks, which has become a practical necessity as higher lot density becomes the norm across Melbourne's growth corridors.With titles anticipated mid-2026, buyers committing now have reasonable visibility on construction timelines, an important consideration in an environment where land supply in established communities continues to tighten.<h2>Builders in Craigieburn</h2>A range of builders are active across Craigieburn and the wider northern corridor, offering designs across different lot sizes, budgets, and buyer profiles.<h3>Freedom by Metricon</h3>Freedom by Metricon is Metricon's volume-focused range aimed at families who want more home for less. Established in 1976, Metricon is one of Australia's most recognised builders, and the Freedom range has been specifically developed to deliver spacious layouts at accessible price points. [smartcode_home_builder:default home_builder_id=18 home_builder_image_fid=5146]The range includes single and double-storey designs suited to a variety of lot widths, including narrower blocks from 10.5 metres. The Freedom range suits buyers at any stage of the journey, with practical floorplans designed to adapt as household needs evolve.<h3>Designer by Metricon</h3>Designer by Metricon sits at the elevated end of Metricon's offering, targeting buyers who want contemporary style and design-led finishes without departing from a structured and reliable build process. [smartcode_home_builder:default home_builder_id=12 home_design_image_fid=185]The range leads with architect-influenced facades, high-specification inclusions as standard, and a focus on maximising light and space within modern living zones.It suits upgraders and buyers who want their home to deliver on aesthetics as well as functionality.<h3>Simonds Homes</h3>Simonds has been building homes in Victoria since 1949 and has delivered over 21,000 homes across the state. The builder's portfolio covers an accessible starting price point well into the mid-range, with designs spanning compact single-storey homes suited to narrower blocks through to larger double-storey family layouts. [smartcode_home_builder:default home_builder_id=31 home_design_image_fid=12080]Simonds offers fixed-price contracts, a broad design range with flexible floorplans, and a process backed by decades of local construction experience. For buyers who want a volume builder with a long track record and predictable delivery pathways, Simonds is a consistent reference point across Melbourne's growth corridors.<h3>Ridgewater Homes</h3>Ridgewater Homes is a Melbourne-based builder established in 2017, focused on custom residential construction and client-led design. The company manages the full project journey, from initial consultation and design development through approvals and construction, and works collaboratively with clients at each stage. Ridgewater also handles knockdown rebuilds and insolvency builds for projects left unfinished by other builders. [smartcode_home_builder:default home_builder_id=28 home_design_image_fid=1621]With 21 designs on offer across Victoria and recognition for design quality and craftsmanship, Ridgewater suits buyers who want a more tailored outcome and a builder willing to invest time in getting the brief right.<h3>Home Group</h3>Home Group Victoria, established in 2016, delivers new home construction and house and land packages across Melbourne and Geelong. [smartcode_home_builder:default home_builder_id=22 home_builder_image_fid=5350]The builder offers single and double-storey designs suited to a range of lifestyles and budgets, with a focus on flexible floorplans and a guided build process that includes design selection and finance support. Home Group has been recognised by HIA Victoria and Master Builders Victoria for design and customer service, and works with developers across the state.<h3>5AB Homes</h3>5AB Homes, established in 2015, takes a hands-on, client-driven approach to home building. The builder focuses on custom-made homes tailored to individual needs and lifestyles, and involves clients at every stage through a proprietary interactive app. [smartcode_home_builder:default home_builder_id=1 home_builder_image_fid=8163]With a background in the Australian construction industry and a focus on making the build journey manageable and transparent, 5AB suits buyers who want close involvement in how their home comes together rather than selecting from a fixed catalogue.<h2>Bottom line</h2>Stage 3 at Montview Estate brings a further allocation of land to market in one of Craigieburn's more boutique communities, at a price point that remains accessible relative to much of Melbourne's established north. With a broad range of builders active in the area, spanning volume ranges, design-led product, and custom residential, buyers have genuine flexibility across budget, style, and build approach. With established amenity already in place across Craigieburn, a supported infrastructure framework through the PSP, and titles expected mid-2026, the release gives both first-home buyers and upgraders a credible pathway into Melbourne's northern corridor.

“New home sales in the month of April increased by 4.9 per cent despite rising interest rates and domestic and global uncertainty,” stated HIA Chief Economist Tim Reardon.

Guides

Confidence in new housing market remains

“New home sales in the month of April increased by 4.9 per cent despite rising interest rates and domestic and global uncertainty,” stated HIA Chief Economist Tim Reardon. The HIA New Home Sales report is a monthly survey of the largest volume home builders in the five largest states and is a leading indicator of future detached home construction. “This is a solid result which sees sales in the three months to April 4.6 per cent higher compared to the previous quarterly period,” added Mr Reardon. “This outcome likely reflects the momentum carried over from late last year prior to recent rate increases, alongside strong growth in established house prices. “Ongoing housing supply shortages have driven dwelling price growth in some markets and improved the feasibility of new home building. “More broadly, demand for housing remains strong, underpinned by structural drivers. “Strong population growth and low unemployment continue to sustain demand even in a higher interest rate environment. “These fundamentals suggest that, while interest rates are an important factor, they will not materially alter the underlying need for new homes.“However, the capacity to respond to this demand remains constrained. Labour shortages and elevated, rising construction costs are expected to persist through 2026, while access to shovel-ready land continues to limit the number of homes that can be delivered.“The inability to unlock more shovel-ready land will continue to place upwards pressure on prices and limit the pace at which supply can increase.“Proposed changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing in the Federal Budget are likely to weigh on investor participation. Given investors account for a significant share of new home building, any pullback could see even greater constraints on housing supply moving forward.“Emerging domestic and global uncertainty will pose risks to new home building, with the coming months providing clearer evidence of how sensitive demand is to the current environment.” concluded Mr Reardon.By state, Victoria recorded a monthly increase of 20.9 per cent, followed by South Australia (+11.5 per cent). Declines were observed in Queensland (-14.9 per cent), New South Wales (-3.1 per cent) and Western Australia (-1.0 per cent).

Below are five designs that sit at the wider end of the Freedom range, each showing what more home for less can look like in practice.

Five Freedom by Metricon designs for buyers who need the most from their block

Block width is one of the more practical filters when comparing house designs. It directly shapes how living zones are arranged, how much separation you get between spaces, and whether outdoor areas feel usable or leftover.Freedom by Metricon is Metricon's value-focused range, designed around delivering larger, more usable homes through considered design at a lower price point. The range currently spans 40 designs available to build across the state.Below are five designs that sit at the wider end of the Freedom range, each showing what more home for less can look like in practice.<h2>Amira 22</h2>12.5m minimum block widthCompact footprint with flexible internal zoningThe Amira 22 shows how the Freedom range approaches smaller footprints without reducing functionality.At just under 22 squares, the four-bedroom layout features a centrally positioned living zone anchored by a kitchen with walk-in pantry, complemented by an additional leisure area for added household flexibility. The main bedroom is located at the front, with secondary bedrooms grouped toward the rear, creating a clear separation between private and shared areas.[smartcode_home_builder:default home_builder_id=18 home_design_image_fid=12546]Elm facade on the AmiraA range of floorplan options, including converting the study into a butler’s pantry or additional living space, allows buyers to adjust the layout depending on priorities around zoning for a growing family, storage or entertaining.Recognised as the 2024 HIA “Best Volume Builder Display Home”, the Amira reflects how compact designs can still deliver a considered level of inclusions.Best suited for buyers working with narrower 12.5m blocks who still want four bedrooms and some flexibility in how internal spaces are configured.<h2>Santorini 29</h2>16m minimum block widthExpansive living tailored to the growing householdRecognised as an award-winning design, the Santorini reflects how efficient planning and considered inclusions can resonate with both buyers and industry bodies.At just under 30 squares, the four-bedroom layout delivers spacious open plan dining and family areas designed to seamlessly integrate indoor-outdoor living.[smartcode_home_builder:default home_builder_id=18 home_design_image_fid=12562]Summit facade on the SantoriniThe centrally positioned kitchen, complete with a walk-in pantry, anchors the home and connects directly to the dining and family zones, reinforcing a single, highly functional living core.The main bedroom is placed at the front of the home, separating it from the secondary bedrooms, while a range of outdoor room options allows buyers to extend the living area depending on block depth and budget.Rather than increasing overall footprint, the Santorini focuses on retaining key features, like a study, multiple living zones, and indoor-outdoor connection, within a more controlled build size.A compact total footprint with a 16m minimum width. Suited to buyers on standard suburban blocks who want a functional single-level layout without committing to a larger build.<h2>Arcadia 24</h2>12.5m minimum block widthHigh bedroom count within a single-storey layoutThe Arcadia 24 pushes density further, delivering five bedrooms within a single-storey footprint.At 24 squares, the design is structured around an open-plan living and dining zone that connects directly to an outdoor room, while the main bedroom remains positioned at the front with its own ensuite and walk-in robe. The fifth bedroom can be reconfigured into a sitting room, study, or expanded living area, depending on household needs.[smartcode_home_builder:default home_builder_id=18 home_design_image_fid=866]Yale facade on the ArcadiaThis approach allows the home to shift between accommodating larger families and providing additional shared space, without changing the overall footprint.For larger households or buyers prioritising bedroom count, particularly on narrower lots where double-storey isn’t preferred.<h2>Riva 35</h2>12.5m minimum block widthDouble-storey scale with extensive internal zoningThe Riva 35 delivers one of the largest footprints available on a 12.5m block, using a double-storey layout to maximise internal space.At over 34 squares, the design includes three separate living areas, a study, and an upstairs leisure zone. The main bedroom occupies a significant portion of the first floor, with additional bedrooms and shared spaces arranged to support larger or multi-generational households.[smartcode_home_builder:default home_builder_id=18 home_design_image_fid=12570]Yale facade on the RivaThe ground floor centres on an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area that extends to an outdoor room, while the entry introduces a sense of scale through an open void and optional front sitting or study space.Buyers on narrower blocks who still want a high number of living zones and separation between family members without moving to a wider frontage.<h2>Glendale 39</h2>14m minimum block widthExpanded double-storey layout with additional flexibilityThe Glendale 39 builds on the standard design by extending the overall footprint to just under 39 squares, offering additional flexibility for larger households.The core structure remains, multiple living zones across two levels, including a front sitting room, separate study, and an upstairs leisure area, but the increased size allows for further configuration through design options such as a fifth bedroom, butler’s pantry, and expanded outdoor living.[smartcode_home_builder:default home_builder_id=18 home_design_image_fid=9169]Nordic facade as displayed on the GlendaleThe layout maintains a clear distinction between shared and private spaces, with the ground floor focused on open-plan living and entertaining, while the upper level accommodates bedrooms and retreat areas.The largest design in this list on one of the narrower minimum widths. The volume of included rooms and design option depth suits buyers who want to configure a home to a specific household profile without starting from a custom build.<h2>Room to breathe and grow</h2>Filtering by block width gets you to a shorter list. The next step is understanding how each design uses that width, whether the floor area is prioritised toward living zones, bedrooms, or garage space. The number of squares and the configuration matter as much as whether the design fits the block at all.For Victorian buyers navigating rising land and construction costs, the comparison isn’t just price, it’s how much of the home is usable day to day.

New Home Design - How To Write A Comprehensive Brief

Before you sit down with your builder it&apos;s important to be clear about what it is you want in your new home design. There is lots to think about when it comes to choosing the right new home design and this is where some of life&#x2019;s big decisions come into play. You need to spend some time thinking about both your current and future lifestyle, as this helps with things like how many bedrooms and bathrooms you need. Let&#x2019;s look at what questions you need to ask yourself before briefing your builder.


<h5><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://legacy-ibn-uploads.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/iBuildNew_Checklist_Shortlisting-home-designs.pdf">Click here to download the checklist &gt;</a></h5>
<a href="https://legacy-ibn-uploads.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/home-design-brief1-2a1.png"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-508" src="https://legacy-ibn-uploads.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/home-design-brief1-2a1.png" alt="home design brief1-2(a)" width="750" height="970"></a>

<a href="https://legacy-ibn-uploads.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/home-design-brief1-2b1.png"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-509" src="https://legacy-ibn-uploads.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/home-design-brief1-2b1.png" alt="home design brief1-2(b)" width="750" height="828"></a>

By completing the checklist above, you will have a much clearer idea of exactly what you want to be included in your new home to match your lifestyle and the needs of your family. There is nothing more essential when starting the process of engaging new builders for quotes than to have a clear brief.&#xa0; Your new home design needs to reflect not only your personality but also include all the functional aspects of your new house that will make living in it a delight.

New Home Design - How To Write A Comprehensive Brief

Click here to download the checklist >

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