This piece was written in association with Simonds. Building family homes since 1949, Simonds create outstanding, quality homes to suit all types of lifestyles and budgets for Queensland and Northern New South Wales families. In 1949, a teenage Gary Simonds started his building career. Soon after that, Gary started building his first home for his mum - which started the lifelong dedication to building homes for Australian families. He worked patiently throughout the 50s and 60s to learn all aspects of the trade and in 1968, Gary opened his first display home centre in Werribee, Victoria, proudly beating the Simonds name.
When Mark Simonds joined his father in the business, they started expanding. They opened more display centres and soon, they were building 100 homes per year, all with the same quality, workmanship and design excellence that is synonymous with the Simonds name. During the ’90s, full-time employees had grown to 100 and with steady growth continuing throughout the decade, Simonds were building 1000 homes per year. With Mark’s son Rhett joining the company, the 3 generations of builders worked together and drove increased sales and further expansion into Queensland. This saw Simonds employing more than 500 people and building more than 2,000 homes per year. In 2011, the Simonds’ family’s passion for the Geelong Cats became public knowledge, resulting in Gardiner Park officially becoming Simonds Stadium. Gary’s guiding vision continues to drive Simonds today with successful expansion into New South Wales and South Australia.
What are the builder’s values?
Simonds pride themselves for their values. They are honest and transparent with fixed price guarantees and lifetime structural warranty. They produce top-quality homes, for example, Simonds Homes QLD uses a 90mm wall stud on its timber frames. The majority of new homes are constructed with a less expensive 70mm product. This wider frame is used because Simonds believes it provides a better quality home. Although it’s hidden from view, it definitely reassures the customers. Simonds also provides a customer-friendly journey to their colour studio before the contracts are produced.
What are their key selling points and what products are on offer?
Established in 1949 and celebrating 70 years of building homes for Australian families, Simonds offers a number of home designs with lifetime structural and fixed price guarantee. They are also a government accredited business. The products on offer are: - Slab on the ground, detached dwellings: single & double-storey, and ranch homes - Knockdown rebuild projects - House and Land packages - Great relationships with land developers!
The top piece of advice they would give to a first home buyer is…
Always, always, always ask for fixed pricing before signing any paperwork or paying a deposit.
What are some of the hurdles you encounter most frequently throughout the building process? How can clients prepare for these?
Finance is currently the biggest challenge facing customers. Simonds suggests getting a trusted opinion prior to going shopping for land/ homes.
Can you give your top recommendations of what to look for in a builder?
When shopping for a builder, Simonds recommends these top 3 tips - 1. Longevity in business – asking your builder a bit about their history and the number of projects they have worked on demonstrates financial security for customers 2. Look for value not just at the base price! 3. After completing all your checks, trust your instinct too. If an offer seems too good to be true - that’s because it generally is! For more information on Simonds' house designs and where you can visit a display village, with our team or get in touch on 1800 184 284.
Home designs by Simonds Homes in Victoria
Simonds Homes home designs, pricing, floorplans and inclusions. Get current price list, available promotions and upgrades.
+8
Home design
Karri
by Simonds Homes, VIC
Hundreds of home designs offering flexibility and choice
from $230,900*
Single
3
1
1
123.03m²
8.5m
21m
+8
Home design
Finch
by Simonds Homes, VIC
Fixed-price home building with greater cost certainty
from $236,500*
Single
3
2
2
147.3m²
10.5m
21m
+7
Home design
Gaudion
by Simonds Homes, VIC
Flexible floorplans tailored to suit your block
from $237,100*
Single
3
2
1
144.53m²
16m
+8
Home design
Ekati
by Simonds Homes, VIC
Single-storey designs created for practical family living
from $240,800*
Single
3
2
2
168.2m²
14m
21m
+8
Home design
Danella
by Simonds Homes, VIC
Home designs with upgrade options for a personal touch
from $243,200*
Single
3
2
2
165.14m²
14m
21m
+8
Home design
Granite
by Simonds Homes, VIC
Thoughtful floorplans designed to maximise usable space
from $243,200*
Single
3
2
2
164.14m²
12.5m
21m
+8
Home design
Kiama
by Simonds Homes, VIC
Contemporary homes balancing style, comfort and function
from $245,000*
Single
3
2
2
163.47m²
12.5m
21m
+8
Home design
Alberta
by Simonds Homes, VIC
Quality inclusions across thoughtfully designed home ranges
from $247,900*
Single
3
2
2
179.28m²
12.5m
25m
+10
Home design
Hardy
by Simonds Homes, VIC
Homes designed to make the most of your block and lifestyle
from $309,200*
Single
4
2
2
230.14m²
14m
28m
+10
Home design
Oakridge
by Simonds Homes, VIC
Practical homes with considered spaces for everyday living
from $450,900*
Single
6
3
2
324.5m²
14m
25m
+10
Home design
Hillston
by Simonds Homes, VIC
Flexible new home designs with transparent pricing options
from $411,100*
Double
5
2
2
279.66m²
12.5m
25m
+1
Home design
Rockpool
by Simonds Homes, VIC
Modern homes offering choices across multiple design ranges
from $366,700*
Double
4
2
2
228.66m²
12.5m
21m
+8
Home design
Jardean
by Simonds Homes, VIC
Modern homes with personalised finishes and inclusions
from $235,300*
Single
3
2
2
158.95m²
12.5m
21m
+3
Home design
Cardwell
by Simonds Homes, VIC
Spacious homes with carefully considered living zones
from $409,500*
Double
5
3
2
269.95m²
12.5m
25m
+8
Home design
Riverway
by Simonds Homes, VIC
Well-planned layouts designed for connected family living
from $333,100*
Single
4
2
2
228.95m²
14m
28m
+1
Home design
The Milford
by Simonds Homes, VIC
Thoughtful layouts that balance open living and privacy
from $565,590*
Double
4
4
1
287.26m²
15.24m
36m
+8
Home design
Mundi
by Simonds Homes, VIC
Premium design ranges with elevated finishes and features
from $270,600*
Single
4
2
2
221.13m²
12.5m
30m
+1
Home design
The Durrant
by Simonds Homes, VIC
Flexible designs offering more choice in how you live
from $878,800*
Double
4
4
2
524.11m²
15.2m
38.9m
+3
Home design
The Stanley
by Simonds Homes, VIC
Comfortable homes designed around busy family lifestyles
from $486,300*
Double
3
2
1
226m²
+2
Home design
Sidney
by Simonds Homes, VIC
Smart floorplans making better use of your available space
from $258,300*
Single
4
2
2
166.45m²
12.5m
21m
+8
Home design
Murraya
by Simonds Homes, VIC
Customisable home designs shaped around your lifestyle
from $229,600*
Single
3
1
1
130.46m²
10.5m
21m
+8
Home design
Fairlight
by Simonds Homes, VIC
Flexible design options helping create a more personal home
from $267,500*
Single
4
2
2
203.57m²
14m
25m
+10
Home design
Tallaganda
by Simonds Homes, VIC
Design-led homes with flexible options for personalisation
from $451,000*
Single
6
3
2
320.59m²
12.5m
28m
+1
Home design
The Kinane
by Simonds Homes, VIC
Versatile home designs created for changing family needs
from $845,100*
Double
4
4
2
449.54m²
15.3m
39m
+1
Home design
Bartel
by Simonds Homes, VIC
Flexible designs suited to different block sizes and needs
from $375,300*
Double
4
2
2
237.74m²
14m
25m
+6
Home design
Parker
by Simonds Homes, VIC
Homes designed with modern Australian living in mind
As the specialist voice of Australia’s largest new home building resource, the iBuildNew Editorial Team delivers deep-dive coverage into the house and land sector. From analysing new estate launches to highlighting the country’s leading home designs, we track the building journey to provide clarity for every buyer.
