Blog
Tuesday, May 7, 2019 - 2:30pm
A house and land package brings together a block of land and a home design that perfectly suits that block for a fixed price. It’s an easy, secure way to buy a new home.
For many people the dream of building is often overridden by the fear of what can go wrong. Cost blow outs, uncertainty about inclusions or the suitability of land they have seen. Our expertise in house and land packages means that we have a large range available to suit all budgets and the most discerning of tastes in the most popular locations, all at fixed prices.
Some of our most popular house and land packages are those from our Smart Collection. While economical and great value for money, this collection contains all the key things that you expect in a new home – they are modern, warm, light, low maintenance and built from quality building materials, sourced from New Zealand’s leading suppliers and manufacturers.
As Paul Bull, CEO of Signature Homes points out “The truth is that first home buyers can buy a brand-new house and land package with a lower deposit than you would for a pre-existing house at the same price. That’s a home that is built to modern building standards. It’s well insulated, dry and warm and all the electrics are new – that means lower electricity bills, healthier homes and healthier families.”
Paul also points out that new home buyers opting to build can often defer the start of their mortgage payments until the house is built while enjoying the capital value increase on the property from the day that builders walk on to the site.
If you are looking to buy a new home, there are many compelling reasons to consider buying a house and land package. Here are five of our best:
1. You will stay within your budget
- New homes offer great value for money and there are no hidden costs. At Signature Homes we have the budget discussion up-front, and design your home to your budget. We will talk to you about the “Total Cost to Build” which covers everything including the design, build and fit out. During the design process we know there will be questions, we are up-front about any changes and how they can affect the final cost
- When you move in there are no other costs to plan for
- You can spend your money on your home not on due diligence
- House and land package new builds are exempt from the New Zealand Reserve Banks Loan-to-Value Restrictions (LVR), which means first home buyers can obtain finance for less deposit than the 20% typically required of first home buyers or the 40% from property investors. Read more here.
2. Peace of mind
Second hand houses don't come with a guarantee – things break, leak or flood and you’ll have to pay out of your own pocket. House and land packages, on the other hand, are built brand new so they’re guaranteed (not everybody offers the same high level of guarantee as Signature Homes, so scrutinise yours carefully). Plus you get your very own team managing the design and build process.
3. Make it yours
You have options to personalise your new home from decisions on flooring through to colours, tiles, fixtures, fittings and kitchen and bathroom design. What’s even better is that every Signature Homes customer receives one-on-one time with an interior designer to fine tune your big ideas and make your home one you love to live in.
4. Convenient, modern living
House and land packages are often built in new developments that are planned and designed to fit modern urban design principles. They have close access to public transport and are conveniently located close to amenities, schools, and green spaces and parks.
5. Healthy homes
The build quality of new homes with new building and material technologies ensure you can count on a warm, dry home for many years to come.
You may not have realised that a house & land package could be the answer to your dreams. If this article has sparked interest then you can get in touch with your local team here, or check out our full range of House & Land packages here.
There are many common questions regarding house & land packages, here are a few of our favourites:
Where in New Zealand can I purchase a house and land package? Signature Homes has house & land packages available from Northland to Canterbury (Central Otago coming soon!) and pretty much everywhere in between. We have worked with developers to find great sections, then matched each section with the perfect house plan to suit its climate, topography and orientation to the sun – all you need to do is add your personal touch.
How long will it take for my house to be ready for moving day? This will depend on many things such as the section, consents, titles on the land and access. You can expect your house to be ready anywhere from 20 weeks post the concrete slab going down (depending on the size and complexity of the house of course).
What will I need to do to move in? Signature Homes can provide all utility connections as part of the service. Any changes of address are facilitated on your behalf and ensuring a stress-free move from your existing property to your brand-new home is our priority.
What should I look for when comparing house & land packages? Ask lots of questions until you are comfortable all aspects and concerns have been covered. Building a home takes time so you want to have a positive working relationship with your building team. Landscaping and driveways are often left out of the quote (to keep the price down) however they must be included based on covenants of the development you are looking at. Check if appliances are included in your quote. What is the quality of the materials used? What are the standards of the company, do they offer a fixed price offer? Are you comfortable with their guarantees and timeframes? Remember if it seems too good to be true then it very well could be!
Friday, April 26, 2019 - 12:45pm
At Signature we are proud to work with the best suppliers in the country to ensure we are delivering you uncompromised design, service and quality when building your home. Resene is one of our valued partners and we recently spoke to Brenda Ngatai, Resene’s Colour Consultant about their latest forecast.
“Fully-steeped colours dominate the forecast, while easy-going earthy looks endure”.
The Resene colour team has been busy scouring the latest trend reports, blog posts, Instagram streams, Pinterest boards, catalogues, magazines and local shops to find out what trends are staying, which ones are going and what’s coming next. While there are certainly some recent trends that seem to have a lot of staying power, there are also some interesting surprises on the not-so-distant horizon.
Staying in touch with nature
“We have seen woven natural textures – especially in fibres like sisal, rattan and jute –everywhere, along with equally earthy colours to complement them: a myriad of greens, terracotta and blushes of warm, barely-there sunset tones like petal pink, lilac and buttery yellows. Try mixing a few favourites like Resene Shilo with Resene Permanent Green”, says Brenda.
The popularity of rich emeralds and jades like Resene Atlas paired with brass and white marble finishes is still holding strong. “This look can be easily mixed with natural or whitewashed baskets and plenty of plants for more dressed down glamour” said Brenda.
If you are keen for kilim then you can bring this look into your home with a few simple steps.
- The walls of this reading area (Resene Sunbaked) look warm and toasty in contrast to the neutral floor (Resene Napa)
- The sisal table has been livened up with Resene Rebel and is a great base for the pink and coral vases
- Snuggle in for a read on a statement chair or armless sofa in a natural oatmeal colour which lend themselves to being covered with cushions and cosy grey or caramel-coloured throws
- Handwoven kilim rugs by artisans from Kabul to Casablanca can be used to adorn floors and walls alike
In a space with this much warmth, you’ll hardly notice its winter at all!
The passion for pinks prevails
“While vibrant Living Coral was declared the 2019 Pantone® Colour of the Year, pinks are still the dreamy, pale, bordering-on-beige versions that have been popular since early last year – and they’re still absolutely everywhere – but they are slowly evolving to take on blush and coral tones too”, says Brenda.
On red alert
If your perceptions about pink have started to feel more like fatigue than frenzy, there may be an end in sight. Brenda has seen a slow shift towards deep burgundies, and rich poppies are, well, popping up and being layered over midnight blues.
Dark & stormy nights
Speaking of midnight blues, moody navies that look like they came straight out of the Mariana Trench like Resene Wishing Well are very popular right now. “You can build up a deeply layered look in a bedroom – like the one below – that’ll make you want to dive right into bed and stay there until winter’s over”, says Brenda.
You can achieve this look with:
- Brass details and an ochre velvet chair provide a touch of warmth to balance out this otherwise cool space
- Pile on the charcoal-on-navy-on-charcoal bedding
- Finish with a soft low-pile rug in steel blue and an accent chair in a contrasting colour like mustard, aqua or coral
She suggests if those are too intense for your tastes, go for something a little more coastal like Resene Coastal Blue (from the Resene Karen Walker Range 2). Pair these with darker grey-blues like for some contrast and grey-whites for some levity.
Getting a feel for teals
Brenda tells us that aquas are also splashing into interiors right now. If you’re particularly daring, double down by teaming them with mustards.
For more ideas on how to bring bold, rich colours into your home – both in big and small doses – check out Resene's pro-tips.
The options for bringing colour and texture into your home are endless but sometimes the choices are overwhelming, so we love the fact that every Signature client gets time with a professional colour consultant during the design of their new home. This gives the opportunity to discuss the latest trends, refine your big ideas and bring personality into your home. With the right colour choices and new finishings your house will be one you are proud to call home for a very long time.
If all of this colour talk has sparked inspiration then learn how to bring style into your home without breaking the bank here.
Tuesday, April 23, 2019 - 11:30am
The benefits of building are many; but some people do not even consider the possibility due to the common misconception that a new build is time consuming, extremely stressful and fraught with budget uncertainty and blowouts.
This doesn’t have to be the case at all. Building new, with Signature Homes, can be comparable in cost to a major renovation and the final result is always better. And, as you will see, major stress and a huge drain on your time don’t have to factor in your new build experience.
#1- No budget blow-outs or surprises
You will no longer have to guess at prices, spend money on building reports and other due diligence. You won’t have to stretch your budget to the very limit only to find yourself not even in the ball park of what the vendor will accept.
At Signature Homes we have the budget discussion up-front, and design your home to your budget. We will talk to you about the “Total Cost to Build” which covers everything including the design, build and fit out cost. During the design process we know there will be questions, we are up-front about any changes and how they can affect the final cost.
Picture how satisfying it will be to spend your time on the joyful task of planning your dream home. It is one of the few times in your life you will have total freedom to create something perfectly suited to the personality and needs of your family.
#2- Design your home to suit your lifestyle
Maybe you are a young family, needing an environment that will work both now and as your children get older. Perhaps you have teenagers and desire separate living spaces. Maybe you are downsizing and need something more compact, that still provides you with space and a comfortable lifestyle.
Whatever your situation, with a new build everything from layout, indoor/ outdoor flow, insulation and heating, room size, storage, interior design and other finishing touches are delivered just as you want them.
When your dream home is completed on time and to budget, you can move in and immediately start enjoying your new lifestyle. Learn more about the Signature difference.
#3- Financial benefits
If you are building your first home, there are financial advantages such as lower LVR (loan-to value ratio) which you can learn more about here and KiwiSaver grants, if you are a first home buyer.
Many people think they can’t afford to pay both rent or another mortgage and a loan for a new home while it is being built, but there are payment options with Building Loans and Construction Finance, read more here.
#4- Make it stress-free
Choosing a Design & Build company like Signature is the easy option rather than engaging an architect, builder and suppliers yourself. We will manage the project from start to finish, with a guaranteed budget and completion date. This takes away all stress and uncertainty, leaving you completely free to continue with your normal life during construction, watch a Signature Design & Build time lapse. This is how we do it!
After the keys have been handed over, your Signature home will be protected by market leading guarantees and you own a beautiful, efficient, healthy home that will meet or exceed the building code, and have great re-sale value.
#5- You have options
With Signature Homes, you can choose to work with a pre-designed house plan from our extensive collection, making bespoke changes, or start from scratch with an entirely new design.
When it comes to the land you also have plenty of options:
- Buy a section and build on it- if you already have land then we can help you design a home to suit the site and your lifestyle
- Purchase a House & Land Package- take advantage of a home designed to maximise the site in the best locations and newest developments in NZ
- Build on an existing section- if you love where you live but not your house then a Knock Down & Rebuild, or subdividing, may be an option for you
And if you are not sure exactly what you want, not to worry. The Signature Homes team will guide you through every step of the process, explaining all the options and making suggestions that will work best for you and your family. Learn more on what to expect from the Signature experience HERE.
Monday, April 8, 2019 - 11:00am
More young people and families are exploring the option of building a new home, according to Sharne Greig, the interior designer behind the look of Signature Homes’ stunning New Plymouth show home
“I suggested to the owners of Signature Homes Taranaki, Geoff & Dustine, that we start to communicate more with this age bracket and show them how we can build modern, affordable homes that appeal to them,” says Sharne.
The showhome is a modest yet stylish family haven from Signatures Homes’ budget-friendly Smart Collection. Sharne says the house has been very well received and is a great way to show people that you can have some fun still while still building an affordable and low maintenance new home.
The dramatic kitchen, with its woodgrain and black features, was the starting point for the home. Sharne felt it was time to ‘push the boat out’ and switch things up from the tried-and-tested white kitchen. The rest of the house flowed from there, with its eclectic Scandi feel.
Stepping foot into the moody show home provides people looking at building new with a real understanding that a Signature Smart home can make a statement with the right design choices.
Sharne’s pro tips for making a smaller home feel large and luxe are:
- Keep floor coverings the same tone, this will make the house appear larger than it is
- Paint your walls light and choose dark floor coverings (or vice versa)
- Choose neutral backgrounds and add colour/texture/contrast through your soft furnishings
- Splash out on your big ticket items with classic pieces that will stand the test of time and inject colour -and texture with soft furnishings and art. Design store pieces can easily be mixed with items from chain stores to create a personalised look for your home
- Use the services of a professional where possible, while there might be a fee for this it will save you in the long run. When you build with Signature Homes you receive your very own interior designer who helps bring your visions to life, maximises space and helps make cohesive colour choices
“You can build this home for less than $320,000 here in New Plymouth”, says Jason Southey, a Quantity Surveyor from Signature Homes Taranaki, “our take on economical modern living is relevant to a lot of New Zealander’s which makes it an ideal option for first-home buyers.”
The versatile floor plan used was a modified Rosella (link to floor plan) which comprises of three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a double garage, plenty of storage and that beautiful kitchen which flows into the open plan living/dining area with the added benefit of a separate media room (which could be a 4th bedroom).
Beginning the design process is often daunting, but the benefit of building new over renovating a second hand home is you do get to start with a blank canvas. Sharne suggests Pinterest, your favourite magazines and taking photos of colours, textures and furniture that grab your attention as great places to start. From there you can create a mood board which will help define a finished look and aid in design decisions.
If you love the look of our show home you can shop it here.
1. Luca Hendrix Sofa from Farmers, 2. ES Recycled Shade Pendant from Vintage Industries 3. American Pelican Chart from Bianca Lorenne 4. Saddle Replica Craig Bassam Bar Stool from Cintesi
1. Hans Wegner Replica Wishbone Chair from Cintesi 2. Idaho Oak Ceneer Table from Cintesti 3. Great Blue Heron Chart from Bianca Lorenne. The statement kitchen is a Mastercraft Kitchen by Elite Kitchens in New Plymouth, you can contact them here.
Every Signature Homes client has time with a professional colour consultant, like Sharne. The designer helps refine all your big ideas to create a home that is truly yours and what’s better is it’s included in the cost to build!
You can learn more about the Signature building journey or if you'd like to get in touch with your local team just click here.
Tuesday, March 12, 2019 - 1:00pm
Emma & Dean had outgrown their modest 120sqm dwelling that originally rested on her family’s section in Moutere, near Nelson. “We originally thought we would extend and renovate our old house” says Emma. But after going through the planning process with Signature Homes Nelson, and calculating costs, she and Dean agreed that starting over was a much better option.
The original dwelling being removed from site to make way for the dream home.
The brief
- Taking advantage of the sun and serene outlook was essential (the site is a rural, elevated north-northwest position)
- More space- including improved storage and garaging
- Layout that allowed everyone to come together for shared moments and retreat to their own quarters for quiet time
- Position the master suite away from other bedrooms
- Give the children free rein over their own wing with a separate lounge
Planning
The planning process was surprisingly straightforward. Having a clear idea of what they wanted helped, says Emma. The couple drew up a floorplan which didn’t really change. They also made a visit to Signature Homes Nelson show home and were impressed with what they saw.
Design
- The spacious pavilion-style Design & Build home is extensively glazed, creating a naturally light and open interior with a strong connection to the outdoors
- A glass front door creates a striking outlook before you even step foot inside
- Sliding doors provide lovely flow to two generous decks from the open-plan living space
- A high gabled ceiling creates a sense of space
- A large board-formed concrete chimney is the centrepiece of the main living area
HIGHLIGHT: "Erecting the 6.5m board-formed concrete chimney on site before the slab for the house was even poured. Pretty spectacular"
Layout
- The house is comprised of two gable volumes- one long and one short- laid side by side
- The smaller volume houses the private master sanctuary along with a laundry, WC and double garage
- The larger volume houses the spacious open-plan kitchen, living and dining area plus the bedroom wing with three bedrooms, separate lounge and family bathroom
Interior
Emma describes the style as “a mixture of coastal/ farmhouse with a touch of industrial”. Engineered oak flooring lends the home natural charm and warmth and this material ties in nicely with the external decking and cladding. Black joinery adds definition to the light interior spaces which are painted in warm white.
Exterior
- A dark grey brick has been used for the majority of the cladding
- Recessed sections of horizontal cedar offset the brick and sit well alongside the warm wood of the decking
- The dark grey Colorsteel roof was selected to complement the main cladding
- Alfresco dining is a breeze on the large deck that flows off the kitchen-dining space. Complete with in-built seating, this space basks in all-day sun
- A second east-facing deck receives the morning sun and is home to the barbecue and its own built-in seating
- Large steps to the lawn double as extra seats
Design Features
1. ROOFING Colorsteel 'Windsor Grey' 2. CLADDING Austral Phantom brick 3. FEATURE CLADDING Horizontal cedar shiplap
The build
“Building a new home has its ups and downs” says Emma. “Because we have lived on the property for many years already and knew we would be here for many more, we felt very invested in the whole process and were very involved.”
This stunning home is featured in our latest issue of Signature Style, you can order a free copy here, and you can see more pictures in our Design & Build gallery, Deam and Emma's home is listed as the Motueka.
Shop the look
1. Atlas table, $149 from French Country Collections 2. Black Angled Floor Lamp, $45 from Kmart 3. Ladder Shelf, $30 from The Warehouse
