Property Development
It takes years to establish a reputation as solid and reliable as Universal Homes and we are proud of our history and commitment to continued innovation, design excellence, and future-proof building solutions. With over 60 years of experience and a passion for creating beautiful, functional, and sustainable homes, we take pride in being one of the leading names in the industry.
Why choose Universal to build your next project
Our attention to detail, exceptional workmanship, and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction have earned us a loyal clientele and numerous referrals.
As one of New Zealand’s largest building companies, we are proud of our portfolio of award-winning projects that have garnered us a reputation for excellence in the industry. We have built a wide range of homes, from contemporary and modern designs to traditional and classic styles, catering to diverse budgets, preferences, and lifestyles. We have partnered on many highly successful medium to large scale building projects with Kāinga Ora, Housing New Zealand, Soho and Creating Communities.
Transparency, integrity, and open communication are the pillars of our business.We believe in building strong relationships with our clients based on trust and mutual respect. Our quotes are detailed and will show you exactly what you are paying for, and our great relationships with suppliers and sub-contractors ensure we can source the required materials at competitive prices.
Experienced Team
Our team has a wealth of experience in all aspects of home building, including design, construction, and project management. We have worked on a wide range of projects, from terraced homes to large-scale apartments, and we bring that experience to every project we undertake.
We believe that communication is key to any successful building project, and we keep our clients informed at every stage of the process. Our team works closely with you throughout the entire building process, providing regular updates, addressing any concerns, and keeping you informed every step of the way. We are always available to answer questions, provide updates, and offer advice, and we strive to make the building process as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.
If you’re looking to make the most out of your land our award-winning team is here to help. We are dedicated to helping you to turn your land into something special, and no matter what type of residential or commercial building project you have in mind, we have the knowledge and expertise to make it a reality.
Our architecturally designed homes are built with a contemporary Kiwi lifestyle in mind, and feature smartly utilised spaces, ensuring they’re practical and effortless to live in.
Sustainability
Our commitment to sustainability is a core value that we integrate into every aspect of our building process. We prioritize eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient solutions, and innovative building techniques to create homes that are not only beautiful but also warm, dry and environmentally responsible.
We believe in building homes that are not only comfortable and stylish but also sustainable, durable, and energy-efficient, ensuring a greener future for generations to come.
Master Builders
As members of the Registered Master Builders, we understand the importance of providing quality workmanship that meets and exceeds expectations. That is why we are proud to offer a 10-year Master Build Guarantee on your home.
This guarantee is our promise to you that your home will be built with the highest level of craftsmanship and care. It also means that any work associated with the building of your home is covered, so you can rest easy knowing that you won’t have to worry about any unexpected costs.
Delivering the Universal Difference
Universal Homes are experienced land developers, with over six decades of hard-earned understanding of end-to-end residential development and construction at the mid to large end of the scale.
Our projects are developed to specific and particular requirements, rather than a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach.
Our development team comes with a wealth of expertise in residential and commercial construction management and boasts over
six decades of on-the-job knowledge.
This depth of experience ensures we have a meticulous approach to quality control, and an acute awareness of the importance of delivering on time and on budget. The benefits of these are on display in recent large-scale projects such as West Hills, Hobsonville Point, and Northcote.
Building Strong Partnerships
Universal Homes partners in joint venture arrangements with landowners, iwi and the Government on many challenging projects with ambitious timeframes.
We’re an end-to-end property developer with 65 employees covering investment, urban design, architecture, engineering, consents, quantity surveying, civil and house construction, marketing, sales, finance, cost compliance, risk assessment and health and safety.
An Established Developer
As an established land developer, we understand land owners’ needs through the development process. We manage all civil and house construction ourselves, so fully appreciate what being on budget and on time means for developers and their funders.
Our proud history highlights a commitment to continuous innovation, design excellence, value for money and future-focussed building solutions. We like to make a positive long-term impact through careful planning and quality delivery.
Creating Quality Large-Scale Communities
Universal Homes develop communities which range from a few 100, to over 10,000 new homes. We manage the entire process from beginning to end, from purchase of land, to design, consent, subdivision, and construction, and then handling both marketing, and sales.
Producing Integrated Urban Developments
We work within other land developers’ master plans to design and build 10 to 100 homes per superlot (untitled sections).
Delivering Design And Build Or Build-Only
We deliver projects for other developers and housing providers, from standalone and terrace homes to two and three level walk-up apartments.
Placemaking & Mana Whenua
New Zealand’s Maori culture is deeply rooted in the country’s history and continues to play an important role in the country’s identity. The values, beliefs, and practices of the Maori people are unique and offer a powerful perspective on sustainability, community, and land use.
Property development and master planning that incorporates Maori cultural values can lead to more sustainable and inclusive developments that benefit both the local community and the environment.
Historically the lands which have provided sustenance for iwi have typically correlated with where tribal history and legends are based and where the iwi have occupied for generations.
Our aim is to ensure mana whenua and Māori design values are incorporated and considered throughout all stages of a development, working with local iwi representatives throughout the process.
Our methodology involves outlining the narrative of the area, observing the surrounding place/people, gathering community insights and opinions, and establishing an overall vision – then undertaking implementation of Māori design values throughout our design process, outlining what these are and how this may look when incorporating into architectural design.
‘Ko au te whenua, ko te whenua, ko au’
‘I am the land and the land is me’
Partner with us
We have extensive experience partnering with landowners, government departments, developers and community organisations to design and build exceptional housing. We have the resources and financial ability to take on large-scale projects, and bring the considerable benefit of being able to draw on our experience from our own developments. The advantage of this is seen on a performance as well as a pricing level for our partners.
Our long-standing excellent relationships with suppliers and contractors along with our experience ensures we design and build quality, desirable homes completed within project construction timelines and to budget, whether standalone, duplex, terrace, or apartments.
Our partners are able to draw on our extensive track record and our ability to provide a great cost-effective solution from a construction point of view, within the required price point. We can offer a full start from resource consent through to handover, or part thereof. We’re also able to pick up the project at any stage, whether prior to or after resource consent, and deliver completed quality homes to meet our partner’s vision.
We have the ability to manage and deliver your large-scale development from concept to completion, including design, resource and building consents, civil works, construction, and handover. Our depth of experience also ensures we have a meticulous approach to quality control.
We take health and safety extremely seriously, with thorough processes in place. This strong health and safety ethic permeates across our suppliers and contractors. Developers have the security of knowing they have the Universal brand behind them, giving trust in the quality of the build and peace of mind for potential purchasers.
What our clients have to say
“The customer care afterwards is really good. I like knowing for peace of mind that I can contact Universal if something pops up, and get it rectified.”
SARAH, HOBSONVILLE POINT
“The Universal team was wonderful! Our experience, from the moment we first arrived to look at the house through the whole transaction up to her handing us the keys, was nothing but exceptional.”
FIRST HOME BUYER, MILLWATER
“Everyone we have dealt with from Universal, right from the second we stepped into the Showhome, through to move in time, has been fantastic. The team are all extremely helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. You can tell that they’ve done this hundreds of times. The houses are finished well, with high-quality appliances.”
ALYSSA AND KENT, FIRST HOME BUYERS AT WEST HILLS
“The buying process was very smooth, fast, and stress-free.”
ELY, WEST HILLS
“We'd been to so many open homes, where the agents were on our case as soon as we entered through the door, pushing us to buy. However, Universal’s team was refreshingly honest and genuine. It was a very smooth and easy buying process. We would definitely buy with Universal again.”
THE RAMSAY BROTHERS, WEST HILLS
“When we saw these homes we knew the location was exactly what we were after and once we’d seen the Northcote development plan of the local schools and community facilities, we were sold! This location means less time stuck in traffic and more time with our son.”
ROXANNE AND JOSH, NORTHCOTE
“We weren’t keen on commuting, so knew this spot was perfect. We love the area and location; there’s lots of growth happening here. Our new home feels luxe! We feel so fortunate to be the first people to live here, and the look and feel of the community is beautiful. We are ecstatic to be in a home we are actually proud of."
NICOLE, NORTHCOTE
“I love my new home, for so many reasons. It's new! Clean! Sunny! Warm! Plus there is a really great sense of community, the location and public transport is excellent, and learning about the roof water and sustainability of it all was pretty impressive.”
YOLANDE, NORTHCOTE
“Northcote is a pretty good area! It’s so close to the bridge and the city, and commuting is simple. It’s a very hand location. Heading to great beaches further North is easy.”
THOMAS, NORTHCOTE
“My partner and I are looking for our first home and have spoken to many agents. We spoke with Srecko at your Northcote development and the experience really stood out to us. He was incredibly helpful and very friendly which makes the world of difference, especially as a first home buyer. Keep up the good work!"
SARA, FIRST HOME BUYER
Case Studies
Completed Projects: Hobsonville Point
Completed Projects: The Rise, Papakura
Completed Projects: Long Bay
Completed Projects: Karaka Waters and Karaka Lakes
Completed Projects: Huapai
Completed Projects: Belmont Park
Resources & Information
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