Port Macquarie-Hastings’ $350 million residential construction industry will receive a welcome boost with the opening of the fourth Sovereign Hills Display Village next year.

Nine award-winning builders are set to commence construction of 14 stunning display homes, worth a combined $20 million, showcasing the latest design trends, housing options and building products.

Participating builders and representatives from developer Lewis Land today revealed the site of the new village – Sovereign Hills’ Barton Ridge precinct, on the doorstep of the master planned community’s growing town centre.

“We’re excited to announce the location of the fourth Sovereign Hills Display Village in 12 years, at the gateway of our latest land release and adjacent to Sovereign Place Town Centre,” Lewis Land Head of Development Michael Long revealed.

“For more than a decade, these trusted builders have helped countless new home clients across the Mid North Coast create their dream home, supporting local building suppliers, providing local construction jobs and injecting millions of dollars into the local economy.

“The latest $20 million commitment from these builders will ensure the Sovereign Hills Display Village is the new destination for expert building information and inspiration.”

Port Macquarie builder Pycon will create two new cutting-edge designs on Acton Street.

“Having been involved since the first display village, we've had the opportunity to bring our vision of modern, functional living spaces to life,” shared Pycon’s General Manager Adam Suitor. “Now, as we embark on building in the fourth display village, we remain dedicated to pushing the boundaries of excellence, creating homes that reflect the evolving needs and desires of our customers.”

Four years on from the pandemic-induced industry highs of 2020-2021 and the number of local development applications has decreased by -35% when compared with the 2023-2024 financial year.

Ensuing rising interest rates and tighter lending criteria - which have created more hurdles for first home buyers and families entering the property market - have prompted builders to proactively consider the housing designs and products they will exhibit, however, they’ll continue to deliver the dream home scale, style and luxury we’ve come to expect from them.

“We’ve listened to our customers and both homes we will showcase will have flexibility at the heart of their design,” commented Perry Homes Operations Manager Matt Roebuck. “What makes them stand out is the ability to section off an area of the home for a family member to reside in.”

“The first home will be a new design and is ideal for a corner block or acreage setting. At nearly 300m2, the home boasts four large bedrooms, an impressive open plan living area that takes you out to a tranquil swimming pool, a rumpus room, a media room and one of my favourite elements - a mud room - a must for every young family!”

McDonald Jones Homes will also build two new designs, and the region’s first display home from MOJO.

"McDonald Jones will be showcasing coastal living at its best with a brand new two-storey design, as well as our most popular single storey from our Stuart Everitt architectural collection,” revealed MJH Group NSW/ACT CEO Rob Douglas.

"We are thrilled to be building our very first MOJO display home in the new village, and to launch this exciting brand on the Mid North Coast."

The overall construction industry sector still makes the greatest contribution to the Port Macquarie-Hastings region’s economic output, which at $2 billion accounts for 15.98% of total output.

The industry is also the fifth largest employer in the LGA, employing 3,367 people - equivalent to 9.8% of the LGA’s employment.

"Building new homes locally has a profound positive impact on local jobs and the economy,” said Hunter Homes’ Emma Tilley. “Every home we construct supports local tradespeople and suppliers, fostering economic growth and job creation in the region.”

While the number of local development applications may have reduced, the number of lots created in the region’s land subdivisions has remained steady with 561 created during the past financial year, ensuring the region is equipped to accommodate future housing growth and migration to the area.

The new village will include a mixture of single and double-storey designs.

Participating builders include Better Homes and Developments, Hotondo Homes, Hunter Homes, McDonald Jones Homes, MOJO, Perry Homes, Pycon and Rob Tate Family Homes.

A grand opening event will take place in mid-2025.

In the meantime, the existing display village, on York Street, will remain open daily from 10am - 4pm.