Media Releases

Housing battleground set to open in Victoria

Thursday 26 July 2007

Home-seekers benefit as display village forces builders to compete for custom

Victoria will have its first 'Battle of the Builders' display village within weeks, giving home-seekers greater choice and better value-for-money.

Seven building companies are erecting 14 display homes side-by-side at Devine's 'Cardinia Grove' residential community on Wild Cherry Avenue in Pakenham. Here the general public can compare housing styles, layouts, features and prices, forcing each participating builder to be innovative and competitive.

The competing companies are Ashford Homes, Devine Homes, Frenken Homes, Highview Homes, Pro-Fine Constructions, Resident Home Builders, and Orbit Homes.

"Melbourne's best builders will be battling for business, with better quality, better deals, better finance, and better housing options," said Jim Shapcott, Chairman of the 'Battle of the Builders'. "All are trying to outdo one another, with the general public reaping the rewards."

Some of the homes are now ready for inspection, with the official opening on Saturday, August 25. The display village will operate from 11am to 5pm, seven days a week.

Visitors will appreciate the extra lengths to which 'Battle of the Builders' has gone to make the important task of looking for a home not only enlightening but much more pleasurable.

"For Victorian builders the display village offers a new way in which to showcase their products to a mass audience. For home-seekers it allows on-the-spot comparisons and all the convenience of one-stop-shopping," said Mr Shapcott.

Financial experts will be able to assist home buyers with information about the Government's housing grant, and provide free financial advice. Special finance packages will be available, including No Deposit finance, 40-year loans and on-site loan approvals.

'Battle of the Builders' will be promoted heavily in all forms of media, bankrolled by the land developer, builders, suppliers and the finance industry.

"We have the marketing resources to lift the village to the top-of-mind for potential customers and increase exposure for the participating builders," said Mr Shapcott. "The companies involved acknowledge its benefits in today's competitive homebuyer sector and have seen how well 'Battle of the Builders' is working in Adelaide."

Devine's 'Cardinia Grove' is a 20-hectare estate offering blocks from as little as $114,000. It is adjacent to a nature reserve and near the magnificent natural bush of the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

Internal roads carry reminders that the site was once an orchard with names such as Valencia, Tangelo, Pomegranate, Cherry Blossom, Almond, Chestnut, Walnut and Wild Cherry.

"'Cardinia Grove' has already proved popular with first and second home buyers because of its affordability, the healthy lifestyle it offers, and its location just two minutes from Pakenham's main street," said Mr Shapcott.

"Pakenham is a pivotal link in Melbourne's southeast growth corridor and is well serviced by transport options, with the Princes Highway Hallam Bypass and the Pakenham railway station offering a 40-minute commute to the Melbourne CBD."

'Cardinia Grove' is close to educational, recreational and shopping facilities. Beaconhills College and the Berwick campus of Monash University are nearby, as is the Fountain Gate Shopping Centre and the Pakenham Indoor Sports Complex and Aquatic Centre.

The 'Battle of the Builders' display village is on Wild Cherry Avenue at 'Cardinia Grove', Pakenham. More information is available on: www.battleofthebuilders.com.au or www.cardiniagrove.com.au.