How this award-winning tool helps Aussies plan their dream homes

Building a new home is one of the biggest projects many Australians will undertake in their lives, but an award-winning tool is making it easier for people to design their dream home.  

Dreamcatcher is a free online design tool by Stockland which allows users to browse and pin home design images to a virtual styleboard from approved builders and style gurus.  

It’s been a hugely popular tool, with more than 54,000 visitors flocking to it in the first 12 months. 

And it’s been recognised for its innovative approach to helping homebuyers, after winning the Game Changer of the Year award at the REA Excellence Awards last year.  

“Buying a home can be daunting, and for many, the start of the process is the most overwhelming,” said Cherie McMahon, head of development, marketing and customer at Stockland.  

“Dreamcatcher is a home visualisation tool, capturing people early in the dreaming phase. 

“As users browse home inspiration, the platform builds a custom mood board and style DNA profile, connecting them with real life homes they love.” 

The accolade recognises ideas which disrupt the status quo to solve market challenges and deliver real value, with Dreamcatcher fitting the brief. 

It comes as Australians remain obsessed with all things housing, with about two million searches on ‘home improvement’ every month, according to Roy Morgan.  

But with the home-buying journey averaging about two years in Australia, it can become an intimidating task for many.  

With this in mind, the team at Stockland set out to find ways to make the process easier, kicking off the idea to create Dreamcatcher.  

The tool has helped Stockland too, resulting in greater customer engagement and brand awareness. 

It has helped the property company learn what home buyers want through data insights, supercharging their understanding of their customers.  

In addition to creating personalised styleboards, users can take virtual tours of their favourite homes and connect directly with virtual display villages.  

Looking to the future, the Stockland team sees opportunities to take the platform to the next level.

“As our data and insights evolve, so too will the Dreamcatcher platform and we look forward to helping more Australians find their dream home,” Ms McMahon said.  

“Combined with our purpose – a better way to live – Dreamcatcher supports buyer confidence and keeps the great Australian dream alive, while driving innovation across Stockland’s housing continuum.”  

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