What the newest display homes reveal about the future of Aussie housing 

This crucial touchpoint in the homebuilding journey can be a crystal ball into the future of design and industry trends. 

When building a new home, visiting display homes can be an important part of the process.  

It allows buyers to get the touch and feel of a home and fully experience the space in real life, according to Ultra Living Homes co-founder Megan Nastrom.  

“You get to walk through actual rooms, see how natural light moves through the home, and feel the finishes and craftsmanship firsthand,” she said.  

“Visiting multiple display homes provides you the complete picture regarding which options are available to you, and which builder is most suitable to you, based on your choices and requirements.”

Simonds chief of sales and marketing Shaun Patterson said display homes offer more than just inspiration and serve as an entry point into understanding the whole building journey.  

Visitors can learn about timelines, build stages, customisation options, inclusions and which upgrades are available.  

They can also talk to consultants who can answer questions about the process.  

“We know building a home is a big decision,” Mr Patterson said.   

“That’s why our displays are designed to make things clearer. You’ll get a better understanding of what’s included, plus get expert advice on land, finance and planning, all in one place.” 

The evolution of display homes 

While visiting display homes can be beneficial when choosing a home design, they also offer insights into the shifting priorities of buyers and the construction industry.   

According to Ms Nastrom, display homes are a snapshot of where the industry is headed as they showcase the latest in design trends, materials, building technology, sustainable living and energy efficiencies.   

“From layout to lifestyle, they reflect how Australians are choosing to live – whether it’s multigenerational households, the growing need for work-from-home zones, or a deeper emphasis on outdoor connectivity,” she said.  

“They’re also a great way to observe how builders are responding to challenges like land size constraints and climate considerations.”  

One example is Ultra Living Homes’ La Casa Eden, which won the Housing Industry Association’s (HIA) Australian Display Home award at the HIA Housing Awards earlier in 2025.  

According to the industry body, the Mediterranean-inspired display home made an impression with its curved façade, double-height arched windows and neutral palette.  

Inside, the five-bedroom home features a separate guest wing, spacious rooms, and a distinctive staircase.  

Ms Nastrom said it was important to show how a home could balance luxury and liveability with its seamless indoor-outdoor flow to spaces designed for modern families.  

The display, she said, “tells a story of what’s possible when architecture, interior design, and construction quality work in harmony”. 

“It also reflects our commitment at Ultra Living Homes to craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainability – it’s not just a showcase home, it’s a vision of where Australian housing is headed.”  

And where is it heading? According to Simonds, display homes have shifted from aesthetic showcases to lifestyle-led spaces.  

Mr Patterson said display homes now focus on functionality by featuring flexible layouts and homes that can be customised for a variety of different family arrangements.

“This change reflects a broader industry shift towards designing for how people actually live day-to-day, not just how homes look on paper,” he said.  

Ms Nastrom agreed and said while display homes previously focused on opulence, they are now more refined and intentional.  

“We’re seeing a stronger emphasis on sustainability, smart technology integration, flexible living spaces, and architectural flow. The evolution reflects a shift in priorities — Australians want homes that are not just beautiful, but also efficient, adaptable, and future-ready,” she said.  

Mr Patterson also said the pandemic changed what people can expect from their homes with most display homes responding by showcasing spaces that double as work zones, wellness areas or study nooks.  

“Builders, including Simonds, have prioritised adaptability and liveability, recognising that the home now needs to serve multiple roles without compromising comfort,” he said.  

Ms Nastrom said the role of builders continues to evolve as display homes do too.  

“As builders, we’re more focused than ever on creating homes that deliver long-term value and reflect the way people genuinely live today,” she said.  

“Much of this is also driven by smaller block sizes, increasing land values, and the need for clients to maximise their budgets when it comes to the build component.”  

Are you interested in building? Check out our New Homes section.  

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