78 | DWL Homes T T Karen Phelps Bucking the trend in the Bay... The 214sqm, three-bedroom property features double gables, two living areas, high-end landscaping and an electrically operated louvre system. BUILDING In a housing market where many builders have slowed or stepped back, Hawke’s Bay company DWL Homes is bucking the trend. Founded in Napier by Doug Welch around 15 years ago, DWL Homes has continued to grow, driven largely by word-of-mouth referrals, a strong database of returning clients, and a self-funded approach that gives it unusual stability. “I’ve always believed that people are still going to need homes, and that demand never dries up completely,” explains Doug, who comes from a background in corporate operations and production management. “Because we’re a small team, we can adjust to the market quickly.” With a father who was a builder, and a long-standing interest in property, Doug began with renovations before moving into new-home construction. Today, he runs a compact but highly efficient team consisting of himself and two project managers, employing a range of building companies to complete each project. The company prides itself on flexibility. It buys sections independently, bringing them to market as client builds, fully funded spec homes, or hybrid projects. Clients can also come with their own land, or purchase from the business, after which a turnkey building package is offered, with payment on completion. The result is a unique portfolio and a reputation for quality. “Every single home we do is bespoke,” says Doug. “It’s designed specifically for the client unless it’s a spec build we’re funding and taking to market.” DWL Homes focuses strongly on customer care, with project manager Sam Murdoch overseeing each build, and Fiona Oakes managing interiors and client liaison. Despite wider economic challenges affecting the national building sector, DWL Homes has remained busy. It currently has nine homes under construction and a further eight due to start shortly. Doug puts that success down to preparation and confidence. “When everybody else pulled back, we just continued to go,” he says. “Already holding land and having builds underway meant we could continue to have product available. “Our funding model has helped clients secure bank finance, as it does not rely on staged payments to progress construction.” Visibility has also played a part. “Driving into any subdivision in Napier and seeing our signs with ‘sold’ on them helps generate business,” says Doug. The company is currently active in Parklands and Mission Hills. In 2026, DWL Homes will open its first show home in Mission Hills. The 214sqm, three-bedroom property features double gables, two living areas, highend landscaping and an electrically operated louvre system. It is expected to open in April or May, giving the business a strong on-site presence. While most of its work is within Napier, DWL Homes does build throughout the Hawke’s Bay region. Rising costs are a challenge. Land prices in Napier remain high, and a combination of council-mandated requirements and the ongoing price increases of building materials continue to push up the overall cost of new-home construction. Even so, the company is able to offer fixedprice contracts and an average build time of 4.5 to five months, providing certainty for clients. DWL Homes has also refined its internal systems to ensure the building process feels manageable for clients, who may be daunted by the scale of designing a home from scratch. “We know building can feel overwhelming, so we’ve worked hard to simplify the process,” says Doug. “Once a plan is agreed, both the timeline and the budget are guaranteed. Clients appreciate that level of certainty, especially in a market like this.” With 61 homes built in the past five years, and $57 million in property transacted, DWL Homes shows no sign of slowing. “Our main goal moving forward is consistency,” says Doug. “We’re content with where we’re at, and delivering a consistently good product to our clients.” “Our funding model has helped clients secure bank finance, as it does not rely on staged payments to progress construction.” YOUR LOCAL HAWKES BAY CONSTRUCTION COMPANY PROUDLY SUPPORTING DWL HOMES New Builds Alterations Renovations Decks & Fences SPECIALISING IN: HAWKES BAY BU I LDERS 027 208 9636 josh@baybui ldingco.co.nz
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