118 | Stonewood Hawke’s Bay meets changing needs Land availability and home ownership affordability have both contributed to Stonewood Homes Hawkes Bay being able to deliver stronger results in 2025. Director Paulo Baronceli said while they had been operating in a challenging economic climate in 2024, this year has presented new opportunities for the team and enabled them to strengthen the business. “It’s a testament to our resilience and commitment to our clients.” He said the high OCR and weak economy have, counter-intuitively, created a more affordable building environment. “Material and labour costs have fallen, offering potential homeowners a more realistic pathway to achieving their dream homes.” He said the cost reduction coupled with increased efficiency in the consent process and build times, meant they were consistently completing projects within six months of starting – “a significant improvement and a direct benefit to our clients. Land availability is also high, making it easier for those looking to build.” Paulo believes they have reached a pivotal moment in the current economic climate. “While acknowledging the ongoing challenges, the consensus is that building costs have now bottomed out, and we’re poised for a more stable period.” T T Aimee Wilson BUILDING Stonewood Homes - Hawkes Bay But, he said the economic downturn hasn’t been without its lessons. “It’s forced us to double down on efficiency, refine our client-first approach, and reinforce our operational strengths. We’ve emerged stronger, more focused, and better equipped to navigate future fluctuations.” As Stonewood Homes Hawkes Bay enters the Spring and Summer periods - traditionally the busiest months – the team is cautiously optimistic. “We’re confident in our ability to deliver exceptional results for our clients and contribute to the growth of the Hawke’s Bay community.” Project manager Nick Lowe said they were currently receiving enquiries for 2-4 bedroom homes, largely driven by cost and the size of sections available. “Building a slightly smaller home often means clients are able to have a higher specification of fixtures and fittings, floor coverings and appliances, and still meet their build budget.” Another trend they are seeing is enquiries for tiny homes / secondary dwellings, as people try to maximise the use of their land to support family members. Likewise, houses with ‘granny flats’ are becoming popular, for similar reasons, he said. “Interestingly we are receiving more enquiries from younger couples, looking to build their first or second home. • Refrigeration • Air Conditioning • Installation • Maintenance • Hot Water • Heat Pumps • Panasonic RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • VEHICLES • 24HR SERVICE www.highchill.co.nz | 020 4063 9508 | admin@highchill.co.nz Panasonic Elite Dealer This suggests that the reduction in interest rates and particularly, the relaxing of some rules around lending to build a home, have made it easier for people to secure a mortgage.” Stonewood Homes Hawkes Bay believes the outlook for the construction is more positive than it has been for some time. Project Manager Nick Lowe said they were currently receiving enquiries for 2-4 bedroom homes, largely driven by cost and the size of sections available. Another trend Stonewood Hawke’s Bay are seeing is enquiries for tiny homes / secondary dwellings, as people try to maximise the use of their land to support family members.
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