Also called a model home or show home, a display home is used by builders to showcase building designs, features, and ultimately, what they can offer in a residential build.  Builders create display homes with the intention to impress and inspire potential buyers with the style, finishes, materials, and design offerings. 

What exactly is a display home? 

A display home showcases the potential of a property. Fully constructed and styled, a display home gives prospective buyers an insight into the potential of working with a builder.

Buyers can go beyond listing images to walk through a display home to see the quality of finishes, gain a sense of space, and get inspiration for the design of their own homes.

A display home is also an opportunity for builders to show different material options, finishes, inclusions within building packages. For buyers, visiting a display home or village is a great way to fine-tune what you’re looking for in a home, what you like (and what you don’t!), and get a real-life view of a builder’s finished product.

Can you customise a display home?

Yes, you can! Working with a builder from a display home does not mean you are limited to a certain layout and design. From features to layout – you can make a range of changes when you build a display home.

A display home is a blank canvas. Start with a layout and structure that suits your goals (ie 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom) and work with your builder to tweak the build to suit your lifestyle and needs. Customising a display home can be limited depending on factors like budget and block constraints.

Buying a display home

Once a display home has fulfilled its role as a showroom, the houses are sold – presenting an enticing option for homebuyers. However, buying an existing display home comes with its own unique set of considerations – both positive and negative.

Pros of buying a display home

Pros of buying a display home include: 

• “New home” feeling: There are few things that are better than walking into a brand new home. Display homes allow you to have this experience while saving you the time and effort of building. Get the same luxuries as a new home, including a cohesive design, unused appliances, and fresh bathrooms and laundries.
• Built to latest standards: Display homes must comply with local building standards as a non-negotiable. You’ll have the confidence that your new display home meets the necessary regulations.
• Suited to property investors: More often than not, display homes are ideal for property investors. Display homes can save investors on property management fees, offer claim depreciation on the home, and earn a higher than average rental return.
• Existing warranties: Many appliances and systems that come within the new display home are brand new with warranties in place.

Cons of buying a display home

As with most things, there are cons to everything – including buying a display home. Potential disadvantages of buying a display home include: 

• Limited locations: Display homes are often built within close-proximity to major freeways or arterials. While this is great for connectivity and convenience, your display home may be subject to loud noises and lights from main roads.
• Limited personalisation: While display homes offer the convenience of moving into a house with everything newly built – you don’t have a say in design elements. For those wanting creative control and customisation, we recommend a new build where you can decide all the details.  
• Stamp duty applies: When building a new home, since the house doesn’t exist at the time of purchase, you are only required to pay stamp duty on the cost of the land. However, when you buy a display home, you must pay stamp duty for the land as well as the total value of your home.