Buying guide

The 7 biggest & best developers in Auckland

Looking for a new build? Here are your options

Last updated: 2 May 2024

If you’re looking for a new build home or investment property in Auckland, it’s a great idea to know a thing or two about local developers. Doing some research and buying from a reputable development company can help you avoid a great deal of stress and expense.

To get you started we’ve compiled a list of the biggest property developers in Auckland, plus some smaller developers with excellent reputations.

1. Fletcher Residential

152 properties available starting at $599,000 (at the time of writing)

During the year to March 2023 Fletchers Residential was New Zealand’s biggest residential property developer in NZ, completing almost 5,000 dwellings, according to Pacifecon Building Intelligence. They’re also one of the country’s biggest suppliers of building products and commercial builders. Buying from a developer this size gives you some certainty that they will still be here long into the future to resolve any issues.

2. Wolfbrook Residential

Five developments in Auckland starting at $699,000

Wolfbrook is one of the most active developers in Auckland and one of the country's biggest. BCI (BCI? Spell out) data shows that In the year to March 20254 they completed 219 homes. They build relatively small homes (averaging 109 sqm). Wolfbrook frequently runs promotions to attract investors, including an $8,000 cash back and a 5-year rental guarantee in May 2024.

At the time of writing they have properties available in five different Auckland developments starting at $699,000.

3. Williams Corporation

6 townhouse developments available in West Auckland

Christchurch-based developer, Williams Corporation, is now one of Auckland’s busiest builders. They built 175 dwellings in the year to March 2024. Their homes tend to be affordable, including mainly apartments and townhouses on the smaller side, with an average size of just 75sqm. Their homes are very popular with investors and as short term accommodation.

4. Mike Greer Homes

Almost 60 properties available throughout Auckland, including standalone homes

Mike Greer is the country’s third biggest house builder, constructing 452 homes in the year ending March 2024. They offer both completed developments and design and build projects, and have won a number of awards for their large, group housing projects.

New builds can make great investments.

5. Latham Construction

94 apartments coming in 2025

Latham Construction is an Auckland based construction company that specialises in both residential and commercial property. Auckland central residents may remember they were involved in the St James Theatre rebuild.

They frequently partner with local iwi, including on a 94 unit apartment complex on Hospital Road in Middlemore, due in 2025.

6. G.J. Gardner

165 homes available in Auckland, mainly standalone

G.J Gardener built the most homes out of any NZ builder in the year to March 2024. They completed 824 properties which had an average size of 168 sqm. They build standalone homes and design and build properties almost exclusively, but also offer turnkey packages for minor dwellings.

7. Signature Homes

103 properties available in Auckland

Similar to G.J. Gardener, Signature Homes is a massive developer that builds mainly standalone homes(that said, at the time of writing they are selling one townhouse development in Huapai).

They are selling several affordable house and land packages on the fringes of Auckland, which could be a great option for first home buyers or investors who want to build.

Smaller developers to check out

Bigger doesn’t always mean better. Here are three smaller developers recommended by the team of experts at Opes Partners, one of New Zealand’s leading property investment advisors.

Tuakiri Property

Tuakiri is a small but fast growing development company that builds smaller townhouses developments, usually of around eight units. Opes Partners recommends them to property investors looking for? capital growth and first home buyers.

Y2Y Group

Y2Y is an Auckland developer that mainly builds high quality 3-4 bedroom homes, usually with a garage, in West Auckland. They’re run by an all-female team, which is unique in the property development industry.Opes Partners also recommends them to property investors seeking capital growth and first home buyers.

If you choose a good developer, chances are the end product will be quality.

Doing your due diligence on Auckland property developers

There are dozens of developers in Auckland sellings thousands of homes. Before you buy from anyone, even if they’re a big name, it’s a great idea to do your due diligence. You could:

Check out their website.
Research the developer’s previous projects. Are they of a high standard?
Google the developer’s name and see what comes up.
Look at what other people are saying online and try to find reviews if you can.
Have a lawyer that specialises in new build properties or off the plan properties check the contract, paying particular attention to the ‘sunset clause’.
Visit completed projects by the developer and ask the real estate agent if you can talk to other owners.
Ask about the timeframes provided if a development isn’t completed yet. Are they realistic? What is the worst case scenario?
Check the name of the vendor on the sale and purchase agreement. Does it resemble the developer’s branding?
Always carry out normal due diligence on the property you’re buying even though it’s new.

The vast majority of developers in Auckland offer great products and responsive service. Make sure you’re not dealing with one of the few who don’t, by doing a little homework and you could save yourself plenty of stress and expense (and buy a great home or investment).

DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this article is general in nature. While facts have been checked, the article does not constitute an advice service. The article is only intended to provide education about the Auckland property development sector. Nothing in this article constitutes a recommendation that any property or developer is suitable for any specific person. We cannot assess anything about your personal circumstances, your finances, or your goals and objectives, all of which are unique to you. Before making decisions about property, we highly recommend you seek professional advice.

Author

Ben Tutty

Ben Tutty is a regular contributor for Trade Me and he's also contributed to Stuff and the Informed Investor. He's got 10+ years experience as both a journalist and website copywriter, specialising in real estate, finance and tourism. Ben lives in Wānaka with his partner and his best mate (Finnegan the whippet).