Naomi and Kerry Ballantyne set out to build a Northland rental property that balanced quality, durability and long-term value, without unnecessary risk or complexity.
Recently retired and living just minutes from their One Tree Point section, the couple wanted a home that would appeal to long-term tenants, sit comfortably within a high-quality neighbourhood and hold its value well into the future.
What mattered most was certainty. A proven plan, clear pricing and a team they could trust to deliver what was promised.
After visiting several local show homes, one Generation Homes design stood out immediately. The layout worked, the proportions felt right, and it didn’t require redesigning.
From that point on, the approach was simple. Make considered decisions early, avoid unnecessary changes, and let the build run as planned.
“We weren’t expecting it to be so smooth. Building is meant to be stressful, but this was just a dream,” says Naomi Ballantyne.
NAOMI
We initially thought we would renovate, but once we looked closely at the numbers, it became clear that it did not make sense. Any existing property worth buying would have needed significant work to reach the standard we felt was appropriate for a rental in this area.
Building gave us clarity and control. We knew exactly what we were getting, we could manage costs from the beginning, and we ended up with a brand-new, low-maintenance property designed for modern tenants. From an investment perspective, it was the more sensible option.
NAOMI
We visited several show homes and when we walked into the Generation Homes one, it immediately felt right. The layout suited long-term living, the room sizes were generous, and it matched the quality of homes already in the area.
We also spoke with people we knew in the building industry, including bespoke builders. The feedback about Generation Homes was consistently positive. We heard that they deliver to budget, communicate well, and follow through on what they promise. That reliability mattered to us.
NAOMI
The process was clear and well managed from the start. New Home Sales Consultant Shayne Mudford talked us through the build early on and was never pushy. Once we committed, everything followed the process exactly as outlined.
The build stayed on schedule and within budget. We made a small number of strategic upgrades, including EV charging, solar panels with battery storage, and upgraded fencing. These were incorporated smoothly and aligned with our long-term thinking for the property.
The overall experience was far calmer than we expected, particularly given how many challenging building stories you hear.
NAOMI
At the beginning, we approached it cautiously, largely because of the general reputation building can have. That confidence grew very quickly once the build was underway.
Communication was clear, decisions were honoured, and there were no surprises. It became obvious early on that the process was well controlled.
NAOMI
Organised, predictable and genuinely easy. Everything happened when it was meant to, and nothing became complicated. If we were to build another rental, we would be very comfortable following the same approach again.
NAOMI
We did not change the plan at all, and that was intentional. The design worked for both tenants and long-term resale from the moment we saw it. We focused instead on finishes and features that supported durability and overall quality. For example, we discussed using a concrete deck, but after talking it through with Shayne, we agreed timber suited the style and finish of the home better.
We also chose to fence the property rather than use the standard landscaping allowance, upgrading to a capstone wall and pool-style fencing. It defines the space well and gives the property a finished feel.
NAOMI
The sense of space stands out most. The room sizes are generous, which makes a real difference for tenants, particularly for people sharing or staying long term. The master bedroom and ensuite are beautifully finished, and the additional bedrooms comfortably fit queen beds with space around them. High ceilings, large windows and natural light give the home an open and comfortable feel.
We have furnished the property and set one room up as an office, which we think will appeal to people working remotely or relocating for longer periods.
NAOMI
It is an area where people are building quality homes to live in long term, and that was important to us. We wanted the property to complement the neighbourhood. The location offers proximity to the beach, marina and boat ramp without being waterfront, which helped keep the land and build costs sensible. From a rental and resale perspective, it felt well balanced.
NAOMI
Choose the right plan early and stick to it. Changes are what tend to add cost and delay. Walking through the show home gave us confidence in the layout and space, which removed the temptation to redesign. After that, we made our decisions early, selected finishes we were happy with, and let the build run.
That discipline made the entire process smoother and far more predictable.
