Compact homes are trending at the moment with property buyers, largely influenced by the desire for first-home buyers to enter the property market in desirable suburbs in major cities. For developers, the reduced potential space for new developments is also seeing a growing requirement for innovation in floor plan selection.

Below we’ll look at how customisable floor plans can address these issues in the planning stage of large-scale developments, maximising living space in smaller homes without compromising on quality.

Smaller homes are increasingly appealing to buyers

There are a number of small-home providers popping up across New Zealand, largely targeting first-home buyers who don’t have the financial means to invest in a traditional property. Modular homes in particular are seeing strong media attention – with New Zealand bank Westpac recently launching the first modular home loan package – largely due to the cost & reliability of building off-site.

While this news could be construed as concern for large-scale developments, the better way to view this is as a minor challenge to overcome in housing design & floor-plan choice. The primary appeal of smaller homes is their price point, however much of the criticism has been directed at the crammed nature of interiors, which compact-home companies have deflected by indicating their solid & weathertight construction.

Creating homes that are warm & dry is a standard that should be met by any developer, which then leaves the crucial question of: how can we create affordable homes that give homeowners a property they love to live in?

Choosing the best floor plans for your development

The old adage of ‘you can’t please everyone’ is something any developer will be familiar with. However, wide appeal for a site shouldn’t be seen as an impossible objective – rather, it can be a guide to initial floor-plan selection, understanding the demand of the market to create something with immediate & lasting appeal.

At ASAP Plans, our portfolio of floor plan options is ever-growing, all of which are previously approved so you can accurately see how a development can include a diverse range of housing styles. In our previous blog, we discussed how multi-unit developments provide affordability & effective use of space through townhouses, terrace apartments & duplexes – these are just a few options we offer to our clients wishing to create something unique where available construction space is limited.

Our team live & breathe building plans, with a clear understanding of both an area & the property market within it. Our goal is to recommend ideal floor plans that meet the different needs of various potential buyers – with our compact-home floor plans providing the same lifestyle value & living space as some larger properties. We help you achieve this goal through a variety of customisable floor plans, all of which can be incorporated into a design effectively.

ASAP Plans – Floor plans to suit every home & lifestyle

The team at ASAP Plans maximise a diverse range of skill sets, with a number of property consultants capable of providing architectural services & design advice. Our team also work from a position of experience; we know what works, what has worked in the past, & how to adapt this experience to create future success.

By engaging with a team of experienced designers & engineers, you can make the most of smaller sites, or include varying styles of housing through multi-unit developments & floor plans that maximise the available living space. The key to creating lasting homes of any style is to understand the potential of your space – if you’d like to learn how we can help you make the most of your site, contact one of our team today to learn more.