Advance Homes

News & Advice

Advice from the builder's side of the fence.

Practical guides on building in Hawke's Bay — what it costs, where to build, how to choose a section, and how to get more home for your money.

What does it cost to build a house in Hawke's Bay?Costs & budgeting

18 May 2026 · 3 min read

What does it cost to build a house in Hawke's Bay?

A realistic look at 2026 build costs in Hawke's Bay — cost per square metre, site costs, what drives the price up or down, and how to keep control of your budget.

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Napier vs Hastings vs Havelock North: where should you build?Locations

10 March 2026 · 3 min read

Napier vs Hastings vs Havelock North: where should you build?

The Bay's three main centres each have a distinct personality. Here's an honest local's guide to choosing between Napier, Hastings and Havelock North for your new build.

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The best subdivisions in Hawke's Bay for building a new homeLocations

20 January 2026 · 3 min read

The best subdivisions in Hawke's Bay for building a new home

Te Awa, Parklands, Lyndhurst, Iona and more — a builder's guide to Hawke's Bay's main subdivisions, and how to work out which one is right for you.

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House and land package vs buying an existing homeBuying guide

12 November 2025 · 3 min read

House and land package vs buying an existing home

New build or established house? An honest comparison of costs, maintenance, warranties and lifestyle — and how to work out which path suits you.

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How to choose the right section for your new homeSections & land

24 September 2025 · 3 min read

How to choose the right section for your new home

Orientation, contour, soil, services and covenants — the builder's checklist for assessing a section before you buy, and the traps that cost real money.

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Why north-facing homes work so well in Hawke's BayDesign tips

14 August 2025 · 3 min read

Why north-facing homes work so well in Hawke's Bay

Hawke's Bay is one of NZ's sunniest regions — here's how north orientation turns that into a warmer, brighter, cheaper-to-run home, and how to get it right.

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