Building on horizons in the Waikato

It’s a place where wide-open spaces, a welcoming community, and plenty of opportunities make it one of New Zealand’s most sought-after places to live and build a home.

For Nigel Watson, Landmark Homes Hamilton & Waikato franchise owner, the region’s character is a perfect match for the distinctive, individually designed homes Landmark is known for. "Waikato has such a unique charm," says Nigel. "It’s a place where people can dream big and create homes that suit their lifestyle perfectly."

Reaching a 10-year anniversary is a big milestone for any business, but for Landmark Homes Hamilton & Waikato, celebrating this achievement last September was a real testament to their dedication and the strong connections they’ve built in the community. Over the years, the team has become known for beautiful homes that reflect the lifestyle and character of the Waikato.

Nigel Watson bought the Waikato franchise in 2017, drawn to Landmark’s approach to building homes with purpose and individuality. “Landmark appealed to me because of what they stood for,” he says. “It wasn’t just about building houses; it was about creating homes that reflected the personality and needs of the people who live in them.”

Since coming on board, Nigel has played a key role in helping the franchise grow and thrive, even through the tough times. He says the support of the wider Landmark network has been invaluable. "The group really feels like a family," he says. "You can always pick up the phone and talk to someone who’s been through it before. That kind of support makes a huge difference.”

Looking back, Nigel couldn’t be prouder of what Landmark Homes Hamilton & Waikato has achieved over the past decade. “It’s been amazing to see how far we’ve come,” he says.

As one of New Zealand’s fastest growing regions, there’s always something new and exciting on the horizon in the Waikato. One of the latest developments creating a buzz is the Te Kowhai Airpark subdivision – New Zealand’s first purpose-built aviation community. Designed for aviation enthusiasts, each section allows for an aviation hangar and direct access to the aerodrome. It’s a distinctive project that reflects the diversity and opportunity within the region.

But it’s the grand lifestyle properties that truly define Landmark Homes Hamilton & Waikato. With wide-open landscapes and plenty of space to work with, the region is perfectly suited for sprawling homes that become part of the land itself. “These homes aren’t just houses – they’re dream homes, forever homes, and for many, they’re a true Landmark,” says Nigel.

It’s no secret that the past few years have been tough for the building industry, and Landmark Homes Hamilton & Waikato has felt the pinch like everyone else. The pandemic, rising costs, and a constantly shifting market made for some challenging times.

Despite the challenges, the Waikato team has stayed strong by sticking to what they do best and relying on the solid foundations they’ve built over the years. Careful planning, smart strategies, and a commitment to quality have helped them push through. “Running a business isn’t easy – it’s hard work,” says Nigel. “But we’ve held on to our core team and kept delivering. It all comes down to focusing on what works and staying true to our strengths.”

Now, with the mood starting to shift, there’s a sense of optimism in the air. People are feeling more confident about investing, and the stability of Landmark’s processes has put the franchise in a strong position to move forward. 

“It’s in the tough times that all the hard work really counts,” says Nigel. While some building companies struggled to survive, Landmark’s careful planning and proven strategies have allowed them to weather the storm and keep building homes their clients love.

At Landmark Homes Hamilton & Waikato, it’s not just about building great homes – it’s about having a great team behind them. For Nigel, the tight-knit crew is one of the keys to their success. “Our office administrator Mary has been with us for 8 years, and Taylor, our project manager, for 7,” says Nigel. “It’s a steady, supportive group.”

That continuity has made all the difference, especially during the challenging pandemic years. With a team that knows each other so well, communication is seamless, and everyone is on the same page when it comes to delivering quality homes. 

“Having a team that’s been with you through the ups and downs means you can rely on them, and that’s invaluable,” he says.

With 10 years of experience behind them, Nigel and the Waikato team are excited about what lies ahead for the franchise. With more home buyers feeling confident and inspired to start building, there’s a renewed sense of momentum. “Positivity is back, and people are ready to invest in their forever homes,” says Nigel.

Looking to the year ahead, the team has plans for new Showhomes, with one possibility being in Te Kowhai Airpark. In the meantime, the focus remains on building homes that are not just practical, but truly personal – designs that reflect the lifestyle and vision of each client. “We’ve always been about crafting homes that are as unique as the people who live in them,” says Nigel.

With exciting projects on the horizon and growing confidence in the market, the Waikato team is looking forward to another successful year, filled with opportunities to help clients turn their ideas into reality.

Whether you’re looking to build a forever home on a rural block or a custom design tailored to your lifestyle, Landmark Homes Hamilton & Waikato is ready to help bring your ideas to life. With a team that’s passionate, experienced, and dedicated to quality, they’ll guide you every step of the way.

Ready to start your journey? Visit a Landmark Homes Showhome or get in touch with the Landmark Homes Hamilton & Waikato team to begin planning your bespoke home today.