When you’re considering building a new home, one of the first things you’ll likely hear about is a display home. But what exactly is a display home, and why are they such a crucial part of the home-building journey? Whether you’re a first-time buyer, an investor, or simply exploring options for your dream home, understanding what a display home is and what it isn’t, is essential.
In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into everything there is to know about display homes: from their purpose and design features to their advantages, disadvantages, and tips for visiting them effectively.
What Is a Display Home?
A display home (also known as a model home, show home, or demonstration home) is a fully constructed and professionally styled property built by a home builder to showcase the design, layout, features, and craftsmanship of their available house plans.
It acts as a real-life representation of what a buyer can expect if they choose to build a similar home with that particular builder. Display homes are typically located in new housing estates or developments and serve as a marketing tool to attract potential buyers.
In essence, a display home is the builder’s showroom, only instead of walking through aisles of samples, you’re walking through fully constructed rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and landscaped yards.
The Purpose of a Display Home
Display homes serve multiple important functions for both the builder and the buyer:
1. Demonstration of Craftsmanship
Display homes allow builders to showcase the quality of their construction, attention to detail, and overall design flair. From the architecture and floor plan layout to the finishes like cabinetry, tiles, and flooring, buyers can evaluate the builder’s standards firsthand.
This gives prospective clients the confidence that the builder is capable of delivering a well-finished, thoughtfully designed home. It’s also a chance to see how premium materials and high-end upgrades look and feel in real life, beyond brochures or 3D renders.
2. Marketing and Sales
For builders, display homes are essential marketing tools. A beautifully styled and completed home helps buyers emotionally connect with the space and envision themselves living there.
Rather than simply talking about features or showing floor plans, the display home makes the experience tangible. This immersive approach significantly increases the chances of a buyer choosing that builder for their home project.
3. Design Inspiration
Walking through a display home provides buyers with inspiration on both a practical and aesthetic level. From how a kitchen island functions in the space to how colours and textures work together, display homes serve as live design portfolios.
Even if buyers don’t choose the exact same model, they often take away ideas for décor, storage solutions, lighting, and how to style their own future homes in a way that suits their lifestyle and preferences.
4. Customisation Guidance
Display homes often serve as the starting point for customisation. They allow buyers to see what’s possible and decide which layouts, finishes, or extras they want to incorporate into their own build.
Rather than relying on guesswork, buyers can physically experience different home features. This makes it easier to make informed decisions about upgrades, modifications, and functional improvements tailored to their needs.
What’s Inside a Display Home?
Display homes are typically designed to impress. They often feature the most popular (and sometimes premium) design elements the builder offers. Here’s what you’ll commonly find:
- Open-plan living areas
- Designer kitchens with high-end appliances
- Luxurious master suites with ensuite bathrooms
- Multiple living zones (e.g., theatre rooms, home offices)
- Integrated indoor-outdoor living spaces
- Fully landscaped gardens
- Smart home technology
- Quality flooring, lighting, and fixtures
Keep in mind that many features in a display home are upgrades, meaning they may not be included in the standard build price.
Where Are Display Homes Located?
Display homes are usually grouped together in display villages, which are planned parts of new developments where several builders each construct one or more of their best-selling home designs side by side.
This allows visitors to easily compare different builders, floor plans, and styles in a single visit, making it a very efficient and informative experience for prospective homeowners.
Styling and Staging: Why Display Homes Look So Perfect
Ever wondered why display homes look straight out of a magazine? That’s because they are:
- Professionally styled and staged
- Decorated with designer furniture and decor
- Free from clutter, personal items, or mess
- Perfectly lit and maintained
This is all part of the builder’s strategy to create an emotional connection. When buyers walk through a beautifully designed home, they’re more likely to visualise themselves living there.
But beware: a display home is designed to sell a dream. It’s important to distinguish between what’s included in the base home and what’s considered an optional upgrade.
Can You Buy a Display Home?
Yes, and many people do!
Display homes are often sold by builders once the display village is closing or after the home has been in use for a few years. These properties are known as ex-display homes and come with both benefits and drawbacks.
✅ Pros of Buying a Display Home
- High-quality finishes and inclusions: Since they’re built to impress, they often include top-tier upgrades.
- Fully landscaped: Front and back yards are already completed.
- Immediate availability: No waiting for construction, the home is ready to move in.
- Rental return: Builders often rent back the display home until they vacate the display village, offering rental income to the new owner.
❌ Cons of Buying a Display Home
- Wear and tear: Despite looking pristine, these homes have high foot traffic from daily visitors.
- Premium price: You’ll likely pay more due to all the high-end finishes.
- Location limitations: Often situated in high-traffic areas or next to other display homes, which may affect privacy.
What to Know Before Visiting a Display Home
To make the most out of your display home visits, keep these tips in mind:
1. Ask What’s Included vs What’s an Upgrade
Display homes are often packed with premium finishes, luxury inclusions, and custom features, but not everything you see is included in the standard price. Always ask the sales consultant for a clear breakdown of what’s part of the base package and what’s considered an upgrade. Some builders start with very basic inclusions, while others offer more value upfront. Knowing the difference helps you avoid budget surprises down the track and ensures you’re comparing quotes fairly between builders.
2. Take Notes and Photos
After walking through a few homes, it’s easy to forget which one had that beautiful butler’s pantry, cleverly placed skylight, or smart built-in desk. Bring a notebook or use your phone to jot down notes and take plenty of photos. Documenting your impressions in real time will help you compare homes later and remember the features that really stood out to you, whether for practical needs or design inspiration.
3. Measure and Evaluate Space
Don’t let stylish furniture or expert staging distract you. While the decor can be impressive, it’s more important to focus on the layout, flow, and functionality of the home. Pay attention to room dimensions, hallway widths, storage options, and natural light. Imagine your own furniture in the space and whether the layout suits your lifestyle, especially if you have children, pets, or work from home.
4. Consider Your Block Size
Display homes often sit on larger, premium lots to create maximum street appeal and garden space, but that may not reflect the size or shape of your own land. It’s crucial to check that the home design you love will fit your actual block. Ask for a site plan or have the builder assess your lot to ensure the design can be adapted without compromising the layout or council regulations.
5. Research the Builder
While a display home may look perfect, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Before committing to a builder, do your homework. Read online reviews, ask about build times, check what’s included in your contract, and clarify warranty terms. A builder’s reputation, communication style, and transparency are just as important as the visual appeal of their display homes. You want a team that will not only build your dream home but support you throughout the entire process.
Display Homes vs Custom Builds vs Pre-Designed Homes
| Feature |
Display Home |
Custom Build |
Pre-Designed Home |
| Built already? |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Can customise? |
Limited |
Full customization |
Limited to optional extras |
| Move-in ready? |
Yes (if for sale) |
No (requires construction) |
No |
| High-end finishes? |
Usually |
Depends on budget |
May require upgrades |
| Land required? |
Sometimes included |
Yes |
Yes |
Final Thoughts: Should You Visit a Display Home?
Absolutely. Visiting display homes is one of the most effective ways to:
- Clarify your needs and wants
- Visualise home designs in a real-world setting
- Evaluate builder quality and offerings
- Find inspiration for your own home build
However, remember to view display homes with a critical eye. Don’t get swept up in the sparkle of professionally designed spaces. Instead, focus on the layout, structure, and value of the home.
By knowing what to expect, asking the right questions, and doing your homework, a visit to a display home can bring you one step closer to building the home of your dreams.
Bonus: Questions to Ask the Builder or Sales Consultant
- What is the base price of this home?
- Which features shown are upgrades?
- What inclusions come standard?
- Can I modify this floor plan?
- What kind of warranty or structural guarantee do you offer?
- How long is your average build time?
- What kind of energy efficiency ratings does this home meet?
- Are there any hidden costs?
- Is landscaping included?
- Do you have any promotions or packages available?
Conclusion
A display home is more than just a beautifully built house, it’s a powerful tool in your journey toward homeownership. By stepping into a display home, you’re stepping into possibility: the chance to imagine your lifestyle, evaluate a builder’s promise, and shape the vision of your future home.
Whether you’re just starting out or narrowing down your builder list, visiting display homes is an invaluable part of the process. Keep your expectations realistic, do your research, and don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions.
After all, this is your dream home and it all starts with the display.
