Custom Homes vs Display Homes in Perth: What You Should Know

Building your dream home in Perth is an exciting journey but before laying down foundations, you’ll face a key decision: should you go for a custom home or choose from a display home?

Both options offer their own advantages and challenges, and the right choice depends on your lifestyle, budget, timeline, and personal preferences. In this article, we explore the differences between custom homes and display homes in Perth, so you can make a confident, informed decision.

What Is a Custom Home?

A custom home is a one-of-a-kind property designed specifically for you. It gives you full control over the design, layout, materials, and finishes essentially creating a home that suits your exact needs, tastes, and lifestyle.

With custom home builders in Perth, like Distinguished Homes, you work closely with architects and designers from the ground up, tailoring everything from the floor plan to the facade.

Pros of Custom Homes

• Tailored design: Get exactly what you want from room sizes to unique features.
• Optimised for your block: Custom designs work around your land’s slope, orientation, and size.
• Premium materials: You can choose higher quality finishes and energy-efficient systems.
• Future-ready: Plan for future needs like growing families, home offices, or aging in place.

Cons of Custom Homes

• Higher upfront costs: Custom builds typically cost more than volume-built display homes.
• Longer timelines: Design and approvals can take time, often 12–24 months total.
• More involvement: You'll need to be more involved in decisions throughout the process.

What Is a Display Home?

A display home is a pre-designed house built by a volume builder to showcase their workmanship and standard inclusions. Buyers can walk through these homes at display villages around Perth, then choose to build a similar design on their own land.

Display homes are built for mass appeal, offering tried-and-tested layouts and finishes that meet the needs of most buyers.

Pros of Display Homes

• Faster construction: Because designs are already finalised, building is quicker.
• Budget-friendly: Display homes offer better value due to standardised designs and bulk pricing.
• Less decision-making: Great for buyers who prefer simplicity and less involvement.
• What you see is what you get: You can walk through the home before you buy.

Cons of Display Homes

• Limited customisation: Only minor changes to layout or finishes may be allowed.
• Generic designs: May not perfectly suit your block or unique lifestyle.
• Upgrades can add up: The home you walk through may include optional extras not in the base price.

Custom Homes vs Display Homes: Key Differences

Which Option is Right for You?

Choose a Custom Home If You:

• Have a clear vision for your dream home
• Want a home tailored to your block and lifestyle
• Prefer unique architecture or luxury inclusions
• Are comfortable with a longer timeline and higher budget

Choose a Display Home If You:

• Want a faster, simpler building process
• Prefer to see the layout and finishes beforehand
• Are working within a set budget
• Don’t need major customisations

Perth Market Considerations

In Perth’s growing property market, both custom and display homes have strong demand. Perth’s northern suburbs, for instance, often attract buyers looking for spacious display homes, while riverside and coastal areas like Applecross, Dalkeith, and Cottesloe are popular for high-end custom homes.

Land availability, council regulations, and block shapes can also influence your decision. Narrow or sloping blocks are often better suited to a custom build due to the flexibility in design.

Working With a Reputable Builder

No matter which path you choose, the success of your home build depends on the builder. Choose a builder with a strong reputation, clear communication, and a portfolio that reflects your style.

With Distinguished Homes, we specialise in custom homes in Perth that are designed and built to the highest standards. We also offer expert advice for clients comparing custom vs display homes, helping you choose the best fit for your goals.

Conclusion

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, only the option that best suits your vision, budget, and lifestyle. Custom homes in Perth offer complete design freedom and uniqueness, while display homes provide affordability and efficiency.

Take your time, visit display villages, speak with custom builders, and explore your land’s potential before making a decision. A well-informed choice now will pay off in years of comfort, style, and satisfaction.