New homes were in the spotlight at REA Group’s Excellence Awards, which tipped Stockland’s online tool, Dreamcatcher, as the Gamechanger of the Year.  

The REA Excellence Awards, now in its eighth year, recognises talent across Australia from different facets of the real estate industry, including the new homes sector.  

This year’s event saw over 800 submissions across more than 65 awards spanning residential, commercial, developer, and media categories. 

Residential property wins included a game-changing online tool that helps those building a new home visualise their concepts within real master-built homes, and a new sustainability award that went to a standout community making waves in Victoria’s Daylesford. 

“These prestigious awards place a spotlight on the incredible achievements of individuals and teams across the industry, helping our customers to broaden their reach and win new business,” said REA Group general manager – customer excellence, Amy Read. 

Game Changer of the Year – Stockland Dreamcatcher 

Dreamcatcher, Stockland’s online tool that helps homebuyers bring their dream home to life, received the Game Changer of the Year award. 

Named after Aussies in the early consideration phase of the home buyer journey (known as 'dreamers'), the online Dreamcatcher tool was launched by Stockland in 2020 to help users navigate home design trends and conceptualise their own personal style.  

Dreamcatcher allows users to experiment with layouts, materials, and interior styles to better envision their dream home. Picture: realestate.com.au

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Users can collate imagery, browse design trends, explore 3D virtual home tours and gather inspiration from Stockland-approved builders and designers.  

Stockland’s head of design and placemaking Sophie Pickett-Heaps said the tool was one way to help buyers better visualise what their future home could look like before they commit to building.  

MORE: Project home customisations worth spending your money on 

“Based on Australia’s most popular interior design styles, buyers can navigate through Australian home design trends and immerse themselves in these spaces via 3D virtual home tours and guided videos,” Ms Pickett-Heaps said.  

“Unlike other design inspiration platforms, Dreamcatcher users can be safe in the knowledge that all pinned designs and features are of genuine, affordable, master builder-designed homes.” 

Stockland Dreamcatcher Styleboard platform allows people to bring their dream home to life.

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The Game Changer award recognises businesses that have “disrupted the status quo” either to deliver on a business goal or solve a broader industry issue, whether it’s through tech advancements, changing customer experiences, or providing solutions for a new or existing business or market need that has resulted in benefits for the industry. 

The Great Separation by Frasers Property Australia, and Riverlee were finalists in this category. 

Excellence in Sustainability – The Village by Hygge Property

The Village, a collaboration between Hygge Property and sustainable architects Breathe, clinched the award for Excellence in Sustainability, a new category introduced for this year’s awards.

The award recognises those leading the way for a sustainable future through its projects, development or business practices.  

Taking out the newly introduced award for sustainability, The Village works in harmony with the surrounding natural environment through its amenities and design. Picture: realestate.com.au

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Located in Daylesford, The Village aims to be a self-sustained community working in harmony with the natural environment.  

Comprising 31 townhouses and communal spaces, the entire development is set to be carbon-neutral, reaching a 7.5-star NatHERS rating with all-electric homes powered by a combination of solar panels and wind turbines.   

MORE: Melbourne’s top sustainable off-the-plan apartments and townhomes 

Each home maximises northern sunlight and features double-glazing for year-round comfort. There’s also a communal garden with veggie beds, fruit trees, and composting facilities which foster community engagement and sustainable living practices.   

“It’s about striking a balance between design and the environment, with high-end architectural outcomes that reflect the amazing local area and provide a lock-up-and-leave product perfect for right-sizers or those just seeking an escape from the city,” Hygge Property director Joseph Van Dyk told realestate.com.au.  

“Buyers are seeking outcomes that reflect a lighter touch on the planet with reduced ongoing costs.”  

Highett Common by Sunkin Property Group, and Colliers were finalists in this category. 

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