Because we believe building a home should feel personal.

We live where we build. We understand the landscapes, the communities and the lifestyles that make each part of the South Island unique. Whether you're building in Wanaka, Queenstown, Cromwell, Alexandra, Oamaru, Timaru, Twizel, Dunedin, Invercargill/ Southland or beyond, our focus remains the same.

We'll give you the right information, guide you through the process and build a home designed around the way you want to live.

Because we're not a group home builder.

We're builders who build homes.

Central Otago experiences hot summers and cold winters, which means thoughtful design is important. We work with clients to consider insulation, glazing, orientation and materials that help improve comfort all year round.

In many cases, yes.

A well-designed home can be easier to heat, more comfortable year-round and less expensive to run over the long term. While some energy-efficiency features may involve a greater upfront investment, they can provide ongoing savings through reduced energy consumption and improved home performance.

We'll help you understand the costs and benefits so you can make informed decisions based on your priorities.

Every location has its own challenges and opportunities.

A home in Wanaka or Queenstown has different requirements than a home in Timaru or Oamaru. That's why we consider factors like sun orientation, winter temperatures, wind exposure and insulation performance early in the design process.

The aim is simple: build homes that are comfortable to live in, efficient to run and designed to perform well for years to come.

That depends on your goals, your location and how you want to live in your home. Options may include:

• High-performance insulation
• Energy-efficient glazing
• Solar-ready designs
• Reduced-waste construction methods
• Improved thermal performance
• Efficient heating systems
• Water-saving solutions

Rather than recommending the latest trend, we'll help you understand what will genuinely add value to your home and your everyday life.

Yes.

There's a common misconception that energy-efficient homes always cost significantly more to build. In reality, it's about understanding where your investment will make the biggest difference.

Better insulation, thoughtful orientation, quality glazing and smart material choices can all contribute to a warmer, more efficient home. We'll help you prioritise the features that deliver the greatest long-term benefit without losing sight of your budget today.

For many homeowners, a sustainable home is worth the investment because it can improve comfort, reduce energy use and lower running costs over time.

Our approach to sustainable home building is that it should be practical, not complicated.

A sustainable home isn't about adding every new product on the market. It's about making smart decisions that improve comfort, reduce energy use and deliver long-term value.

Our role is to help you understand the options, explain the trade-offs and find the right balance for your budget, your lifestyle and your future plans.

Yes.

Moving in isn't the end of the relationship.

We'll provide guidance around maintenance, warranties and ongoing care so your home continues to perform as intended for years to come.

We're building for the future, and that means being there long after the keys are handed over.

We're not interested in building the most homes.

We're interested in building the right home.

We've been building for generations, and we understand that a home is more than timber, concrete and cladding. It's where life happens. It's where families grow, celebrate milestones and create memories.

That's why we focus on people first.

We'll tell you what's possible, help you understand the trade-offs, guide you through the process and stand behind what we build.

Because at the end of the day, we're builders who build homes.

Plan - For people who are ready to get building sooner. Choose from a range of thoughtfully designed homes that are pre-priced and designed for local living.

Plan+ - For people who like one of our plans but want to make it their own. Customise layouts, finishes, fittings and performance features to better suit your needs.

Custom/ Bespoke - For people who want a completely unique home. We'll work alongside you from the first idea through to the final handover, helping design and build a home tailored specifically to your lifestyle and site.

Yes.

Many South Island sites come with unique characteristics, whether that's a slope, difficult access, elevated views or complex ground conditions.

Every site tells a different story. We assess the opportunities and challenges early so we can provide practical advice, realistic expectations and a solution that works for your section.

Energy efficiency is a conversation we have with every client.

We help you understand the options available, from insulation and glazing through to heating systems and building materials.

Our role is to help you balance today's budget with tomorrow's running costs so you can make informed decisions that work for your priorities.

We do.

A home in Queenstown or Wanaka needs to respond differently to the environment than a home in South Canterbury.

We consider factors such as climate, snow loads, wind exposure, site orientation and long-term performance. Rather than simply building to minimum standards, we help clients make decisions that will improve comfort, durability and energy efficiency for years to come.

Yes.

Building a home involves far more than construction. There are drawings, consultants, council requirements, consent documentation and countless decisions to navigate along the way.

We're here to guide you through the entire journey. Our team works with you to simplify the process and provide the information you need at each stage.

Definitely.

Some of our best projects start with nothing more than a conversation.

You might have a collection of ideas, inspiration photos or a clear vision you've been thinking about for years. Our job is to listen, ask the right questions and help turn those ideas into a custom home that's right for your land, your family and the way you want to live.

We'll partner with you from concept through to completion.

Absolutely.

Some clients fall in love with one of our pre-designed plans but want to make a few changes. Others want to personalise layouts, upgrade finishes or adapt a design to suit their section.

That's exactly why we offer Plan+.

It gives you the confidence of starting with a proven design while still allowing the flexibility to make it your own.

Every home is different.

Factors such as design complexity, council approvals, site preparation and weather can all influence timelines.

What won't change is our commitment to keeping you informed. From the first conversation through to handover, we make sure you understand what's happening, what's coming next and what you can expect along the way.

Where possible, yes.

We know budget certainty matters. That's why we invest significant effort early in the process to understand your project properly before committing to a price.

Our focus is on providing clear, all-inclusive pricing so you can make informed decisions and move forward with confidence.

The honest answer is: it depends.

The size of the home, the complexity of the design, your site, your location and the finishes you choose all influence the final cost.

What we can promise is transparency. We spend time upfront understanding your project so we can provide realistic pricing and clear expectations. Our goal is to give you confidence from the beginning, not surprises later on.

Because where you build matters.

Building in Wanaka brings different challenges and opportunities than building in Timaru or Oamaru. From snow loads and wind exposure to council requirements and site conditions, local experience makes a difference.

At Breen Homes, we're part of the communities we build in. We're your neighbours, your clients become our friends, and the homes we build become part of our shared landscape. When we take on a project, we do it knowing your legacy becomes part of our legacy too.

Breen is a solutions-based contractor. There are always unforeseen items or things outside of our control.

That being said, we work to ensure that if something goes wrong, a solution is provided that is fit for purpose and has the least amount of implications for our client.

Between our LBP-qualified site managers and expert project managers, your build will be overseen during the construction phase. Project Managers will keep you up to date on progress, design and finances relating to the job.

Yes, you can check out our previous projects and case studies.

The answer looks a little different for everyone, but some of the biggest contributors to long-term value include:

• A well-designed floor plan
• Quality construction
• Good sun orientation
• Energy efficiency
• Durable materials
• A home that suits the way you live

We believe value isn't just about future resale. It's about creating a home that's comfortable, functional and enjoyable to live in for years to come.

Often, yes.

Starting with an existing plan can speed up the process because many of the design decisions have already been made. It's a great option for people who want a streamlined path to building.

If you'd like more flexibility, our Plan+ option allows you to personalise an existing design, while our Bespoke service offers a completely custom solution.

The right choice depends on your timeline, budget and how much personalisation you're looking for.

Central Otago experiences hot summers and cold winters, which makes thermal performance particularly important.

The right insulation, glazing and heating solution can have a significant impact on comfort and energy efficiency. We help clients understand the options available and choose solutions that suit both the climate and their budget.

Understanding your section is a great place to start.

Things like site orientation, access, services, ground conditions and how you want to live in the home can all influence the design and budget.

A little planning upfront can make a big difference later. That's why we take the time to understand both your land and your goals before moving into design and pricing.

Start by looking beyond the plans and pricing.

Choose a builder who understands the local area, communicates clearly and has a proven track record of delivering quality homes. Building a home involves hundreds of decisions, so it's important to work with a team you trust and feel comfortable with.

The right builder won't just build your home; they'll guide you through the entire process.

There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer.

The cost of building depends on the size of the home, site conditions, level of finish and design complexity. Queenstown sites can vary significantly, which means build costs can too.

What we can provide is transparency. We spend time early in the process understanding your project so we can provide realistic cost expectations and help you make informed decisions.

Yes.

Many Wanaka sections are elevated or sloping, which often creates opportunities for incredible views and unique home designs.

Building on a sloping site does require additional consideration around design, engineering and access, but it can also lead to some of the most rewarding outcomes. Our team can help assess your site and explain what's possible.

For many homeowners, yes.

A well-designed sustainable home can be warmer, more comfortable and more efficient to run over the long term. Features such as better insulation, quality glazing and thoughtful orientation often improve everyday comfort while helping reduce energy use.

The key is understanding where your investment will have the greatest impact. We'll help you weigh up the options and choose what's right for your budget and priorities.

Every project is different, but build timelines are influenced by factors such as design complexity, site conditions, consents and material availability.

The most important thing is having a clear understanding of the process from the beginning. We provide realistic timelines upfront and keep you informed throughout the journey, so you know what's happening and what's coming next.

That depends on what's most important to you.

Buying an existing home can be quicker, but building gives you the opportunity to create a home that suits your lifestyle, your section and your future plans. You can design for views, energy efficiency, storage, outdoor living and everything else that matters to you.

For many of our clients, the biggest benefit of building is ending up with a home that feels like it was made for them, because it was.

There's no one-size-fits-all answer.

Some clients want a family home close to schools and community facilities, while others are building a holiday retreat or a forever home. Our role is to help design a home that suits the way you want to live now and into the future.

Yes.

Wanaka's climate can be demanding, particularly during winter. We consider factors such as insulation, heating efficiency, glazing, site orientation and snow loading requirements to help create a home that's comfortable year-round.

Chat to one of our team if you have more questions.

The cost of building in Wanaka depends on factors such as your section, home size, design complexity and level of finish. We'll help you understand the costs involved early in the process and provide realistic pricing so you can move forward with confidence.

We consider sun, insulation, heating efficiency, glazing and site orientation early in the design process. The goal is to create homes that are warm, comfortable and enjoyable to live in throughout the seasons.

Yes.

Many Queenstown sites involve steep terrain, elevated positions or complex access requirements. We have experience working through these challenges and helping clients unlock the potential of their land.

Yes.

We work with clients seeking entirely bespoke homes, helping bring together great design, practical construction knowledge and a build experience that's collaborative from start to finish.

Every project is different, but Queenstown builds often involve site-specific considerations that can affect pricing. We focus on transparency and helping clients understand costs upfront, so there are fewer surprises throughout the build.

Look for a builder with local experience, clear communication and a proven process. Queenstown projects often involve complex sites, design requirements and consent considerations, so experience matters.

Yes.

Whether you're building in town or on a larger rural section, we can help create a home that responds to the opportunities your site provides.

Absolutely.

Our Plan+ option allows you to adapt an existing design so it better suits your section, budget or lifestyle requirements.

Many homeowners want to maximise natural light, outdoor living and views. We help design homes that respond to the local environment while remaining practical and comfortable throughout the year.

Cromwell offers access to the Central Otago lifestyle while providing opportunities for new homes on a wide range of sections. It's a place where many families and retirees choose to create homes designed around how they want to live.

It can be.

With strong sunshine hours and opportunities for passive solar design, Alexandra can be well suited to homes that prioritise energy efficiency and long-term performance.

Yes.

Whether you're starting with sketches, inspiration photos/ plans or a clear vision, we can help bring your ideas to life through our bespoke design and build service.

Yes.

We look at how your home will perform during both summer and winter and help you make informed decisions around comfort, efficiency and durability.

Site orientation, climate, services and long-term lifestyle goals are all important considerations. The earlier these factors are understood, the better the outcome for your home.

We work hard to provide pricing certainty by investing time upfront in understanding your project and helping establish realistic expectations from the beginning.

Yes.

While some clients choose one of our existing plans, many choose to create a custom home designed specifically around their site and lifestyle.

Breen's roots run deep. We've been building homes and projects in the region for generations, and we're proud to remain part of the communities we serve today.

Local knowledge matters. Understanding the area's climate, land conditions and community helps create better building outcomes and a smoother building experience.

Yes.

We work with clients to understand energy-efficient options and make practical decisions that improve comfort, reduce energy use and support long-term home performance.

The answer depends on the site, design and level of finish. We'll help you understand the factors influencing your build and provide realistic pricing as early as possible.

Yes.

We regularly work with clients building on lifestyle properties and rural sections, helping design homes that suit both the land and the way people want to live.

Timaru offers a mix of coastal, suburban and lifestyle sections, each with different opportunities and considerations. Understanding the local environment helps create homes designed to perform well over time.

For many people, building offers the opportunity to create a home that suits the way they live today.

New homes can provide greater energy efficiency, lower maintenance requirements and a layout designed around your family's needs. While buying an existing home may be quicker, building gives you more control over the final result.

The right choice depends on your goals, timeline and budget, and we're always happy to help you explore the options.

For many people, Invercargill offers space, community and an outstanding lifestyle.

Building a new home gives you the opportunity to create a warm, efficient and modern home that's tailored to your needs, rather than compromising on an existing property.

Our job is to help make that process as straightforward and enjoyable as possible.

Yes.

Many Southland homeowners are looking to build on larger sections or lifestyle properties. These sites often provide great opportunities but can also require additional planning around access, services and site layout.

We'll help you understand what's possible and create a solution that works for both your land and the way you want to live.

Yes.

A well-designed home can make a significant difference to comfort and running costs, particularly in cooler climates.

We help clients understand the options available, from insulation and glazing through to heating systems and sustainable building choices, so they can invest where it matters most.

Absolutely.

Whether you're starting with a clear vision, inspiration from homes you've seen or simply a list of ideas, we'll work alongside you to create a custom home that's designed for your section, your lifestyle and your future plans.

Yes.

Southland's climate means factors such as insulation, heating efficiency, glazing and weather protection are particularly important.

We work with clients to create homes that are comfortable, durable and designed to perform well throughout the seasons.

Look for a builder who understands the local environment, communicates clearly and stands behind their work.

Building a home is a partnership. The right builder should help you navigate decisions, explain your options and provide confidence throughout the process.

We believe the building experience matters just as much as the finished home.

The cost of building a home in Invercargill depends on factors such as your section, home size, design requirements and level of finish.

Rather than relying on rough estimates, we take the time to understand your project properly and provide clear, realistic pricing so you can make informed decisions from the beginning.

Building in Southland comes with its own set of considerations, from weather conditions and site exposure to the way homes need to perform throughout the year.

Working with a builder who understands the local environment can make a real difference. At Breen Homes, we bring local knowledge, practical advice and a straightforward approach to every project.