Almost three quarters of the land and house packages in stage 11 is under contract at Urban Ridge.

Stage two opened mid-October, with the showhome selling the first week and the next showhome selling before building commenced.

Bob and Judy Thorne.

Urban Ridge developer Bob Thorne says the demand for the packages is unprecedented.

'It is not difficult to see why the development is so successful – it is possibly the first master-planned residential development for Tauranga,” says Bob.

'The homes appeal to a wide demographic group, which is an objective of the master plan from inception.”

All houses are designed by the leading design team at Will Tatton Architecture. The award-winning local firm has designed the entire streetscape with a bespoke design for each individual section.

'Each house gives a nod to its neighbours design in a very respectful way, which normally isn't possible,” says Will.

Housing affordability is one of the main requirements in the current economic climate and home owners can get a complete package from $329,000, which is close to town and the 60 hectare Carmichael Reserve. This includes top quality furnishings and fittings.
The homes are built with solid plastered ezy-panel and linear cladding and come with granite benchtops and eco fleece insulation. Purchasers can rest assured as they come complete with a Master Builders 10-year guarantee and built only by the Thorne Group.

'Even though the sections are smaller than conventional developments, this is actually a plus – you don't spend the weekends mowing lawns. The sections are planned for pleasure and privacy, not work,” says Bob.

'Urban Ridge has been enthusiastically received by Tauranga City Council who sees this as a model for Tauranga to resolve the housing affordability crisis, without compromising quality.”