Builder Spotlight | McLachlan Homes

With over 35 display homes in the Aura Display Village, we’re shining a light on the builders who make Aura's dream homes a reality!

This time, we caught up with Angela Anderson from McLachlan Homes to learn how their family-owned business is designing homes that grow with Queensland families — blending smart design, indoor-outdoor living, and over 25 years of craftsmanship. 

How do your home designs fit with the way that Australian families and residents want to live? 

At McLachlan Homes, our designs are proudly built around lifestyle — a core philosophy that places the needs of Queenslanders at the heart of everything we do. 

Today’s families are looking for homes that are flexible, functional, and future-ready. Households often require multi-purpose spaces — whether it’s for working from home, accommodating multi-generational living, or providing private retreats within the home. That’s why we offer adaptable floorplans, zoned living areas, generous outdoor entertaining, and light-filled open spaces. 

We’ve also seen a growing appreciation for sustainability, smart storage solutions, and integrated indoor-outdoor flow — all of which feature prominently in our designs. We understand that no two families are the same, which is why we offer a high degree of customisation to ensure our homes reflect each customer’s personal style — all backed by our long-standing reputation for quality craftsmanship. McLachlan Homes offer full custom designs as well as standard plan adaptation.  

What is your top tip for prospective buyers to consider when building a new home? 

Think long-term and design for your lifestyle — not just for the now, but for the years to come. 

While it’s easy to focus on aesthetics or trends, the best homes are those that truly reflect how you live. Consider your future needs: Will your family grow? Do you need flexible spaces for work, guests, or hobbies? How important is natural light or outdoor living? 

By choosing a builder who offers customisation and takes the time to understand your lifestyle, you’ll create a home that not only looks great, but supports the way you live every day. 

^{Designed for relaxed Queensland living, McLachlan Homes blend open-plan spaces with effortless indoor-outdoor flow.}

What are the biggest challenges prospective buyers face when planning a new build? 

At McLachlan Homes, we understand that building a home can be both exciting and overwhelming. The most common challenges we see include: 

Balancing budget with vision: One of the biggest challenges is aligning your dream design with a realistic budget. Upgrades, selections, and unforeseen site conditions can quickly impact your budget. It’s important to prioritise what matters most and work with a builder who is transparent and flexible. 

Decision fatigue: From choosing floor plans and finishes to understanding inclusions, the sheer volume of decisions can feel daunting. Having a builder who guides you and streamlines the process can make a big difference. 

Understanding the process: For many, building is a first-time experience, and navigating timelines, approvals, and construction stages can be confusing. Clear communication and support are essential. 

Finding the right block: Not every home suits every block. Orientation, slope, and estate requirements can affect your choices so working with an experienced builder who can adapt designs is essential. 

Future-proofing: Buyers often overlook their future needs such as space for a growing family, work-from-home zones, or aging in place. It’s important to design with flexibility in mind. 

What’s your favourite home design trend for 2025? 

We’re loving the continued rise of seamless indoor-outdoor living spaces. This trend isn’t just about adding a patio — it’s about creating a true extension of the home. We’re seeing a growing demand for: 

• Multi-use alfresco zones with outdoor kitchens, lounges, fireplaces and pool houses. 
• Larger sliding or stacker doors that blur the lines between inside and out. 
• Designs that embrace natural light, airflow, and connectivity to the landscape. 

It aligns beautifully with the Queensland lifestyle — encouraging relaxation, entertaining, and enjoying our climate all year round. Bonus: it also makes homes feel more spacious and luxurious, even on smaller blocks.

^{Functional, flexible, and full of style — McLachlan Homes are thoughtfully crafted around the way modern families live.}

What achievements or milestones are you most proud of? 

We’re proud of our legacy, which spans more than 28 years of building quality homes across Queensland. Our achievements reflect our commitment to quality, service, and community: 

Industry recognition: We’ve consistently received awards from Master Builders Queensland and other respected bodies — a testament to our craftmanship, innovation and exceptional design. 

Family-owned and operated: As a local, family-run business, we take great pride in delivering homes that reflect our values: integrity, personalised service, and genuine care. Our team is passionate about helping families bring their dream homes to life, not just building houses. 

Loyal customers: Many clients return to build with us again as their needs evolve — whether upsizing, downsizing, or building an investment. That repeat trust is the greatest compliment we can receive. 

These achievements remind us why we do what we do — building homes that are truly built around lifestyle 

Do you have any exciting updates that you would like to share? 

Yes! A few exciting things are happening: 

New Foundation Collection coming soon 
We’re introducing a new range of designs tailored for first-time builders. The Foundation Collection offers the high-quality McLachlan Homes is known for with practical, modern designs tailored to maximise your budget. 

New website launching 
We’re revamping our website to make the building journey easier than ever, with improved functionality and updated designs. 

New display home under construction in Aura 
We’ve started work on a brand-new display home in Aura. It’ll showcase the latest innovations in smart design, lifestyle integration and beautiful finishes — we can’t wait to open the doors!