Is 2026 Your Year to Build? Why the Summer Break Is the Best Time to Start Dreaming
There’s something special about the days between Christmas and New Year. When they all start to blend into one and have a rhythm of their own. The pace slows and many people feel they have the capacity to pause and start imagining the future. For many, this is when the long-held dream of building or renovating their home starts to surface again.
Perhaps it’s sparked by hosting Christmas lunch and realising the kitchen no longer works, or lounging on the deck and picturing how good it would feel with a seamless indoor-outdoor living space. No matter the trigger, the holiday break is one of the most influential times of year to reflect, imagine and plan. At Stony Creek, we see it every year… enquiries rise, conversations begin and exciting new ideas take shape.
If you’re considering a build or renovation on the Northern Beaches or North Shore in late 2026 or early 2027, now is the time to start exploring what’s possible.
Why the Christmas-New Year Week Matters
This small pocket of the calendar is one of the biggest online planning periods of the year. During our experience, and echoed across the design and interiors industry, this is when people are browsing inspiration, researching builders and dreaming up projects. Freed from the pressure of work and daily routines, this week of downtime is a launch pad for decisions that shape the year ahead.
While you may not be ready to pick up a hammer just yet, a successful build always begins long before construction starts. Early conversation sets the tone for a smoother, more enjoyable experience. If your ideal scenario is to start building or renovating with Stony Creek in late 2026 or early 2027, now is a strategic time to enter the early planning phase.
Here’s why:
1. Lead times are longer than most people expect
Architectural design, approvals, selections and pricing can take several months, sometimes longer depending on the complexity of your project. Starting the conversation now gives you the luxury of time, without rush, and ensures you can begin construction when you want to.
2. You shape the timeline
The families and individuals who feel most in control of their build are the ones who begin early. They have the freedom to refine ideas, adjust budgets and get clarity before making commitments.
3. Secure your place in the builders schedule
Quality Northern Beaches and North Shore builders book out well in advance. If you already know 2026 or 2027 is your target, initiating discussions now means you’re more likely to secure the ideal start date.
4. You get space to dream without pressure
Beautiful homes aren’t built in a rush. Early planning gives you the chance to explore what truly matters in a home build. Practicality, function, energy efficiency, layout, style, materials and how you want your home to feel.
How to Make the Most of the Holiday Dreaming Phase
These slow summer days give you a valuable opportunity to create clarity and excitement around your project. Here’s how to use the time well:
Reflect on how your current home serves you
Are there spaces that feel too small, too dark or too disconnected? Are there features you love and want to see reflected in a new design? Now is the perfect time to start taking notes.
Start a shared inspiration folder
Create a Pinterest board, save Instagram favourites or even gather magazine cut-outs. When couples do this together, they can discover unexpected alignment or helpful differences in what they love.
Talk openly about your long-term lifestyle
Do you see yourselves entertaining more? Working from home? Needing extra space for children or guests? Would a more sustainable, energy-efficient home bring peace of mind?
Set initial expectations around budget
The numbers don’t need to be perfect at this stage, but having a realistic ballpark will help guide your building direction.
Reach out for early guidance
A conversation with a builder at this stage isn’t a commitment, it’s clarity. You’ll gain insight into timeline expectations, budget ranges and what to consider before moving forward.
How to Know When It’s the Right Time to Build
It’s the question everyone asks, but there’s no universal formula. However, there are signs that the timing is right:
You’re feeling excited, not overwhelmed, by the idea of change.
You want a home that fits your next chapter.
You’re ready to plan proactively.
Your current home no longer supports the way you live.
You can picture yourself in a finished space that feels like “you”.
If these points resonate, your dream home is already starting to take shape in your mind. The next step is simply to explore it.
Ready to Start the Conversation?
If you find yourself dreaming of a fresh start while you’re on holiday, you’re not alone. This is the moment each year when future homes begin. If your goal is to build or renovate in 2026 or 2027, getting in touch now can set everything in motion.
Stony Creek will be taking a short break over the Christmas-New Year period but please send us an email and we will reach out to have a chat about your project when we are back.