With the first Subbie Spec house nearing auction on December 19th, the initiative has already generated significant interest—and even made waves on TVNZ’s Breakfast programme.
Founder Daniel Davies was interviewed on the show recently, where he outlined the background to the Subbie Spec programme and how it all works.
He explained that when the New Zealand construction industry faced slowing opportunities last year, he decided to think outside the box to come up with some solutions for tradies who were finding it tough.
Drawing from his experience during the Global Financial Crisis (GFC), Daniel knew challenges demanded innovation.
That’s how the Subbie Spec initiative was born, a first-of-its-kind approach to building and selling spec homes, where tradespeople forgo the initial payment for their services in return for a share of the profit when the house is sold.
Subbie Spec has brought together approximately 40 subcontractors and suppliers, creating a sense of camaraderie not typically seen in the industry.
“So we had… your gib stoppers, your painters, your landscape designers, your merchants, everyone that we needed in the build. There were a few more corporation companies that couldn’t contribute, but they gave us deferred payment, so we don’t pay for the products until after it’s sold. So just everyone got involved, it was really cool”, Daniel told Breakfast.
The Subbie Spec House
The result of these collaborative efforts is an impressive three-bedroom-plus-office home in Cambridge’s picturesque Bridleways Estate.
Designed for modern family living, the house offers two bathrooms (including an ensuite), two living areas, a double garage, and a dining area.
Unlike standard spec homes, this property has raised the bar with high-end features, premium materials, and thoughtful landscaping. Some standout features include tiled showers, a top-of-the-line air-conditioning system, central vacuuming, and expansive deck areas—perfect for entertaining or relaxing outdoors.
“It’s not just a standard spec,” Daniel explains. “It’s a really nicely appointed home.”
Photos of the completed home showcase its elegant gabled roof, striking black weatherboards, and spacious design—so much so that even TVNZ’s presenters described the house as “massive” and “castle-like.”
Auction Day Details
The completed Subbie Spec home is set to go under the hammer on December 19th, 2024.
With so much public interest generated by the initiative—and a stunning property up for grabs—the auction is anticipated to draw significant attention.
Get an inside look at this stunning home that showcases the best of craftsmanship.
