HIA Great Southern Housing Awards: Mira Mar property with lake and beach views named 2025 home of the year

A two-storey house in Albany’s Mira Mar has been named home of the year in the 2025 HIA Great Southern Housing Awards presented by Wespine. Constructed by WA Country Builders, the house enjoys an elevated site with views over Lake Seppings and Middleton Beach. The judges loved the design which they said made the most of its location. The four-bedroom house delivered plenty of space, according to HIA WA executive director Michael McGowan. “The judges were impressed with the site-responsive design that optimises natural light and outlook and delivers spacious living on both levels,” he said. “It balances form and practicality with ease.” The custom-built home of the year, it earned the overall title by pipping the winners of the other categories. The project home of the year brought another victory for WA Country Builders for a smart, efficient home in McKail that also won the up to $450,000 project home category. The display home of the year was The Allora at Bayonet Head, by Home Group WA. A four-bedroom holiday home in Bremer Bay by Perth builders Pique wowed the judges in the lightweight housing and modular and prefabricated categories. The excellence in service award went to Home Group WA Great Southern. The project home over $450,000 was a WA Country Builders designed home in Cascade. Mr McGowan praised the resilience and dedication of the regional building industry. “Each year, we see regional builders delivering homes that not only meet the needs of their clients but also respond to challenging landscapes, regional climates, and evolving lifestyle demands,” he said. “The 2025 winners exemplify the remarkable design, craftsmanship and environmental responsiveness that make regional WA a leader in quality home building.”