Builder Spotlight | Coast Life Homes
With more than 35 display homes in the Aura Display Village, we’re shining a light on the 21 builders who make Aura's dream homes a reality. This time, we caught up with Russel Kay, Managing Director at Coast Life Homes, to explore how their locally owned business captures the essence of the Sunshine Coast lifestyle and the innovative solutions they’re bringing to home buyers at Aura.
Current home in the Aura Display Village:
How do your home designs fit with the way that Australian families and residents want to live?
Being a 100% locally owned family business, we continually strive to promote the Sunshine Coast lifestyle through our designs. The focus at Coast Life Homes is on open-plan, family-friendly layouts that embrace the relaxed coastal lifestyle that we are so lucky to enjoy here on the Sunshine Coast.
What is your top tip for prospective buyers to consider when building a new home?
Don’t get swept up in flashy promotions or giveaways — if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Choose a builder who offers flexibility in design and has a proven track record for quality and honesty. Most importantly, feel comfortable with your builder. Building a new home should be an exciting time in your life, and choosing the right builder will ensure the process is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Coast Life Homes brings the Sunshine Coast lifestyle to life with open-plan designs that seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor living spaces
What do you think are the main challenges faced by prospective buyers when planning to build a new home?
Budget is always a key concern for new home buyers. With rising land costs, many buyers find they need to balance their aspirations for inclusions and space with their financial limitations. It’s about finding creative solutions to maximise value without compromising quality or lifestyle.
What has been your favourite home design trend for 2025?
We love the Palm Springs aesthetic with a coastal twist. This trend is all about a seamless flow between indoor living spaces and outdoor entertaining areas, paired with the striking visual appeal of a formal-style pool. It’s a look that perfectly encapsulates Sunshine Coast living.
How do you incorporate innovative or sustainable construction practices in your projects at Stockland Aura?
Sustainability is a priority for us. All our designs include solar packages and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, and we use sustainably sourced timber products. These elements not only reduce the environmental impact of our homes but also provide long-term cost savings for our buyers.
Coastal charm meets modern comfort for the perfect retreat
How are you addressing the unique needs of today’s home buyers?
Over the past year, we’ve noticed a growing demand for custom-designed homes to suit sloping sites, irregularly shaped blocks, acreages, and those seeking truly unique homes that stand out from the rest. In response, we’ve introduced an in-house design team that offers custom design services at no additional cost. This has been incredibly popular, allowing buyers to achieve a tailored home without a huge price tag.
What achievements or milestones are you most proud of?
Over the past 17 years, it’s been an honour to help Sunshine Coast families bring their dream homes to life. Seeing previous clients return with their adult children to build their first homes with Coast Life Homes is incredibly humbling and rewarding. For us, the greatest achievement is the trust and satisfaction of our clients — it’s a privilege to hand over keys to a happy family and know that in some small way, we’ve made their life better.