
When MainVue Homes opens its Dallas communities to the public next week, area builders will face yet another fierce out-of-town competitor eager to capitalize on the Lone Star state’s healthy market.
And in this context, "out of town" is an understatement.
The Australia-based builder’s initial U.S. foray established 15 communities throughout the Seattle area, encountering a welcome reception to its mid-to upper-end product mix and modern aesthetic.
Co-founder Peter Hayes says sights were next set on Dallas because of the market's strength, but also because he found there had yet to be an influx of the new and modern.
“We’re not for everybody,” he admits of the signature MainVue style.
Hayes recalls a strategic shift the firm made from sheer volume to quality product about 15 years ago.
“We put a lot of research in the European market, and found that minimalist is not livable for the average home buyer," he says. "Today we are a cross between that European influence and a more livable home. It’s quite contemporary.”

At the touch-points, that European influence comes through in quality products and what the company describes as luxury inclusions.
“We are very different than every other builder in that we don’t have upgrades," explains Hayes. "We have certain suppliers that we work with all around the world to leverage our international purchasing power and design expertise."
Co-owned by the Sumitomo Group, one of the largest Japanese keiretsu, the company’s global positioning enables them to offer feature-rich homes in the production market. According to the MainVue Homes website, luxury inclusions of $75,000-$100,000 are the standard. Homes in the company’s three new Dallas communities will range from $500,000 to the $700,000's.
March 7 marks the official unveiling for MainVue’s three new Dallas communities, though Hayes says VIP events earlier this month were warmly received. The Dallas team has already lined up 500 interested house-hunters for as many lots.
As for recent questions on the effect of oil prices on local housing market, Hayes doesn’t believe the recent drop will have a serious effect on sales. In fact, he hinted that Houston may be next on the list.