Three Hunter-based building companies have again been ranked among Australia’s largest residential builders, according to the latest HIA Housing 100 2025/26 report.
The annual report ranks the country’s top 100 builders by the number of homes commenced, and highlights the contribution Hunter companies are making to housing supply across New South Wales and nationally.
Leading the local results, NEX Building Group commenced 3,585 homes during 2025/26, climbing from fourth to third among the nation’s largest home builders. Its 3,491 detached-home starts also made it the second-largest detached house builder in Australia. Trading predominantly in New South Wales as McDonald Jones Homes and MOJO Homes, the group commenced 1,742 homes in the state, including 1,726 detached houses, placing it second overall in New South Wales and first for detached house starts among the state’s largest builders.
Heatherbrae-based Hunter Homes rose to equal 53rd nationally with 245 starts, up from 138 the previous financial year, an increase of almost 78 per cent. The company was also ranked the 15th largest builder in New South Wales. Belmont-based Montgomery Homes was ranked 80th nationally, commencing 151 homes over the same period.
HIA Hunter Executive Director Craig Jennion said it was a strong outcome for the region.
“It is a fantastic achievement to see three Hunter-based builders recognised on the national stage,” he said.
He said the results reflected improving market conditions, with new home approvals rising 5 per cent across the Hunter and Central Coast in 2025/26.
Nationally, the Housing 100’s top 100 builders commenced 70,553 homes in 2025/26, up 9.4 per cent on the previous year, accounting for 35 per cent of Australia’s new home market.
