In Conversation With... David Hill, President and Founder of Ballantry Homes

Building homes in 2023 might technically be very similar as 35 years ago, but today’s market is quite different. Buyers are far more discerning, and demands on new home quality and customer service have never been higher.

Ballantry Homes, with a mission to deliver the finest quality in design, materials and construction, and a commitment to offer exceptional customer service, strives to build not just homes but dreams.

We spoke with David Hill, president and founder, to lean more about the company’s philosophy, where it’s building now and what might be down the road.

It’s hard to believe we are midway through 2023 already… How is the year going for Ballantry Homes?

It has been a busy year so far for Ballantry Homes. We launched our new condo project, The Villages of Oak Park, in May. It is the first in a community of four buildings in Oakville. We are also working on another lowrise project in Brampton, which is coming soon this summer, and a lowrise project in the town of Erin, which will be launched near the end of the year.

And how was 2022?

Last year was busy for our land acquisition and development team. We acquired new lands and started working on getting approvals for new projects. We were also busy with construction in Markham and Welland. Closings started to take place last month for both projects.

We’ve heard a lot about how tenuous the real estate market is these days, for various reasons. How are things at your various projects – either underway or planned?

The market has started to pick up since April. You can tell that by checking the launch calendar of May and June. There are multiple projects coming to market every week. That means something. We have launched the first phase of our highrise condo project in Oakville, The Villages of Oak Park. There are more projects under the planning stage, and will come to market mid and late this year.

What would you say to prospective homebuyers who may be sitting on the fence about buying now?

We invited one of the economists from RBC to talk about the market and economy at one of our launch events for Oak Park. They mentioned that the market had started to pick up, and the interest rate would drop by two per cent by 2025. Now is a good time to buy pre-construction, because the sale price is still at a low point. Once the market starts to pick up, which has already started, prices will increase. And because the market is still warming up, most developers, including Ballantry Homes, are willing to offer more incentives than ever. Homebuyers should not miss this great opportunity for homeownership. It may be the best opportunity in the next few years.

You just had your Grand Opening at The Villages of Oak Park… how did it go?

It went well. We had a very good traffic and made good sales so far. Even though we have plenty of competition, our project is in a better location. Location is always the most important factor for investors or end users to consider.

What is it about this project or community that appeals to homebuyers?

We spent a lot of time on the architectural design, which makes our building stand out. The Villages of Oak Park has great amenities and a 24/7 concierge. It is also a smart building with great features, such as keyless entry, delivery notification to your smart phone and amenity reservation. It is also a sustainable building with a geothermal system and energy recovery ventilator to save on long-term maintenance costs for all residents. The unit sizes are very well designed, which makes condo living more comfortable and desirable.

What are the “calling cards” about Ballantry Homes that you would like homebuyers to know?

Ballantry Homes has been in this industry for more than 35 years. We care about the homeowners and the products we deliver. Ballantry has a great team to work with homebuyers, and builds quality homes. It’s our mission and a practice for the last 35 years.

You’ve been in the homebuilding industry for more than 35 years… What have you learned about homebuyers over these last few trying years that has changed the way you do business?

We always try to bring new and innovative designs and products to the market, such as Green building. It is what people want and expect.

And what have you learned about the business, or yourself, for that matter?

When I first started in the business, I wanted to build a quality home for my customers, that I could be proud of. Trends may have changed, but people are still looking for a quality product and one that their builder stands behind.

What’s next for Ballantry Homes?

Ballantry has a few master-planned communities that are under planning stage and will come to market late this year or early next year. We will continue bringing more well designed, luxury lowrise projects at ideal locations in GTA. Ballantry has also started looking at different needs of different age groups at various locations, bringing more types of products, such as condos and senior apartments, to market.

AND ON A PERSONAL NOTE...

What are your passions away from the office?

I enjoy golfing, though I am not very good, probably because I don’t spend enough time on it. Snow skiing in the winter and water skiing in the summer. But I really like getting to the cottage on weekends and spending time with my grandchildren.

Personally or professionally, how have the last few years affected your outlook or mindset?

I feel I have been blessed because I really enjoy what I do. But going forward, I want to take a little more time off and spend it with family and friends. The one thing COVID taught us is that life is too short, so have fun while you can.

What’s on your reading list these days?

I enjoy reading a book at night. James Patterson, Wilber Smith and Clive Cussler are a few of the authors I enjoy.