Prospective new-home buyers heading out of the GTA to the Niagara Region in search of more space and better value might want to consider Lucchetta Homes, based in Welland, Ont. For more than 60 years, the company has focused on delivering top-quality construction, design, value and exceptional customer service to this increasingly popular destination.

Second generation principals Rob and Ed Lucchetta discuss carrying on the legacy and tradition established by their father Ugo in the 1960s, and what the next chapter of this distinguished new-home builder looks like.

Let’s start with a general question: How was 2024 for Lucchetta Homes?

Last year was a challenging year for homebuilding but a great year for those looking for great deals on well built homes. We sold a number of homes, and the values have never been better. Those who bought last year made out very well.

And how is 2025 shaping up?

For those who have worked hard and are looking for a well-built home away from the hustle and bustle of the city, our WaterCrest community in the Hunters Pointe active adult community, in the heart of Niagara region, is a welcomed sight. Many buyers are empty-nesters who travel south for the winter, and open house visits usually ramp up in the spring, when they return. This year, we have had a lot of interest in our Hunters site, particularly because it is an all bungalow and bungalow town community. Pricing has never been better and there are still excellent lots available. If people were waiting for the lower pricing, they have waited long enough.

Lucchetta Homes has been building for more than 60 years in the Niagara Region… an area which is seeing increasing interest, as some buyers move westward out of the GTA in search of affordability and value. How do you do foresee this market performing over the next few years?

Many Ontarians are drawn to Toronto and the big city early in their career for work. Once they have had enough, many look towards the Niagara peninsula as their place to spend the next phase of their life. Niagara is close to Toronto, but it is a great place to call home. A lower cost of living, better quality homes and lower land costs give much better value in the Niagara peninsula. Our WaterCrest site for example is an all-bungalow site with single-family and bungalow towns available. With prices starting in the low $800,000s, it’s great value. We always welcome potential clients to come and see the difference for themselves. Values have never been better and WaterCrest is in the final phase of Hunters Pointe. When they’re gone, they’re gone.

What is it about this community that sets it apart from others in the area?

WaterCrest is a unique community at our Hunters Pointe adult lifestyle community located in Niagara. Nestled between the Welland Canal and the Welland River, it is close to major airports and major highways. Amenities such as shopping and entertainment are all minutes away. Besides a great location with only bungalow and bungalow towns available, Hunters Pointe also boasts a well-equipped community centre, complete with a full-sized indoor pool and spa, gym, activity centres, ballroom and events centre, library, new pickle ball and tennis courts and coming soon, shuffleboard.

Like-minded individuals have made Hunters Pointe their home, with dozens of clubs including golf leagues, card nights and fitness classes of all types. Great friendships have formed with so many of the residents that many even vacations together. That’s why we were chosen as the community of the year by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association, our great sense of community that is so prevalent throughout. Hunters Pointe is the only community in Ontario to receive this prestigious award.

What else about Lucchetta Homes would you want prospective new-home buyers to know?

Our father began building homes in the lates 1960s. He was a trained furniture maker in Europe and began as a cabinetmaker in Canada. He built homes for veterans under the Veterans’ Land Act program, working throughout southern Ontario. He always had one basic rule which our company still builds under today, and that is to build every home as if you are going to live in it yourself.

Our company has progressed a lot from those days. We are now building every home as an Energy Star rated home, which is 20-per-cent better built than a standard code-built home. We keep ahead of the long-term trends to give our customers the latest in homebuilding technology. And every homebuyer gets to spend time with our design team to customize your plan and personalize your interiors with our ARIDO-certified designer. To this day, we still build every home as if we are going to live it ourselves.

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AND ON A PESONAL NOTE...

What is your greatest inspiration in business and in life?

These days, we are seeing so much uncertainty and confusion with the American tariff situation, but we have been so inspired by the rise in patriotism for all things Canadian. I know Canadians are a hardy bunch and we will get through this together. Supporting each other is so much more important now. Buy Canadian products and buy local.

How do you spend your time when not at the office or on a job site?

Family is the most important off-time focus. For fun, we both golf, cycle and ski when it comes to sports, following our favourite hockey and soccer teams comes a close second.