Level Up: How a Christchurch Couple Transformed Their Building Business

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Take your building company to the next level.
Fowler Homes is expanding its network across New Zealand and actively seeking new business partners to continue the Fowler Homes legacy.

About Us

Fowler Homes was established in 1984 in Christchurch and since that time we have built a trusted brand, thousands of Kiwi homes, and won multiple House of the Year and TIDA Design Awards. We're looking for an individual or partnership to establish a group home-building license under the Fowler Homes brand.

Your business will secure and build new homes or investment properties for your clients and guide them through the entire build process from design, and selecting fittings & finishes, to the final inspection.

Why Fowler Homes?

Becoming a Fowler Homes licensee is your opportunity to utilise an existing and reputable NZ brand, marketing support, business systems, supplier partnerships, advice, and support network to grow your own Fowler Homes building business successfully.

A Fowler Homes license will elevate your existing building or construction business with:

Wide range of build services
Building software and systems
Marketing and brand support
National supplier agreements
Professional development
Access to turnkey finance
Architectural design services
IT services and support
A trusted brand with 40 years in trade
Supportive and fun team environment

Training & Support

Extensive marketing support is undertaken by the head office with national marketing campaigns including the Hope Home charity build project, promotional collateral, website, advertising, PR, brand guidelines, graphic design, and small important details like access to a 0800 number! Each licensee is responsible for their regional marketing and given access to centralised accounts for digital advertising, social media marketing, and radio.

A two-day onboarding induction is held for all new operators at our Head office in Queenstown. You will receive one-on-one sessions with the management team and specialised training for Builder Trend, our IT systems, accounting software, social media, and anything else you request. You’ll also have the opportunity to observe and learn from the local Queenstown Fowler Homes team in action.

Ideal Licensee

Our ideal licensee has a reputable background in building or the construction industry, they will understand building practices and compliance. They may have previous business experience and an existing network of contacts.
We are seeking motivated individuals who will commit 100% to the establishment of a Fowler Homes operation in their region, striving to attract clients and building quality homes.
The personal qualities we value in people include professionalism, personable, growth mindset, community-minded, and complete integrity.
Crucially our people must be passionate about building and delivering quality homes to all clients.
New licensees are expected to have an Office or Show Room from commencement and a Show Home underway the first year of operation. They must be willing to invest into their business.
Master Builders membership will also be a requirement.
Applicants will be required for an in-person interview process and we would welcome the chance to discuss this opportunity with the right candidate.

Investing in Fowler Homes is your next business opportunity – join our team!

Request more information below!

Fowler Homes Financial Data

The following financial information was provided by Fowler Homes to give you more information about the costs associated with a Fowler Homes opportunity

Minimum Investment Required

NZ $75,000

Total Investment Required

NZ $100,000

Level Up: How a Christchurch Couple Transformed Their Building Business

June 30, 2026

Running an independent construction start-up can be an uphill battle, especially when a lack of brand recognition stalls your growth. A few years ago, Christchurch entrepreneurs Abby Ley and Cam Bird found themselves in exactly that position. Despite having big ambitions, their independent company wasn't gaining the traction they needed.

The turning point came when they looked into Fowler Homes, a highly respected brand boasting 13 licenses throughout New Zealand. After conducting extensive due diligence, Abby (who brings a background in travel agency management) and Cam (a qualified Master Builder) purchased the Christchurch North franchise in June 2023. Their expansive territory now stretches from Central Christchurch all the way north to Kaikōura, and inland across the Waimakariri District.

The Power of Bespoke Building

Unlike many volume or group home builders that rely on a rigid catalog of cookie-cutter designs, Fowler Homes caught the couple's attention for its flexible approach.

"What drew us to the Fowler Homes model is their focus on custom, bespoke dream homes shaped by the clients' own visions," Abby explains. "Talented architects bring those concepts to life, and we take over from there. We offer fixed-price contracts and comprehensive, end-to-end support, while still keeping clients involved in the exciting parts, like landscaping and interior finishes."

By securing the license, Abby and Cam gained access to Fowler Homes' established branding, marketing intellectual property, and highly competitive preferential supplier rates. Abby notes that joining the network provided an immediate boost to their credibility—something that is incredibly difficult to achieve as an independent operator.

Scaling Up and Winning Big

By leveraging Fowler Homes' framework and choosing to employ a dedicated in-house building crew rather than relying entirely on subcontractors, the duo successfully scaled their operations without compromising on quality.

Their strategy is already paying off with major industry accolades:

· Silver Award: Earned at the Canterbury Master Builders House of the Year 2025 for their Rangiora show home.

· National Recognition: Named the Fowler Homes Regional Operator of the Year for 2025-2026 and 2024-2025

"It’s fantastic to see the Christchurch North region getting the recognition it deserves," Abby says, pointing out that the larger sections in the area offer incredible potential for beautiful landscaping.

Looking ahead, a significant driver of their upcoming project pipeline is the rising demand for purpose-built dual-occupancy properties—often referred to as 'home and income' builds. Abby views this layout as her ultimate dream home design, noting that featuring a self-contained, two-bedroom unit under the same roof offers excellent versatility for multi-generational living or rental income.

A Supportive Network and Future Opportunities

The couple credits much of their smooth transition to the collaborative, ego-free culture within the franchise network. They highlight the ongoing mentorship provided by Fowler Homes Managing Director Jason McGirr and his wife Jen, alongside a supportive community of fellow licensees. Abby emphasizes that they are committed for the long term, with future expansion firmly on the horizon.