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Blog Article

Local | Why Maitland is a Top Region to Move to in 2026

Maitland a Top Region for 2026

If you’re planning a move in 2026, Maitland, the founding home of Hunter Homes offers the perfect combination of lifestyle, community, and opportunity. Located in the heart of the Hunter region, just 30 minutes from Newcastle and around two hours from Sydney, Maitland blends a relaxed, family-friendly lifestyle with growing employment and education opportunities.

 

Families, first home buyers, and second home buyers alike are drawn to Maitland for its affordable housing, excellent schools, strong community services, and future-focused developments. For Hunter Homes, Maitland isn’t just a place we build, it’s home.

 

A City on the Rise

Maitland is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Hunter region, with its population expected to surpass 100,000 residents soon. Strategic planning initiatives, including the East Maitland Catalyst Area (EMCA) Structure Plan, are guiding the delivery of new homes, jobs, and essential services close to schools, transport links, and community hubs.

For first home buyers especially, Maitland presents a rare opportunity: affordable land, flexible housing options, and the confidence of building with a local builder who knows the region inside out.

 

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Schools and Family Life

Maitland is built for family life, with access to a strong network of education and childcare options, including:

  • Over 20 primary schools and 7 high schools, including Maitland High School and St Joseph’s College, Lochinvar
  • Childcare and early learning centres near Green Hills Shopping Centre, helping families keep daily routines simple and stress-free

This connected education network supports families through every stage of life, all close to home.

Lifestyle-Family-Home (62)

 

Shopping, Leisure and Community

Maitland blends regional charm with modern convenience, making everyday life simple, social, and genuinely enjoyable:

  • Stockland Green Hills Shopping Centre, with more than 230 retailers, cafés, restaurants, and a cinema, perfect for shopping, dining, and entertainment in one trip
  • A strong mix of local cafés, gyms, boutiques, and everyday services that keep the community active and connected
  • Community events like the Maitland Show and the Hunter River Light Festival, bringing locals together for family-friendly fun
  • Parks, playgrounds, and local markets that offer space for kids to play and families to slow down and unwind

And because our team lives and works right here, we know the best local spots. Mal and Anthony from our Hunter Homes Thornton Display highly recommend lunch at Café @ Mortels (their sandwiches really are next level), while the Lochinvar team can’t go past a morning coffee at HV Social Espresso Bar, just minutes from the Hunter Homes Display Village.

Convenient Location

Maitland’s central location makes commuting and travel easy:

  • Sydney (CBD): approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours
  • Newcastle (CBD): approximately 35 to 45 minutes
  • M1 / Hunter Expressway Interchange: 15 to 20 minutes
  • Maitland town centre: 10 to 15 minutes

Reliable rail services, major road connections, and ongoing infrastructure upgrades ensure Maitland remains well connected as it continues to grow.

 

Land and Housing Opportunities

As the heartland of Hunter Homes, Maitland offers some of the most diverse and in-demand housing opportunities in the Hunter region. A mix of established suburbs and fast-growing communities allows families to build with confidence.

From the brand-new housing estates of Waterford Living in Chisholm to Kaludah in Lochinvar, house and land packages in Maitland offer the perfect opportunity to build your dream home in thriving, family-friendly communities, with modern designs, convenient locations, and a lifestyle you’ll love.

From generous, family-sized blocks to modern greenfield estates ready to build on, Maitland caters to a wide range of budgets, lifestyles, and future plans, whether you’re building your first home, upsizing, or right-sizing for the next chapter.

Explore our range of House and Land packages  within the Maitland City Council region.

 

 

Building with Confidence: Our 24 Week Build Time GuaranteeBrett Case Study 1@300x-100

Choosing where to build is important but knowing when you’ll be moving in matters just as much. That’s why Hunter Homes offers a 24 Week Build Time Guarantee on eligible homes.

It means greater certainty, clearer timelines, and the confidence of knowing your new Maitland home will be delivered when we say it will. For families planning ahead to 2026, this guarantee helps turn plans into reality sooner.

Brett’s build in Chisholm is a clear example of how a streamlined construction process can deliver efficiency without compromising on quality. Located in the heart of Maitland, his home showcases careful attention to detail and a well- managed build from start to finish.

To hear Brett’s story in his own words and learn more about his building journey, read the full client testimonial here.

 

See It on Display

There’s nothing like walking through a home to truly understand how it lives. That’s why Hunter Homes has two display locations in the Maitland region, showcasing the design, craftsmanship, and lifestyle we’re known for.

Visit us at HomeWorld Thornton, featuring two of our most-loved signature designs, or explore the brand new Hunter Homes Display Village in Lochinvar, created to inspire from the moment you arrive.

 

Get Started Today

Ready to build your own dream home? Start by exploring our Single Storey Home Designs or visit one of our display homes to see what's possible. Hunter Homes is here to make your first home everything you've imagined.