Building a Custom Home in Timberlea: Opportunities in a Growing Community

published on 22 April 2025

Timberlea is one of Halifax’s fastest-growing suburbs, offering spacious lots, natural surroundings, and modern infrastructure for custom home builds. With a 20-minute commute to downtown Halifax and land prices starting at $150,000 per lot, Timberlea is an attractive option for families and investors.

Key highlights:

  • Spacious lots: Ranging from 0.2 to 0.4 hectares (0.5 to 1 acre), perfect for custom designs.
  • Nature and amenities: Close to Crystal Crescent Beach, The Links at Brunello golf course, and Timberlea Trails Park.
  • Upcoming developments: 120 new serviced lots launching in summer 2025, plus $12.5M in road upgrades.
  • Convenience: Schools, shops, and medical facilities within 5 km, with a new Atlantic Superstore opening in autumn 2025.
  • Building costs: Fixed-price builds starting at $168/sq ft for single-family homes.

Timberlea combines space, convenience, and investment potential, making it an excellent choice for your dream home.

HALIFAX GOLF Neighbourhood? Timberlea and Lakeside ...

Benefits of Building in Timberlea

Timberlea offers a mix of space, thoughtful planning, and convenient amenities, making it stand out among Halifax suburbs.

Spacious Lots and Natural Surroundings

Building lots in Timberlea range from 0.2 to 0.4 hectares (0.5 to 1 acre), providing plenty of room for custom homes. The community is close to Crystal Crescent Beach, just 15 km to the south, and borders The Links at Brunello golf course on its eastern side. Timberlea Trails Park features 5 km of maintained trails that connect residential areas to protected woodlands, offering a perfect balance between nature and development. These larger lots allow for flexible home designs and creative layouts.

These perks are further enhanced by upcoming infrastructure projects.

Planned Growth and Development

The Timberlea West Phase II development, set to launch in summer 2025, will include 120 serviced lots spread over 40 hectares. Municipal plans also include adding 3 km of multi-use pathways to link Five Island Lake with existing trails. Additionally, the 2025-2026 infrastructure plan has allocated $12.5 million for road upgrades along Highway 213. These improvements align with the community’s growth strategy, ensuring long-term appeal for residents and investors alike.

Local amenities further boost the area's appeal.

Convenient Services and Facilities

Timberlea offers easy access to essential services and facilities. Timberlea Elementary is just 3 km away, while Bedford South Marketplace is 5 km from the community. The Brunello Community Centre is even closer, at 2 km. Other nearby amenities include the BLT Senior Elementary and Beechville-Lakeside Medical Centre, both within 4 km. A new Atlantic Superstore is set to open in autumn 2025 at the corner of St. Margaret's Bay Road and Timberlea Village Parkway. The proximity to schools, shops, and other services not only enhances daily convenience but also boosts the resale value of homes in the area.

Construction Planning Requirements

Land Assessment Guide

Once you've identified nearby amenities, ensure your lot is suitable for your custom build.

Start with a geotechnical site investigation to evaluate soil composition and bedrock. Techniques like borehole drilling and soil testing help determine bedrock depth, identify weak soils, and inform foundation design. Early assessments can highlight potential issues, such as shallow bedrock or poor load-bearing soils, allowing for solutions like adjusted footings or soil improvement before construction begins.

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Helio Urban Development Services

Helio Urban Development

Once you've secured your lot, permits, and utility plans, Helio Urban Development is here to offer fixed-price, pre-designed builds in Timberlea. These services work hand-in-hand with the land assessment and permit guidance mentioned earlier.

Helio Urban Development focuses on fixed-price, pre-designed builds for single-family homes and small multi-unit projects in Timberlea. With clear pricing and streamlined processes, they provide an easy, investor-friendly building experience.

Price Structure

  • Single-family homes: Starting at $168 per square foot. This includes standard finishes, as well as all mechanical and electrical systems.
  • Duplexes: Starting at $175 per square foot. The higher cost reflects their added complexity and premium finishes.

Home Design Options

Helio offers floor plans tailored for investors, designed to maximize rental income and resale potential. These layouts are crafted to balance space efficiency with market appeal, helping you achieve strong returns.

Project Management Process

Stay informed with daily updates, detailed schedules, and in-house engineering oversight through their messaging platform. You'll also receive advice on financing options and government incentives. Every aspect of the project is aligned with Timberlea's zoning and growth requirements, ensuring quality and timely delivery.

Building in Timberlea: Pros and Cons

Timberlea offers a mix of benefits and challenges for those planning to build. Helio Urban Development’s streamlined process helps address some of these challenges.

Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons to consider before finalizing your plans:

Decision Factors Table

Factor Advantages Drawbacks
Lot Characteristics Spacious lots with mature trees and scenic views Higher site prep costs due to bedrock excavation
Location Value Close to Halifax (20 minutes) with access to trails and golf Limited public transit and traffic at peak times
Development Timeline Clear municipal processes and zoning rules Short winter build season and potential delays
Investment Outlook High demand and modern infrastructure Steeper upfront costs and longer timelines

Proper planning around site conditions, seasonal constraints, and contractor schedules can help ensure your project runs smoothly.

Summary

Timberlea offers a unique blend of growing infrastructure, natural surroundings, and spacious lots, all within a short 20-minute drive from Halifax. This makes it an appealing choice for custom home builds.

Key Highlights

Timberlea stands out for its rare combination of space and accessibility, supported by ongoing infrastructure upgrades and development initiatives.

Important factors to consider when building in Timberlea include:

  • Site Assessment: A professional review of bedrock and soil conditions is crucial for managing both timelines and budgets.
  • Infrastructure Access: New developments are connected to municipal services, though costs can vary by location.
  • Fixed-Price Builds: Starting prices of $168 per square foot provide clear budgeting.
  • Investment Timeline: While initial costs may be higher, the potential for property value growth offsets this.
  • Community Planning: A thoughtful balance between growth and conservation ensures long-term value.

Timberlea's mix of location benefits, infrastructure improvements, and controlled development makes it a strong option for both quality living and investment potential.

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