Building in Devonport
Tasmania's north coast gateway — a city on the move, with the land, lifestyle and opportunity to build the home you've always wanted.
Tasmania's North Coast Gateway
Devonport is Tasmania's third-largest city — a place with genuine momentum. With a population of 26,150 and growing at 1.5% annually (above the national average), it's attracting families, professionals, and sea-changers who want the lifestyle benefits of coastal Tasmania without sacrificing city-level services.
Positioned 47km east of Burnie and 98km north of Launceston, Devonport sits at the intersection of Tasmania's north coast — a genuine hub. The Spirit of Tasmania ferry port redevelopment (2026–27), the $55 million Living City waterfront precinct transformation, and major infrastructure investment are reshaping the city's centre and attracting new residents and businesses.
Beyond the city itself, the surrounding region offers extraordinary variety. Spreyton — famous for its apple orchards and the excellent Spreyton Cider Co — sits just minutes west. The Don River Railway heritage attraction draws visitors year-round. And to the south, the road winds up through farmland toward Sheffield and Cradle Mountain, giving Devonport residents access to genuine wilderness within an hour's drive.
For custom home builders, Devonport represents a market with strong fundamentals: growing population, major infrastructure investment, and land prices that still make quality construction financially viable. This is a city you can bet on.
Why People Choose Devonport
Living City Transformation
A $55 million waterfront precinct redevelopment is reshaping Devonport's heart — restaurants, cultural spaces, riverfront promenades, and more. The city centre is becoming somewhere people actually want to be.
Spirit of Tasmania Port
Devonport is the home port of Tasmania's famous Bass Strait ferry. The 2026–27 port redevelopment will further cement the city's status as Tasmania's primary gateway and economic hub.
Spreyton & Don Valley
Just minutes from the city, Spreyton's apple orchards, Spreyton Cider Co, and rural setting offer the perfect semi-rural lifestyle. The Don River Railway is a heritage icon beloved by residents and visitors alike.
Population Growth
At 1.5% annual population growth — above the national average — Devonport is a genuine growth market. Strong demand for quality housing makes it an excellent location to build both for lifestyle and investment.
Services & Schools
Devonport offers excellent infrastructure: private and public schools, a large regional hospital, Devonport Airport with daily Melbourne flights, and the full range of retail and services you'd expect from a regional centre.
Build Areas & Suburbs
Stony Rise, Spreyton, Miandetta, East Devonport, and Latrobe are all popular build destinations — each with distinct character, from elevated city views to riverside lifestyle and orchard-country semi-rural blocks.
What You Need to Know About Building in Devonport
Devonport City Council manages planning for the city and surrounding suburbs via the PlanBuild Tasmania online portal — the same state-wide system used across Tasmania. Here's what to know before you start:
- Planning applications for Permitted development are typically assessed within 28 days — faster than many mainland councils.
- Coastal sites near East Devonport or the Don foreshore may require attention to coastal hazard overlays and setback requirements.
- The region's basalt geology means some sites require rock excavation, which can add to site works costs — something to factor into early budget conversations.
- BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) ratings apply to some fringe and rural blocks — this influences material specifications but is well within our team's expertise.
- Devonport City Council's planning staff are generally approachable and willing to provide pre-application guidance before formal lodgement.
Davies HQ is just 40 minutes south in Sheffield. We know the Devonport region well — we've built nearby at Hawley Beach and Penguin, and we work with local trades and suppliers who understand the area. When you build with us here, you're not dealing with a team learning the region on your budget.
Davies Projects in the Region
We've built award-winning homes close to Devonport — each one a testament to what's possible when design and construction work together from day one.