PHOTO: Selah Homes Ltd. THE COLAB
Selah Homes Ltd, a once-celebrated bespoke home building company in Auckland, has recently faced significant challenges, leaving creditors with over $1.3 million in unpaid debts. Known for crafting architecturally designed, high-end homes, Selah was led by award-winning builder Mark Berryman, who brought over a decade of experience to the business. However, despite this reputable background, some clients reported dissatisfaction, with one family sharing their prolonged struggle over an unfinished project that spanned five years.
Selah Homes entered liquidation in March 2024, citing a combination of rising construction costs, cashflow issues, and Berryman’s health concerns. The liquidator’s report from Waterstone, issued in September, disclosed that the company owed approximately $1.39 million to 52 creditors, most of whom were unsecured. Unfortunately, there is minimal likelihood that Selah Homes’ outstanding debts will be recovered.
The company’s challenges are reflective of broader financial strains in the New Zealand construction sector, where inflation, supply chain issues, and rising material costs have pressured many small builders. Liquidators are preparing to interview Selah’s management team under oath, with a third report expected in April 2025, which may offer more insights into the company’s financial troubles and future prospects for creditors.
Founded by Berryman, Selah Homes originally started as a small renovation business before evolving into a renowned builder of custom-designed homes. Berryman’s achievements include winning the Registered Master Builders Gold Award in 2016 for a standout project in Riverhead, as well as a feature in House of the Year magazine in 2019. Despite this recognition, Selah Homes’ story now serves as a cautionary tale for New Zealand’s building industry amid ongoing economic pressures.
SOURCE: STUFF