There’s a new developer in town and with that, a new custom home philosophy: Quality doesn’t have to come at a high premium.
That’s the idea behind each and every one of Sanjeet Nijjar’s projects through Sunset Dream Homes. What began as a restoration hobby a few years ago has flourished into a booming business, where Nijjar marries his passion for design and a family business in property management to create dream homes throughout Southern California.
“When I got into the family property management business, I knew I wanted to do something in the real estate field. I always loved designing, and early on knew I wanted to build my dream home, which I did 20 years ago,” Nijjar says. “Over time, family and friends would lean on me and ask to help them design their homes, but I really never thought about it as job because I never got paid for it!”
So, a few years back, Nijjar began renovating and building vacation homes. Preservation was initially the name of the game, as Nijjar, who was living in Newport Beach, kept seeing older, charming beach cottages being torn down.
“I wanted to try and do something to preserve them and keep the eclectic feel of this neighborhood,” he adds. “So I started renovating properties and putting them up for rental. Then I saw the opportunity to go bigger.”
With more than 15 listings on VRBO and Airbnb, Nijjar’s eye for luxury finishes coupled with idyllic coastal settings quickly made his properties a popular choice for both Orange County and mountain-town short-term stays. With his vacation homes a hit, forever homes seemed like the natural next step.
That’s the foundation Sunset Dream Homes. Nijjar and his team are currently building and developing more than a dozen custom homes in sought-after areas including Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Sunset Beach, Venice Beach, Brentwood, Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear and even Joshua Tree.
His first Sunset Dream Home, dubbed the Plaza del Norte house, sold within 30 days at asking price. The early success only solidified Nijjar’s love and passion for this work.
“I build because I have a passion for the process. I want to build a beautiful product that someone will appreciate,” Nijjar says. “I love playing with different designs. I’ll do a contemporary, and then the next house may be more traditional, or maybe a modern farmhouse. More so than style, I’d say my signature is quality. And a lot of technology.”
To usher in the aforementioned different styles, Nijjar partners with different architects on different projects, most recently Brandon Architects. He also brings in longtime partners like Concept Studios to up the ante on finishes.
“Exceptional quality doesn’t have to come with a premium,” Nijjar notes. “I believe Sunset Dream Homes embody this notion.”
And with that, it seems the dream home is within reach.
Check out Sunset Dream Homes’ collection of rental and new construction properties by clicking here.