How much does it cost to build a house in Australia ?
Real cost data for Melbourne, Sydney, and every state. From budget builds at $1,800/sqm to luxury homes at $6,000+/sqm — find out what your dream home will actually cost.
$360K
Budget 200sqm
$700K
Mid-range 250sqm
$1.6M+
Luxury 350sqm
Most Australians underestimate build costs by 15–25%
The "build price" a volume builder advertises is just the starting point. Add site costs, landscaping, driveways, fencing, blinds, air con, and council fees, and the real number jumps fast.
A 4-bedroom in Melbourne advertised at $350K will run you $500K–$650K by move-in day. Our calculator includes these extras so you see a real number, not a brochure price.
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Site costs alone can add $10K–$60K+
Soil type, slope, and connections all affect your bottom line
From Starter Homes to Grand Designs
You can build well at any price point. Here's what each budget actually gets you.
$360K – $700K
180–250 sqm, project home, solid inclusions
$700K – $1.1M
250–300 sqm, stone benchtops, quality finishes
$1.1M – $2.1M+
300+ sqm, architect-designed, premium everything
8–18
Months to build
$1.8K
Min cost per sqm
7 Star
NatHERS minimum
Cost Guides by Location
Real cost data adjusted for your city's market conditions
What's actually in a build cost?
When a builder quotes you "$350,000 for a 4-bedroom home", they mean the construction cost only. That's the slab, frame, roof, internal fit-out, plumbing, and electrical.
What's not included is everything that turns a shell into a home you can live in: landscaping ($10K–$80K), fencing ($5K–$20K), blinds ($3K–$15K), air conditioning, driveways, and utility connections.
Then there are the site costs — soil testing, earthworks, retaining walls — which can range from $10K on a flat lot to $60K+ on sloping or reactive clay sites.
The real cost is typically 15–25% above the advertised build price
Budget an additional $50K – $150K for a complete, move-in-ready home.
Usually Included
- ✓ Structural works (slab, frame, roof)
- ✓ Internal and external cladding
- ✓ Kitchen and bathroom fit-out
- ✓ Electrical, plumbing, painting
- ✓ Builder's warranty and insurance
Usually NOT Included
- ✗ Land, landscaping, fencing
- ✗ Blinds, curtains, air conditioning
- ✗ Driveway, connections (water, gas, NBN)
- ✗ Council fees, permits, soil testing
Guides & Tools
Costs, grants, loans, and savings — broken down by state
National Cost Guide
State-by-state comparison across Australia.
Cost Per Square Metre
The metric explained — and why it's misleading.
15 Hidden Costs
What builders don't tell you about the real cost.
FHOG Victoria — $10,000
First Home Owner Grant eligibility and how to apply.
Stamp Duty Savings VIC
Save $20K–$40K by building instead of buying.
Build vs Buy 2026
Full financial comparison — which is smarter?
Construction Loans
How progress drawdowns work and what to look for.
FHOG NSW — $10,000
NSW grant plus $800K stamp duty exemption.
Stamp Duty NSW
First home buyer exemptions and concessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to build a 4-bedroom house in Melbourne? +
Is it cheaper to build or buy in Melbourne? +
What is the First Home Owner Grant in Victoria? +
How long does it take to build a house? +
What are site costs and why do they vary? +
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