New Home Build Cost Estimator
Get a realistic price range for building a new home anywhere in Australia. We'll calculate an estimate in under 2 minutes.
How It Works
Choose your location & build type
Select your state and whether you're going with a project home or custom build. This sets the base cost per square metre.
Define your layout
Tell us about bedrooms, bathrooms, living areas, garage, storeys, and overall floor area to calculate the base build cost.
Select your inclusions
Choose your level of finish for ceilings, benchtops, flooring, cooling, and appliances. Each selection adjusts the estimate.
Review your estimate
See a detailed cost breakdown with a headline range, per-m² rate, itemised table, and visual chart of where your money goes.
What Affects Your Build Cost in Australia
Location
Building costs vary significantly across Australia. Metropolitan areas like Sydney and Melbourne tend to have higher labour and material costs than regional centres. States with strong construction demand — particularly NSW and Victoria — generally sit at the top of the cost scale, while South Australia and Tasmania are often more affordable.
Builder Type
Volume (project) builders achieve lower per-square-metre rates through standardised designs and bulk purchasing. Custom builders offer complete design flexibility but at a premium. The difference can be 30–50% or more in cost per square metre.
House Size & Storeys
Larger homes have a lower per-m² rate because fixed costs like the kitchen and bathrooms are spread over more area. However, the total cost naturally increases with size. Double-storey homes typically cost 10–20% more than single-storey due to structural engineering, stairs, and scaffolding.
Inclusions & Finishes
The difference between a builder-basic home and one with premium finishes can easily be $50,000–$200,000+. Key cost drivers include ceiling height, stone benchtops, engineered timber flooring, ducted air conditioning, and premium appliance packages.
Site Conditions
Your block's slope, soil type, rock presence, and access affect costs dramatically. A flat suburban block with good soil is cheapest. Sloping sites, reactive clay, or rock can add tens of thousands to the budget. Always get a soil test before purchasing land.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How accurate is this build cost estimator?
- This tool provides a rough guide based on typical Australian construction costs as of 2026. Actual costs vary significantly depending on your specific builder, site conditions, material choices, and local council requirements. Always obtain formal quotes from licensed builders before committing to a budget.
- What's the difference between a project home and a custom home?
- A project home is a pre-designed floorplan from a volume builder like Metricon, Coral, or Burbank. They offer lower costs through standardised designs and bulk purchasing. A custom home is designed from scratch by an architect or draftsperson and built by a custom builder, giving you full control over every detail but at a higher cost.
- What costs are NOT included in this estimate?
- This estimate covers construction costs only. It excludes land purchase, stamp duty, legal and conveyancing fees, loan establishment fees, council development application fees, developer levies, temporary accommodation during the build, and furniture and furnishings.
- Why is there such a wide range in the estimate?
- The range reflects the difference between standard and premium choices within each category. The low end represents basic inclusions, straightforward site conditions, and volume builder pricing. The high end reflects premium finishes, complex sites, and custom builder rates. Your actual cost will fall somewhere within this range depending on your specific choices.
- How much does it cost to build a house per square metre in Australia?
- Building costs in Australia typically range from around $1,300 per m² on the low-end for a basic project home with minimal inclusions, up to $3,900+ per m² for a high-end custom home. The national average for a standard new home sits around $1,800–$2,500 per m². Costs vary by state, with Sydney and Melbourne generally being more expensive than regional areas.
- Do site costs really vary that much?
- Yes. Site costs are one of the biggest variables in a new build. A flat, easy-access suburban block with good soil might add $10,000–$30,000, while a steep block with rock, reactive soil, or difficult access can add $60,000–$100,000 or more. A geotechnical (soil) test before purchasing land is highly recommended.
- Should I budget for extras beyond this estimate?
- Yes. It's wise to add a contingency of 10–15% on top of any estimate for unexpected costs, variations, and items not covered by the building contract. Common extras include upgraded fixtures during the build, additional power points, TV and data cabling, window furnishings (blinds/curtains), and temporary fencing.
- Does a double-storey home really cost 10–20% more?
- Generally, yes. A double-storey home requires additional structural engineering, a staircase, upper-level floor framing, scaffolding for construction, and more complex plumbing and electrical runs. However, it uses less land area than an equivalent single-storey home, which can mean savings on the land purchase and site costs like the slab.