Thinking of demolishing and rebuilding on your Melbourne block? This 2026 guide covers realistic knockdown rebuild costs, the step-by-step process, timelines, Victorian permit and asbestos rules, and the new Home Warranty protections, with answers to the questions homeowners ask most.

Planning a knockdown rebuild in Melbourne? See 2026 costs ($450k–$900k), timelines, council and asbestos rules, Home Warranty changes and 11 expert FAQs.

Knockdown Rebuild Melbourne: 2026 Costs & Process Guide

A knockdown rebuild in Melbourne means demolishing your existing home and building a new one on the same block, so you keep your suburb, your neighbors and your land, but get a home designed for how you live today. In 2026, most Melbourne knockdown rebuilds cost roughly $450,000 to $900,000 all-in, take 12 to 24 months from first conversation to handover, and need a demolition permit, council consent and (for homes built before 1990) careful asbestos management.

This guide covers the real costs, the step-by-step process, Victorian permit rules and the new Home Warranty protections that started on 1 July 2026. It is written by the team at Ansel Homes, a custom home builder in Melbourne's western and northern suburbs, and every regulatory point links back to a Victorian Government or council source so you can check it yourself.

•      Budget: $450,000–$900,000 is the typical all-in range in 2026; premium custom homes can exceed $1.5 million.

•      Timeline: plan for 12–24 months, including design, approvals, demolition and construction.

•      Permits: demolition always needs a building permit; a Heritage Overlay (or some Neighborhood Character Overlays) also needs a planning permit.

•      Asbestos: assume it is present in any pre-1990 home and get it assessed before you lock in your budget.

•      New protection: contracts signed from 1 July 2026 are covered by Victoria's Home Warranty scheme (up to $400,000).

A knockdown rebuild (KDR) is a project where you demolish your existing house and build a brand-new home on the same land, usually managed as one coordinated project by a single builder. It suits owners who love their location but are frustrated by a layout, condition or running cost that renovation can't fix.

Melbourne homeowners typically choose a knockdown rebuild because:

•      The location is right, the house is wrong. You keep your school zone, community and land.

•      Renovation is hitting its limits. Major structural, layout or asbestos problems can push a renovation close to the cost of a new build.

•      New homes perform better. Since 1 May 2024, new Victorian homes must achieve a 7-star NatHERS rating and a whole-of-home energy rating of at least 60.

•      No stamp duty on your own land. Because you already own the block, you generally don't pay stamp duty on the build, unlike buying a different property.

Our dedicated knockdown and rebuild service covers the full journey, from initial site assessment and council approvals through to construction.

How much does a knockdown rebuild cost in Melbourne in 2026?

Most Melbourne knockdown rebuilds cost between $450,000 and $900,000 in 2026 once demolition, site works, approvals and construction are included, while premium or architect-led homes can reach $1.5 million or more. Published Melbourne cost guides vary because they assume different home sizes and finishes, so treat any figure as a starting range, not a quote.

Knockdown rebuild cost breakdown (illustrative 200 m² home)

•      Demolition and site clearance: $15,000–$40,000. Driven by single vs double storey, brick vs weatherboard, site access and service disconnections.

•      Asbestos removal (if present): $2,500–$20,000+. Depends on the type and quantity of material, plus licensed removal and disposal requirements.

•      Soil test, site works and services: $8,000–$25,000. Slope, soil classification, drainage and connection upgrades all play a part.

•      Design, drafting and engineering: $10,000–$30,000. Builder-supplied plans cost less than a building designer; architects typically charge 8–12% of build cost.

•      Permits and council fees: $3,000–$10,000. Planning application fees start from $546.30, with the building permit and demolition consent on top.

•      New home construction (200 m²): $420,000–$780,000. Roughly $2,100–$3,900 per m² for standard to mid-range homes; premium custom builds start at $5,000+ per m².

•      Landscaping, driveway and fencing: $10,000–$50,000+. Often excluded from base build prices.

•      Temporary accommodation (9–15 months): $23,000–$36,000. Based on rent of roughly $450–$700 a week for a 3-bedroom home, plus double moving costs.

Adding those ranges together gives an illustrative total of roughly $490,000 to $990,000, with most projects landing mid-range.

Ranges are indicative, compiled from published 2026 Melbourne cost guides, and will vary by site, suburb and builder. Always get a site-specific quote.

Costs outside the build itself (demolition, site works, design, approvals and rent) can add roughly $60,000 to $160,000 to your budget.

What pushes your knockdown rebuild cost up or down?

•      Size and storeys: double-storey homes cost more per m² to build than single-storey, but let you fit more living space on a smaller footprint.

•      Finishes and design complexity: custom facades, high ceilings and bespoke joinery move you up the per-m² scale quickly.

•      The block itself: slope, reactive soils, tight access, easements and existing trees all add site costs.

•      Asbestos and overlays: these are the two biggest sources of surprises, covered in detail below.

•      Your location: inner-suburb councils often have stricter design controls, which can lengthen approvals and raise design fees.

If you want to see what different budgets look like, browse our home designs or visit one of our display homes.

The knockdown rebuild process: 8 steps from site check to handover

A Melbourne knockdown rebuild follows eight stages, and the order matters: you should have approvals and a signed contract in place before anything is demolished, because demolition can't be undone.

1.       Check feasibility. Generate a Planning Property Report on Planning Victoria to see which zones and overlays apply, then check your title for easements and covenants and review slope and access.

2.       Set your budget and finance. Speak to a broker early about a construction loan, which releases money in stages rather than all at once (see the finance section below).

3.       Choose your builder and design. Compare builders on registration, inclusions and finished homes, then select a home design or develop a custom plan for your block.

4.       Sign a fixed-price contract. Make sure inclusions, provisional sums and the progress payment schedule are clear, and that your builder arranges Home Warranty cover.

5.       Obtain approvals. This includes a planning permit if an overlay requires one, council's section 29A demolition consent, a building permit and a 7-star energy rating report.

6.       Assess asbestos and demolish. A pre-demolition asbestos inspection comes first; licensed removal, then demolition and site clearing, typically take 3 to 8 weeks.

7.       Build in stages. Construction usually runs slab, frame, lock-up, fixing and completion, with an inspection and progress payment at each stage.

8.       Handover and defects period. Complete a final inspection with your builder, record any defects and keep your Home Warranty certificate and compliance documents safe.

How long does a knockdown rebuild take in Melbourne?

Most Melbourne knockdown rebuilds take 12 to 24 months from your first serious conversation to receiving the keys, with construction itself usually taking 6 to 12 months. Approvals are the stage people underestimate most, and Melbourne's wet winters can add 2 to 4 weeks to the build.

•      Design and documentation: 2–4 months. Faster when working from a builder's existing plans.

•      Council approvals and permits: 3–4 months. Longer if a planning permit or heritage assessment is needed.

•      Asbestos assessment, demolition and site prep: 3–8 weeks. Services must be disconnected first.

•      Construction: 6–12 months. Double-storey and custom designs take longer.

•      Total, first conversation to handover: 12–24 months. Some stages overlap.

Permits and approvals: what Victorian homeowners need

You need a building permit to demolish a house in Victoria, council consent in most cases, and a planning permit only if an overlay on your land requires one. Here is how the three approvals fit together.

Demolition permit and section 29A council consent

Demolition always needs a building permit, and under section 29A of the Building Act 1993 council must usually give "report and consent" first when the work removes more than half the building's volume (counted over three years) or any part of a street-facing facade. Councils generally have 15 business days to respond. See how your council handles it, for example Moonee Valley City Council or Mornington Peninsula Shire.

Do you need a planning permit to demolish?

Only if your planning scheme says so. A Heritage Overlay requires a planning permit to demolish, even for a building that isn't individually listed but sits in a heritage precinct, and some Neighborhood Character Overlays do too if their schedule says so. If a required planning permit hasn't been issued, council must refuse section 29A consent, so settle this before you lodge anything.

Building permit and energy requirements for the new home

Your new home needs a building permit issued by a registered building surveyor. Since 1 May 2024, new Victorian homes must meet a 7-star NatHERS rating and a whole-of-home rating of at least 60, supported by an energy rating report (see Victorian Building Authority guidance and Maroondah City Council's summary). New homes that need a planning permit must also be all-electric.

Settle your overlay and demolition-consent position first: council can only refuse consent when a required planning permit is missing.

Asbestos and demolition: the biggest budget wildcard

Assume any Melbourne home built before 1990 contains asbestos somewhere, typically in eaves, wet-area linings, external cladding, fencing or old floor coverings. Removal must be done by a WorkSafe-licensed removalist, and it is the single most common reason demolition costs exceed the first estimate.

•      Who can remove it: under WorkSafe Victoria rules, unlicensed removal is limited to small amounts of non-friable (bonded) material, 10 square meters or less and under one hour of work in any seven days. Anything larger, and all friable asbestos, needs a licensed removalist.

•      Notification: licensed removalists must notify WorkSafe in advance, generally 5 days before work starts (24 hours for 10 m² or less of non-friable material).

•      Paperwork to ask for: a pre-demolition asbestos inspection and register, and a clearance certificate once removal is complete.

Find licensed contractors via WorkSafe Victoria's asbestos hub and read the licensed removalist requirements. Getting an asbestos survey done before you finalize your budget is one of the cheapest ways to avoid a nasty surprise.

Knockdown rebuild vs renovation: which is right for you?

A knockdown rebuild is usually the better choice when the layout, structure or hidden defects of an older home would eat most of a renovation budget, while a renovation wins when the existing home has character worth keeping (such as a heritage-listed Victorian or Edwardian) or the structure is sound.

•      Typical cost (2026): a major renovation runs about $220,000–$450,000 for a whole-home job, or $280,000–$600,000 with a rear extension. A knockdown rebuild is typically $450,000–$900,000+ all-in.

•      Time: renovations take 6–12 months and often extend; a knockdown rebuild takes 12–24 months including approvals.

•      Cost certainty: renovations are less predictable because hidden defects and asbestos often appear mid-project. A rebuild is a fixed-price contract on a clean site.

•      Layout freedom: renovations are limited by the existing structure; a rebuild gives full freedom within planning rules.

•      Energy performance: it is hard to lift an old home to current standards, whereas a new home is built to the 7-star standard.

•      Best when: renovate if the structure is sound or heritage controls apply; rebuild if layout, condition or asbestos make renovation uneconomic.

Not sure which way to go? Our article on the benefits of knockdown and rebuild walks through the decision, and our team can give you an honest view during a site assessment.

Your protections in 2026: BPC registration and Home Warranty

Victoria's building regulator is now the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC), which replaced the Victorian Building Authority on 1 July 2025, and from 1 July 2026 new contracts are covered by Home Warranty rather than the old Domestic Building Insurance. Both changes affect how you should vet a builder.

•      Home Warranty applies to eligible contracts signed on or after 1 July 2026, for homes up to three storeys and work valued at more than $20,000.

•      Wider cover: it can respond to incomplete, defective or non-compliant work even if the builder is still trading, with maximum assistance of $400,000 per home.

•      Older contracts: if you signed before 1 July 2026, your Domestic Building Insurance continues on its original terms.

Read the official detail at the BPC Home Warranty page, Consumer Affairs Victoria and Planning Victoria's building reform summary.

Most owners use a construction loan, which releases funds in stages (typically slab, frame, lock-up, fixing and completion) and charges interest only on what has been drawn. If you have an existing mortgage, lenders may let you refinance it into the construction facility, and the equity in your land often acts as your deposit.

Plan for three costs overlapping at once: mortgage repayments, rent on temporary accommodation and builder progress payments. Our team can point you in the right direction through our home financing page, and you should always confirm lending and stamp duty questions with a licensed broker and the State Revenue Office.

How to choose a custom home builder in Melbourne

The right Melbourne home builder for a knockdown rebuild is one who can manage demolition, approvals and construction under one roof, with clear pricing. Before you sign, check that your builder:

•      Is registered with the BPC. Check the practitioner register for registration and any disciplinary history.

•      Offers a clear, fixed-price contract with defined inclusions, provisional sums and a progress payment schedule tied to completed stages.

•      Will arrange Home Warranty on your behalf and explain what it covers.

•      Includes demolition and asbestos in the scope, or tells you plainly who is responsible for them.

•      Can show finished homes you can visit, and has verifiable reviews from past clients.

At Ansel Homes, we are a Melbourne residential builder specializing in custom builds, architectural projects and house and land packages, led by director Sandy Randive. We display our Building and Plumbing Commission, HIA, Master Builders and Engineers Australia affiliations on our website, you can see recognition we've received on our awards page, and you can walk through a finished home at one of our display homes. If you'd rather start on fresh land than knock down, see our house and land packages.

Knockdown Rebuild Melbourne: Frequently Asked Questions

These are the questions Melbourne homeowners ask most about knockdown rebuilds, drawn from frequently-asked-question sections on current Google results and builder enquiries.

Knockdown Rebuild Melbourne: Complete Guide to Costs & Process in 2026

Wondering whether to renovate or knock down and rebuild in Melbourne? Discover the key cost factors, benefits, and considerations to help you decide which option best suits your property, lifestyle, and budget with insights from Ansel Homes.

Is it cheaper to renovate or knock down and rebuild? A Melbourne builder compares real 2026 costs, timelines and hidden risks so you can choose with confidence.

Renovate or Knockdown Rebuild? Which Is Cheaper in Melbourne?

If you have ever stood in your kitchen at 7am, bumping into the same awkward corner you have bumped into for ten years, you have probably wondered whether it is time to fix this house or start again. It is the question we hear most often from Melbourne homeowners, usually somewhere between the first cup of coffee and the first quote.

We are a Melbourne home builder, and we sit down with people who are weighing up exactly this decision every week. Some leave happily planning a renovation. Others walk out realizing a rebuild makes more sense. This guide shares what we see on real sites, the numbers we work with in 2026, and the questions worth asking before you commit to either path.

The short answer: renovating is usually cheaper upfront, but not always cheaper overall

On paper, renovation wins the first round. In 2026, a major whole-home renovation in Melbourne typically sits around $220,000 to $450,000, or $280,000 to $600,000 if you add a rear extension. A knockdown rebuild generally lands between $450,000 and $900,000 all in, covering demolition, site works, approvals and construction.

But the cheapest quote and the cheapest outcome are rarely the same thing. Older homes hide problems behind walls, and once a renovation starts uncovering them, the budget can move fast. That is why the real answer depends on your house, not on a rule of thumb.

What does a knockdown rebuild actually cost?

A knockdown rebuild means demolishing your existing home and building a new one on the same block. Here are how the costs typically break down for an illustrative 200 square meter home, based on current Melbourne figures:

•        Demolition and site clearance: $15,000 to $40,000

•        Asbestos removal (if present): $2,500 to $20,000 or more

•        Soil test, site works and services: $8,000 to $25,000

•        Design, drafting and engineering: $10,000 to $30,000

•        Permits and council fees: $3,000 to $10,000

•        New home construction: $420,000 to $780,000 for standard to mid-range homes

•        Landscaping, driveway and fencing: $10,000 to $50,000 or more

•        Temporary accommodation (9 to 15 months): $23,000 to $36,000

Everything outside the build itself, such as demolition, site works, design, approvals and rent, can add roughly $60,000 to $160,000 to your budget. That is the part many first-time rebuilders underestimate, so we always ask people to plan for it from day one. You can see the full breakdown in our 2026 knockdown rebuild costs and process guide.

One piece of good news: because you already own the land, you generally do not pay stamp duty on a knockdown rebuild. And if the timing is right, our knockdown and rebuild service currently includes a limited-time free demolition offer, which takes one of the biggest upfront costs off the table. Check the page for current terms.

A renovation looks simpler because you are keeping the walls you already have. In practice, it is the less predictable of the two. Here is what we tend to run into on older Melbourne homes:

•        Asbestos. If your home was built before 1990, assume it is there until a licensed assessment says otherwise. It often hides in eaves, wet-area linings and cladding.

•        Old wiring and plumbing. Opening a wall for one job often reveals that the services behind it need replacing too.

•        Structural surprises. Rotted stumps, cracked footings and sagging roof framing rarely show up on a first walkthrough.

•        Energy performance. Lifting an old home to modern comfort levels is difficult and expensive, whereas new Victorian homes must meet a 7-star NatHERS rating and a whole-of-home energy rating of at least 60.

None of this means renovation is a bad idea. It means the price on the quote is only as reliable as what the builder could see before work began. A rebuild, by contrast, is a fixed-price contract on a cleared site, which gives you far more cost certainty.

We are always upfront with people when we think renovating is the better call. It usually is when:

•        The structure is sound and the layout mostly works for your family.

•        Your home has genuine character worth keeping, such as a Victorian or Edwardian with original features.

•        A Heritage Overlay applies, which requires a planning permit to demolish and can make a rebuild slow or impossible.

•        Your budget is under roughly $450,000 and the changes you want are cosmetic or modest in scale.

When a knockdown rebuild is the smarter move

The tipping point is usually when the renovation stops being a renovation. A common rule of thumb in the industry is that once the cost of fixing and reworking an older home creeps towards the cost of building new, a rebuild deserves a serious look. We would suggest considering it when:

•        The layout fights you at every turn and fixing it means moving walls, plumbing and structure.

•        Asbestos, structural defects or major repairs would use up most of your renovation budget.

•        You love your street, school zone and neighbors but not the house.

•        You want a home that is cheaper to heat and cool, built to current energy standards.

•        You want certainty. A fixed-price contract on a clean site removes most of the guesswork.

Our guide to knockdown rebuild in Melbourne walks through this decision in more detail.

Money is only one side of the equation. A renovation usually takes 6 to 12 months, though it often stretches when hidden issues appear. A knockdown rebuild takes longer overall, typically 12 to 24 months from first conversation to handover, because design and council approvals come first. Construction itself usually runs 6 to 12 months. If you cannot live elsewhere for most of a year, that alone may steer you towards renovating.

Your protections matter more than ever in 2026

Whichever path you choose, check your builder is registered with the Building and Plumbing Commission. Eligible contracts signed on or after 1 July 2026 are covered by Victoria’s Home Warranty scheme, which can provide up to $400,000 of assistance if work is incomplete, defective or non-compliant. Ask your builder to explain exactly what is covered before you sign anything.

If your home is structurally sound, you love its layout and the changes are modest, renovate. If the house is fighting you, hidden costs keep growing or you want a modern, energy-efficient home on a block you already love, a knockdown rebuild can deliver better long-term value, even though the upfront number is bigger.

The honest first step for either path is the same: get a proper site assessment. Check your overlays, get an asbestos inspection if your home was built before 1990, and speak to a builder and broker about a realistic budget and timeline. If you would like a straight answer on your specific block, the team at Ansel Homes is happy to give you one, whether that turns out to be a rebuild or not.

You can also browse our home designs, walk through a finished home at one of our display homes, or learn more about us.

Ready to talk it through? Contact the Ansel Homes team or call 1300 026 735 for a knockdown and rebuild consultation. Visit our knockdown and rebuild page to check the current free demolition offer.

A knockdown rebuild (often shortened to KDR) means demolishing your existing house and building a brand new home on the same land. You keep your location, your community and your block, but start fresh with a design that suits how you live today. It is usually managed as one coordinated project by a single builder, from site assessment and council approvals through to construction. You can read more about how we run the process on our knockdown and rebuild page.

Most Melbourne projects take 12 to 24 months from your first serious conversation to receiving the keys. Design and documentation usually take 2 to 4 months, council approvals 3 to 4 months, asbestos assessment and demolition 3 to 8 weeks, and construction 6 to 12 months. Some stages overlap, and Melbourne’s wet winters can add a few weeks. Approvals are the stage people underestimate most, so starting the paperwork early is the single best way to keep things moving.

In construction, a knock down simply means demolishing an existing building so the site is cleared for new work. It involves more than a bulldozer. Services such as gas, water and electricity are disconnected first, an asbestos inspection is completed, and the right permits are secured. In Victoria, demolition needs a building permit, and in most cases council consent under section 29A of the Building Act 1993. Only then does the demolition and site clearing begin.

Most homeowners use a construction loan. Unlike a standard home loan, it releases money in stages, usually at slab, frame, lock-up, fixing and completion, and you only pay interest on what has been drawn. If you already have a mortgage, many lenders will let you refinance it into the construction facility, and the equity in your land often acts as your deposit.

The part to plan carefully is overlap. For a while you may be covering mortgage repayments, rent on temporary accommodation and builder progress payments all at once. Speak to a broker early, and take a look at our home financing page to get started. We are builders, not financial advisers, so please confirm lending and stamp duty questions with a licensed broker and the State Revenue Office.

Demolition for a typical Melbourne home runs from about $15,000 to $40,000, and the final figure comes down to a handful of things:

•        Size and storeys. A larger or double-storey home takes more time and generates more waste.

•        Building materials. Brick, weatherboard and concrete are demolished and disposed of differently.

•        Site access. Tight driveways or narrow streets make it harder to get machinery and trucks in and out.

•        Asbestos. This is the biggest wildcard. Licensed removal is an additional cost and varies widely with the amount and type of material.

•        Service disconnections and site clearing. Utilities must be safely disconnected, and sheds, driveways, trees and other structures may need to be cleared as well.

The most reliable way to avoid a nasty surprise is to arrange an asbestos survey before you finalize your budget. It is one of the cheapest ways to protect yourself from a blown estimate.

What is the most expensive part of renovating a house?

It depends on what you measure. Per square meter, kitchens and bathrooms are usually the priciest rooms, because they pack plumbing, waterproofing, cabinetry, appliances and tiling into a small footprint. In total dollars, structural changes and extensions tend to be the biggest line items, since they involve engineering, footings, framing and council approvals.

In our experience, though, the most expensive part is often the one nobody budgeted for: whatever is hiding inside the walls. Asbestos, outdated wiring and plumbing, and structural repairs are what turn a manageable renovation into an overrun. A contingency buffer is not optional on an older home.

What is the difference between demolition and renovation?

Demolition removes a building, either entirely or in large part, so the site can be built on again. Renovation keeps the existing structure and improves, repairs or reconfigures it. The line can blur in Victoria, though. Under section 29A of the Building Act 1993, council consent is generally required when work removes more than half of a building’s volume (counted over three years) or any part of a street-facing facade. So a very large renovation can trigger demolition rules, which is worth knowing before you lock in plans.

Is It Cheaper to Renovate or Knock Down and Rebuild? A Melbourne Builder’s Honest Answer

Single storey vs double storey homes compared by a Melbourne builder. See costs, block size, energy use and family fit to choose the right home

Single vs Double Storey Homes: Which Suits Your Family

Single storey vs double storey homes are the first big question almost every family asks us. It also shapes your budget, your block choice and your daily routine for the next twenty years. We build both styles across Melbourne's western and northern suburbs, so we know where each one shines and where each one struggles. This guide shares what we have learned, so you can pick the right home the first time.

The Short Answer: Which One Should You Choose?

Choose a single storey home if you have a wider block, want every room on one level and like lower running costs. Choose a double storey home if your block is narrow or compact, you need four or more bedrooms, or you want separate zones for parents, teens and guests.

Most families land clearly on one side once they answer three questions. How big is the block? How much space do you need? Who will live in the home over the next ten years? The rest of this guide helps you answer each one.

Single Storey vs Double Storey Homes at a Glance

•       Every room sits on one level, so there are no stairs to climb with laundry baskets or shopping.

•       The build cost per square metre is generally lower.

•       They need a wider block, because the whole floor area spreads out.

•       They are usually easier and cheaper to heat and cool.

•       They suit young children, downsizers and anyone who plans to age in place.

•       Living spaces split across two levels, which gives each family member breathing room.

•       They fit more floor area onto a smaller footprint, which often leaves more backyard.

•       The build cost per square metre is generally higher, because of the staircase, structure and engineering.

•       They work well on narrow and compact blocks.

•       They suit growing families, teenagers and households that want a quiet retreat.

Single storey homes usually cost less per square metre. Double storey homes cost more per square metre because they need a stronger structure, a staircase and extra engineering. That is the headline, but it is not the full picture.

A single storey home needs a bigger slab and a bigger roof for the same floor area. It also needs a wider block, and wider blocks cost more to buy. A double storey home stacks that floor area, so it can sit on smaller land. Melbourne blocks are now about 35 per cent smaller than they were 20 years ago, according to Duotax's Melbourne building cost guide, so that land saving matters more than ever.

Compare the total cost of land plus build, not just the build price per square metre.

That is why we encourage buyers to look at the whole package. Our house and land packages pair a block with a home design at a fixed price, so you can see the full number up front. Read our guide on what a house and land package really costs to learn which extras to budget for, such as site costs, landscaping and driveways.

How Does Your Block Size Change the Answer?

Block size often makes this decision for you. Narrow frontages push you toward a double storey design, because a single storey home on a tight block can feel cramped. Wide and flat blocks give you the freedom to spread out.

Before you fall in love with a floor plan, check four things:

•       The width and depth of your block.

•       Setbacks and easements that limit where the house can sit.

•       Estate design guidelines, which can restrict building height or facade styles.

•       Council overlooking and overshadowing rules, which affect upstairs windows.

Our home designs page lets you filter by number of storeys and lot size, from 200 to 500 square metres. That makes it easy to see which designs fit your land. If you want a single storey starting point, look at the Ashford 25, the Newport 26 or the Westminster 32. If a double storey suits you better, explore the Birmingham 31, the Comiso 32, the Napier 35 or the Dublin 42.

A single storey home lets you see and hear your kids from the kitchen. You skip the stair gates, and you reach a crying toddler in seconds. A double storey can still work well here. Many parents place the main bedroom on the same level as the children's rooms, or choose a design with a bedroom downstairs.

A double storey home gives teenagers their own zone. An upstairs lounge or retreat keeps the noise away from the main living area, and parents get a quieter space downstairs. If your family loves a home theatre or a games room, a second level makes that easier to fit.

Grandparents and relatives need easy access. A single storey home is the simplest answer. A double storey home also works if the design includes a ground floor bedroom and bathroom.

A single storey home adapts more easily as mobility needs change. If you want to stay in your home for decades, one level is hard to beat. Our guide to home design trends in Melbourne for 2026 shows how flexible layouts are shaping new builds.

Single storey homes are generally easier and cheaper to heat and cool. All the rooms sit on one level, so one system covers the whole home evenly. Double storey homes behave differently, because warm air rises. Upstairs rooms can run hot in summer and downstairs rooms can feel cooler in winter.

You can fix most of that with smart design. Good insulation, quality glazing, eaves that shade windows and a sensible orientation all help. A zoned heating and cooling system lets you control each level separately. New homes in Victoria also have to meet a 7 star NatHERS energy rating, so both styles start from a solid efficiency baseline. Ask your builder to show you how the design performs before you sign.

What About Privacy, Noise and Natural Light?

Double storey homes usually capture more light and better views from the upper floor. They also separate bedrooms from living areas, which cuts down on noise. On the flip side, you will hear footsteps overhead.

Victorian planning rules limit overlooking into neighbouring yards and windows, so your designer may need to screen some upstairs windows. Overshadowing matters too. A tall home beside a single storey neighbour can raise concerns, so check the character of your street early.

Single storey homes feel connected and private at ground level, but sound travels easily across an open floor plan. Smart zoning and solid wall construction make a big difference.

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