Construction Cost Calculator

How Much Does It Cost to Build a House?

A home building cost estimator for Australia — by floor area, build type, region and quality tier — with a full category breakdown so you can see exactly where the money goes. 2026 indicative figures, AUD.

📏 Your build
Storeys
Quality tier
Site complexity
Build type
Region
$0
total estimated cost (incl. contingency)
$0
per m²
$0
15% contingency
📊 Where the money goes
Typical cost split for a project-home build — illustrative, not your specific quote.
💡 These are rough, indicative 2026 national estimates in AUD, not a quote — actual costs vary significantly by state, council, site conditions, materials and builder. The region adjustment (Metro/Regional/Remote) is a broad illustrative multiplier, not state-specific data. Always get at least 3 licensed builder quotes before committing.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to build a house in Australia?
As a rough 2026 national guide, a mid-quality project home typically runs around $2,500/m² of floor area, ranging from about $1,800/m² for a basic build to $3,500/m²+ for a premium finish. A typical 200m² home at mid quality is therefore roughly $500,000-$550,000 before land, site works and contingency — actual quotes vary significantly by state, site conditions and builder.
What's the average construction cost per square metre?
For a standard single-storey project home in a metro area, expect roughly $1,800-$2,500/m² for basic-to-mid finishes and $3,500/m²+ for premium. Multi-storey builds typically add 10-25% per square metre due to structural and access complexity, and regional or remote sites often cost more again due to freight and labour availability.
Is a custom architect-designed build more expensive than a project home?
Yes, typically. Custom architect-designed builds commonly run 15-25% above an equivalent volume-builder project home, reflecting design, engineering, council approval and one-off construction costs that a repeatable project home design doesn't carry.
Should I build a new house or buy an established one?
It depends on land cost, how badly you want a specific location versus a new build, and your risk tolerance for construction delays and cost overruns. Run the numbers on both: use this calculator for a build estimate, and the House Affordability Calculator for what buying an established home would cost you on day one, including stamp duty and LMI.