If you have been planning to build a new home and are now getting closer to this goal, it is likely that you are gathering as much information as possible, leveraging from other experiences and mapping out your plan of action.
Ausplan Design Group is a Melbourne-based residential building design firm with 20 years of industry expertise. We will help you understand what to expect and feel prepared for the daunting building process.
Building your home in Australia is an exciting journey, but you can also feel overwhelming if you don't know where to start. From choosing the right location to navigating council regulations, there are many steps to consider before you pour your slab.
Building a home is alike to a football game – to succeed, you need the right preparation, and most importantly the right team around you to make it happen.
Ausplan handles many aspects of the design and is involved in the building process from start to finish. However, you may also need a finance professional, such as a bank or mortgage broker, a building inspector, a lawyer, an insurance agent, or other professionals.
Budget - How to budget for building a house
The first step to start on would be your budget; you need to have a realistic budget which will determine everything from the size and style of the home, the site location, materials used and level of finish. This is where your mortgage broker or bank can be handy as they will provide you with your borrowing capacity which will dictate your actual budget. Please ensure to have a buffer as well for those unexpected costs. BMT has put together an article about the construction costs in 2025. This is a helpful guide for your first home.
The cost items to think about would be:
Land Acquisition Costs
Stamp Duty on Land
SITE Costs
Survey Costs
Construction costs
Council, Permit and other Government Fees
Other Costs as Required
Location Location Location
Many individuals have grown up in certain suburbs within 10 kilometres of the central business district (CBD). Over time, the affordability of these inner-city suburbs has decreased significantly, causing urban sprawl to extend to areas 20, 30, 40 or 50 kilometres away from the CBD. Several of these outer suburbs now feature 'Smart Cities' designed with people at the centre. These cities use digital technology, data, and innovation to enhance outcomes such as liveability, prosperity, and sustainability for their communities.
Choosing the right location is one of the most important decisions you will make when building in metropolitan areas, new estates, or regional towns. You will need to consider factors such as schools, work amenities, local infrastructure, and transport. Additionally, it is crucial to evaluate environmental considerations, including flood zones and bushfire risk, as well as future developments and rezoning possibilities.
Once you've settled on the location, it's time to choose a block of land. Key considerations include the size and shape of the block and its orientation. North-facing blocks are always ideal, especially in Australia, for energy efficiency, soil quality and conditions, slope, and ease of construction access. If possible, obtain a land survey and saw tests before finalising the purchase.
The Importance of Research
Building a new home from scratch can be an exciting process, but not doing research before starting the build may be a costly mistake, as your choice of builder is critical. From luxury houses to eco-friendly designs, Melbourne offers a selection of builders prepared to realise your dream home. You’re making a significant investment and need to be confident you’re partnering with a reliable and reputable builder. It is advisable to examine their portfolios thoroughly, communicate with previous clients, and visit completed projects. Ausplan Design Group has key relationships and expertise in this area, and we can assist you in narrowing down your choice of builder.
Create a scrapbook
Pictures provide a thousand words. Creating a scrapbook can help you visualise your preferences for a home. This will be vital for the design brief, including aspects such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, open plan versus separate spaces, energy efficiency requirements, and whether you need solar panels, insulation, double-glazed windows, storage, or smart home technology.
A knowledgeable building designer will assist you in understanding any overlays, approvals, and regulations required for your block. Some lots may require town planning, while others may not; it depends on the specifics of your block. Understanding the constraints of your lot and ensuring compliance at the design stage is crucial to reducing any changes later on.
Building a new home in Australia is a significant undertaking, but with careful planning and the right team of professionals and consultants, it can be a rewarding experience. By following these steps, you will be well on your way to creating a home that suits your lifestyle.
