When it comes to building your dream home, there’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all. Every family is unique, and your home should be too.
Whether you’re raising a young family, welcoming ageing parents into your household, or planning for a lifetime of changing needs, the beauty of a custom build lies in its ability to flex around you. From clever storage to multigenerational home designs, the right layout can transform daily life from a juggling act into a seamless flow.
At Neptune Homes, we believe that great design is personal. It’s about creating bespoke living spaces that make sense for the way your family lives — not just today, but for years to come.
Choosing a custom home builder means saying goodbye to compromises. Instead of trying to squeeze your life into a cookie-cutter floor plan, you can create something entirely bespoke that is tailored to your lifestyle, your tastes, and your future.
Need a separate wing for the grandparents? A study nook for schoolwork or working from home? Or a kitchen that’s made for entertaining guests? With the right design team, it’s all possible, and it all starts with understanding how you want to live and identifying your priorities.
At Neptune Homes, we work closely with our clients to design homes that feel easy to live in — from the Monday morning rush to slow Sunday breakfasts.
We offer a wide range of thoughtfully designed floorplans and architectural styles to suit different families, blocks, and budgets. But flexibility is key: as custom home builders, we can tweak layouts, adjust features, and personalise spaces so your home fits you (and not the other way around).
This means thinking about:
– Zones for different activities – play, work, rest, and socialising
– Storage that works hard – think walk-in linen cupboards, oversized pantries, and mudrooms
– Indoor-outdoor flow – perfect for Queensland’s lifestyle
– Energy-efficient planning – to keep things comfortable and cost-effective all year round
It’s all about creating a bespoke family home that supports your habits, routines, and dreams, not just now, but well into the future.
At Neptune Homes, we offer a wide range of thoughtfully pre-designed floorplans that can be tailored to suit your lifestyle, whether that means reworking the layout, adding a media room, or reimagining the kitchen flow.
You’ll also have the choice between two stunning inclusion packages:
Brilliance Inclusions, which deliver luxury, elegance and craftsmanship in every detail; or Thrive Inclusions, which blend style and quality with everyday practicality. Both offer exceptional value, and both can be personalised to suit your needs.
Our flexible approach means you can build a home that feels uniquely yours, without the stress of starting from scratch. Plus, with a 12-month price lock, capped build numbers, and a team with over six decades of combined experience, you’ll enjoy peace of mind every step of the way.
At Neptune Homes, we don’t just build houses: we’re custom home builders who create bespoke living spaces with soul, function, and flexibility at their core.
With a wide range of floorplans and inclusions to choose from, your new home will feel truly yours from the ground up. Whether you’re drawn to the luxurious elegance of Brilliance Inclusions or the refined essentials of Thrive, we’ll help you build a home that suits your family and your future.
So if you’re ready to build your dream home, we’re ready to bring it to life. Explore our current offers, home designs, visit one of our display homes, or get in touch to start your journey.
Because great design isn’t just about how a home looks; it’s about how it lives.
If you’ve spent any time scrolling through property listings or chatting to real estate agents in Brisbane, chances are you’ve heard the phrase “north-facing” more times than you can count.
It’s often hailed as the gold standard in home orientation, especially in Queensland’s sunny climate. But what’s the buzz? And if your dream block isn’t north-facing, are you really missing out?
Let’s explore why a north-facing house is so popular in Brisbane, on the Gold Coast, and throughout Queensland, and how smart design can make any home feel light, comfortable and beautifully liveable, no matter which way it faces.
At the heart of it, a north-facing home is all about making the most of the sun’s path. In Australia, the sun sits lower in the sky during winter (around 32 degrees) and higher in summer (up to 67 degrees). When you design with that in mind — by positioning living areas and windows to the north — you unlock the full benefits of passive solar design.
Smart design details like placing stairwells or double-height voids on the north side can also make a big difference. These areas act as light wells, letting sunshine spill through high-set windows and warming your home from the inside out. Pair that with eaves or overhangs set to a 1:2 shading ratio, and you’ll enjoy privacy and sun control, with just the right amount of glow.
Here’s what makes a north-facing house such a hit in Brisbane:
Positioning your main living areas and backyard to the north means you’ll enjoy gentle sunlight throughout the day, especially in winter. Think bright mornings, warm afternoons and toasty nooks without relying on heaters.
By harnessing the sun’s energy wisely, you can reduce the need for artificial heating and cooling. That means lower energy bills, better sustainability, and a home that simply feels better to live in. It also means if you use solar panels to power your home, they’ll work more effectively.
In Brisbane, it’s all about creating a home that works with the climate, not against it. North-facing homes, when well designed, tend to feel naturally comfortable, meaning they’re not too hot and not too cold. It’s the kind of effortless climate control that you don’t really notice, until you live in a home that’s always freezing cold in winter, or boiling hot in summer.
Sunlight is the ultimate design tool. With a north-facing layout, you’ve got more freedom to create open-plan spaces, connect indoor and outdoor zones, and play with materials, colours and textures that shine in natural light.
Buyers know what they want, and many are actively searching for north-facing homes. That makes your home potentially more attractive down the track when it’s time to sell.
We all know Brisbane is built for the outdoors. A north-facing backyard or patio offers more usable daylight without being blasted by harsh western sun, making it perfect for BBQs, pool days and relaxed Sunday brunches.
Yes, more sunlight is great, but not if your living room turns into a sauna. That’s why eaves, awnings, trees and decks play a key role when it comes to good design. North-facing homes can be shaded in summer and warmed in winter which provides the best of both worlds.
The impact isn’t just physical. Natural light supports mental health, encourages better sleep, and fills your home with a calm, open atmosphere. A north-facing layout is more than just smart planning — it’s a daily mood (and Vitamin D) boost built right into your floorplan.
Here’s the truth: not every block is going to be perfectly positioned. But that doesn’t mean you can’t build a stunning, sun-filled home that’s thoughtfully designed to optimise the space.
At Neptune Homes, we design houses that work with your land — not just on it. Whether your block faces east, west, south or somewhere in between, our expert design team knows how to maximise light, airflow and comfort through clever planning.
That might include:
– Angled layouts to catch the sun
– Strategic window placement
– Skylights and highlight windows
– Outdoor zones that shift with the sun
– Energy-efficient glazing and insulation
– Thoughtful positioning of rooms based on time-of-day use
No matter the aspect, we can help you create a home that lives well year-round.
Not every block will tick every box. But with the right team and a clever design, you can create a home that’s perfectly suited to you: full of light, comfort, functionality and plenty of Queensland character.
At Neptune Homes, we believe that home is where awesome things happen. It’s where families grow, memories are made, and everyday life unfolds. That’s why every home we build is cleverly designed and optimised to suit your needs, now and into the future.
Want to explore what’s possible? Come wander through our display homes, browse our home designs, or chat to our team about how to make the most of your block, whatever way it faces.
Because when it comes to great design, finding the right block is just one part of it; building the right home on it is what makes all the difference.
When you live in Queensland, outdoor living isn’t just a “nice to have” in a house – it’s arguably one of the most important spaces. Whether you’re soaking up the sunshine with a morning coffee or winding down with a glass of wine as the sun sets, a well-designed alfresco space will completely transform the way you experience home.
But modern alfresco ideas have evolved. It’s not just about throwing a BBQ in the backyard anymore. In 2025, we’re seeing a shift towards stylish, functional, and even budget-friendly upgrades that bring the outdoors in and the indoors out. Here are five modern alfresco ideas to help inspire your next home update, no matter your budget or space.
Gone are the days of a single outdoor table doing all the heavy lifting. One of the most effective modern alfresco ideas is to create dedicated zones. Think comfy lounge chairs in one corner, a sleek dining area in another, and perhaps even a firepit zone or daybed space for extra impact. Plants are also a great way to create leafy borders to create natural ‘rooms’ within your yard.
By zoning your alfresco area, you’re creating an aesthetic space that’s also a more liveable, versatile outdoor experience. And if you’re after alfresco ideas on a budget, start small with a couple of outdoor rugs and repurposed furniture to define your spaces.
Queenslanders love a good BBQ, but the modern alfresco kitchen is levelling up. Built-in BBQs, bar fridges, stone benchtops, and even pizza ovens are all making their way into backyard spaces. It’s not just about cooking; it’s about making the alfresco the heart of your entertaining.
Worried about budget? Modular outdoor kitchen units are increasingly popular and offer a high-end look without the full custom price tag. Choose weatherproof cabinetry and compact appliances to keep it functional and stylish without overcapitalising.
Modern alfresco areas now echo interior design trends. Think timber cladding, large format tiles, ambient lighting, and even outdoor curtains or blinds for privacy and climate control. The goal is to blur the line between indoors and out.
Using consistent materials, colours, and styling can create a seamless connection from your living room to your alfresco, making your home feel larger and more luxurious.
One of the most achievable alfresco ideas on a budget is to embrace greenery. Whether it’s vertical gardens, climbing jasmine, or layered pots of herbs and ferns, plants can instantly soften your space and create that holiday-at-home feel. Bonus? More shade, better air, and that irresistible feeling of being wrapped in nature.
If you’re tight on space or want to keep things low maintenance, opt for native plants or hardy evergreens that thrive in Queensland’s subtropical climates like Lilly Pilly, viburnum or silver dollar eucalyptus – they’re beautiful, practical, and made for Queensland conditions. Not only will they look lush year-round, but they’ll also attract native birds and butterflies.
2025 is all about smart alfresco spaces. From Bluetooth speakers built into the ceiling to weatherproof smart lighting and retractable roof systems, there are endless ways to make your outdoor area future-ready.
If you’re tech-savvy, you can even integrate app-controlled irrigation systems, garden lighting, or security cameras. It’s about creating a space that suits your lifestyle now and into the future.
Lighting is one of the easiest ways to elevate your outdoor space, and in 2025, it’s all about creating ambience, not just visibility. Swap harsh floodlights for a layered look: think soft uplighting to highlight garden features, warm festoon lights draped overhead, and solar lanterns nestled among the greenery. These simple additions can make a backyard dinner feel like a destination.
Solar-powered lighting is an especially good choice. It’s sustainable, versatile, and perfect for Queensland’s endless sunshine. Dot solar path lights along garden beds or use solar wall sconces to add a gentle glow without needing a power point.
Pro tip: Use layered lighting (ambient, task, and accent) for a space that works just as beautifully at 7pm as it does at 7am.
Whether you’re dreaming big with a fully decked-out outdoor kitchen or simply exploring practical alfresco ideas on a budget, one thing’s clear: great outdoor design can transform the way you live at home. From smart lighting and leafy green zones to flexible furniture and seamless indoor-outdoor flow, these modern alfresco ideas are all about creating a space that’s functional, stylish, and uniquely yours.
At Neptune Homes, we specialise in contemporary Queensland homes that embrace our beautiful climate, especially when it comes to outdoor living. Our home designs prioritise natural light, airflow, and alfresco areas made for everyday enjoyment.
Explore Neptune Homes’ display homes to see these ideas in action, or browse our home designs to find a layout that suits your lifestyle. Got questions or want to chat through your plans? Contact our team today. We’d love to help you create a home that lives beautifully inside and out.
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of stepping into a brand-new home—a space that’s been designed just for you, built to suit your lifestyle, and filled with the possibilities of the future. But before that dream can become a reality, there’s one crucial question every aspiring homeowner asks: how much does it cost to build a house in Queensland?
It’s a great question, and like many things in life, the answer varies based on a few key considerations. The cost of building a new home in Queensland can vary depending on choices like the size and style of your house, the materials you love, and the ideal location you’ve selected. While the construction industry has recently experienced some shifts—such as rising material costs and changes in labour availability—being aware of these considerations means you can confidently plan ahead and stay in control of your budget. With the right information, building a beautiful home in Brisbane is absolutely achievable.
So, let’s break it down and explore what it really costs to build a home in Queensland today.
Every home is different, and so is its price tag. Here are some of the key factors that can influence how much it costs to build a house:
Where you build plays a massive role in determining cost. A block of land in Brisbane’s inner suburbs will likely come with a higher price tag than a lot in a regional area. Additionally, site conditions such as soil quality, slope, and accessibility can impact costs, particularly if extra work is needed to prepare the land for construction.
Bigger homes naturally cost more to build, but complexity matters just as much as square footage. A simple, single-storey home will generally be more affordable than a multi-storey house with intricate architectural details.
Your choice of materials can make a significant difference in your overall build cost. High-end finishes such as premium timber flooring, and custom cabinetry, will push up expenses, whereas standard inclusions can help keep costs in check.
The construction industry has seen a sharp increase in costs due to supply chain disruptions and labour shortages. According to CoreLogic’s latest Cordell Construction Cost Index (CCCI), residential construction costs in Australia grew by 3.4% over the 12 months to December 2024. This marks the largest annual increase since the year to September 2023, when costs rose by 4.0%. The quarterly pace of growth returned to the pre-COVID decade average of 1.0% through the second half of 2024, shifting the annual trend higher.
It’s easy to focus on the core construction price, but don’t forget about the additional costs that come with building a new home, such as:
As of November 2024, Realestate.com.au reports that building a home in Brisbane typically costs between $2,800 and $4,950 per square metre. For an average-sized Queensland home of approximately 226.1 square metres, total building costs usually range from about $633,080 to $1,119,195. Keep in mind, though, that this cost can vary significantly depending on your design choices, materials selected, and whether your site presents any particular challenges—such complexities could push costs as high as $8,000 per square metre. Location matters too; metro areas often have slightly higher costs due to increased demand for materials and skilled trades.
It’s the classic debate: should you build from scratch or buy an existing home in Queensland
Purchasing an existing property offers convenience and the ability to move in straight away. However, building a new home gives you the advantage of customisation, allowing you to design a space that perfectly suits your lifestyle and preferences.
While buying an existing home can initially seem more straightforward, you must consider additional expenses such as higher stamp duty. For instance, purchasing a home valued at $1.2 million would typically incur stamp duty of around $42,350 (including the Home Concession). In contrast, buying a vacant block of land valued at $450,000 and building a $750,000 home (totalling the same $1.2 million) would only attract stamp duty of $14,175, which is a significant saving.
Additionally, first-home buyers in Queensland could benefit substantially from government incentives when building, such as the $30,000 First Home Owner Grant and various stamp duty concessions for vacant land. These incentives could make building a financially appealing option.
Ultimately, whether it’s cheaper to build or buy depends heavily on factors like land costs, personal preferences in design and finishes, the builder you or company you engage, and eligibility for government grants and concessions. Careful consideration of these factors will help you determine the best financial pathway to your new Queensland home.
As you can see, no two homes (or budgets) are the same, which is why speaking with a Neptune Homes New Home Consultant can provide a clearer picture of what’s possible within your price range. At Neptune Homes, our New Home Consultants can walk you through pricing, inclusions, and any additional costs, ensuring you have a full understanding of what to expect before committing to your build. We even offer a 12-month price lock guarantee plus our best price promise, so you can plan with confidence.
As you can see, how much it costs to build a home in Queensland depends on a number of factors, from location, to market conditions, and the finishes and inclusions you choose. At Neptune Homes, we believe that building a house should be an exciting, stress-free experience—one where you feel confident every step of the way. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or looking to upgrade to a larger family home, our expert team is here to guide you through the process, offering transparent pricing, innovative designs, and high-quality craftsmanship.
Building a home is more than just bricks and mortar—it’s about creating a space that reflects your lifestyle and future aspirations. From choosing the right floor plan to designing interiors that suit your taste, we’re here to help make the journey as smooth as possible. If you’re still exploring ideas, why not view our home designs or check out some of our latest articles, including tips on how to maximise narrow blocks with innovative house designs, or gather some inspiration and insights from James & Melanie’s Neptune Homes build journey. We also invite you to come and see our display homes for yourself.
If you’re ready to take the next step, our team is here to turn your vision into reality. Let’s create a home that’s uniquely yours—one that blends comfort, style, and smart design. Get in touch today.
When building on a narrow block, you might think your options are limited. However, with smart design strategies, you can create a home that feels spacious, stylish, and perfectly suited to your lifestyle. At Neptune Homes, we specialise in narrow block house designs that maximise every inch, ensuring functionality without compromising on comfort.
A narrow block, typically with a frontage of 10 to 12.5 metres, requires innovative thinking to make the most of available space. But instead of seeing it as a constraint, think of it as an opportunity to create a modern, efficient, and light-filled home that complements your lifestyle.
If your block limits horizontal space, consider building upwards. A double-storey design provides additional room for bedrooms, entertainment areas, and home offices while maintaining a compact footprint. This ensures you maximise your available land without feeling constrained. Neptune Homes offers a variety of double-storey designs, optimised for narrow blocks.
Natural light is essential in any home, but it’s even more important for narrow block house designs. Incorporating large windows, skylights, and glass doors helps to flood the space with daylight, making interiors feel open and inviting. Thoughtful window placement also enhances cross-ventilation, improving airflow and energy efficiency.
Higher ceilings create a sense of grandeur, making rooms feel significantly larger. Paired with tall windows, they add elegance and improve natural lighting. This simple design choice can transform your home’s atmosphere, making it feel more spacious and luxurious.
Storage is crucial in a narrow block house design, but bulky cupboards and excessive furniture can make rooms feel cramped. Instead, consider built-in storage solutions like:
Under-stair cupboards
Wall-mounted shelves
Multi-functional furniture (e.g., beds with drawers, bench seating with storage)
Floor-to-ceiling wardrobes
Even with a small footprint, you can extend your living space outdoors. Features such as courtyards, rooftop terraces, and alfresco dining areas help blur the line between indoor and outdoor living. Large sliding or bi-fold doors open up your space, making your home feel larger while improving natural light and ventilation.
If you love clean lines, neutral tones, and functional spaces, modern minimalist designs offer simplicity and elegance, making small spaces feel uncluttered and spacious.
Perfect for inner-city living, this style blends industrial elements like exposed brick, polished concrete, and metal accents with sleek, modern aesthetics.
This style maximises light and warmth, featuring white walls, timber finishes, and natural materials to create a bright, airy home that feels both welcoming and functional.
For those who prefer an edgier look, industrial-inspired homes with raw textures, metal finishes, and bold colour contrasts offer a unique and stylish aesthetic while maintaining practicality.
Neptune Homes offers Thrive and Brilliance Inclusions, providing homeowners with the ability to customise both interior and exterior elements to suit their personal style. Whether you prefer premium finishes, designer kitchens, or sleek modern bathrooms, these inclusions allow you to craft a home that reflects your taste while maintaining functionality. Thrive Inclusions focus on quality and affordability, ensuring elegant designs without breaking the budget, while Brilliance Inclusions take luxury to the next level with refined finishes and premium appliances.
At Neptune Homes, we have a range of stunning designs suited for narrow blocks. Whether you’re looking for a functional and stylish family home or a contemporary design with seamless indoor-outdoor living, our expertly crafted homes are designed to suit your lifestyle while making the most of every square metre.
Explore some of our featured homes that showcase intelligent layouts, maximised storage, and seamless indoor-outdoor connections:
Avalon 34 – A spacious double-storey home that blends luxury and practicality.
Avalon 29 – Designed for modern family living with open-plan spaces and smart storage solutions.
Maddison 22 – A sleek and sophisticated single-storey design, perfect for a narrow block without compromising on space or style.
Each of these homes demonstrates how innovative architectural elements and clever planning can transform a narrow block into a stunning and highly functional living space.
We’re Queensland’s trusted local builders with over 60 years of experience delivering homes that redefine industry standards. When you choose Neptune Homes, you benefit from:
12-month price lock for peace of mind
Capped build numbers to ensure quality craftsmanship
50-year structural warranty for long-term security
Expert designers who customise solutions to your needs
Building on a narrow block doesn’t mean compromising on space, comfort, or style. With Neptune Homes, we have plenty of customisable, innovative narrow block house designs that make every square metre count. Our expert team will work with you to create a home that reflects your lifestyle and maximises your land’s potential.
Let’s bring your dream home to life! Contact Neptune Homes today and discover how our smart design solutions can turn your narrow block into a spacious, stylish sanctuary.
"*" indicates required fields
Address: Level 3, 1 Zupp Drive | Ormeau QLD 4208
Email: info@neptunehomes.com.au
Phone: (07) 3180 3050
Level 3, 1 Zupp Drive | Ormeau QLD 4208 info@neptunehomes.com.au (07) 3180 3050
Photographs on this website may depict fixtures, finishes and features not supplied by Neptune Homes such as landscaping and swimming pools. Accordingly, any prices on this web page may not include the supply of any of those items. For detailed home pricing, please talk to a Neptune Homes New Home Consultant. QBCC: 1250379.
