Flooring plays a huge role in how your home looks, feels, and functions, especially here in Queensland where climate, lifestyle, and indoor-outdoor flow matter.
In modern house designs, flooring is more than just a practical choice; it’s one of the biggest interior decisions you’ll make (literally and figuratively). Whether you’re building from scratch or planning a knockdown rebuild, choosing the right material sets the tone and feel for everything else.
At your National Tiles appointment, the expert team will help you explore the best types of flooring for your needs, block, budget and design style, from breezy coastal vibes to modern architectural builds. Here are six popular options we see clients choosing again and again in Australian homes.
Perfect for Queensland’s warm climate, engineered timber gives you the look and feel of real hardwood with added durability and moisture resistance. It’s made from multiple layers of timber with a natural timber top layer, ideal for homes that want the warmth of wood without the upkeep.
It’s especially popular in open-plan living spaces and suits everything from minimalist modern homes to relaxed Hamptons styling. At Neptune Homes, we often recommend wide boards in pale oak or honey tones for that soft, beachy elegance, and dark wood for added ambience and sophistication. A word of warning, though: darker timber tends to show up dust and dog hair, so if you have a fluffy white dog who sheds a lot, you might want to opt for lighter flooring!
Best for: Living areas, hallways, bedrooms
Neptune tip: Choose a matte finish to reduce glare and keep it looking newer for longer in sunny spaces.
Hybrid flooring is a favourite for Queensland families, and for good reason. It’s 100% waterproof, scratch-resistant, and can handle everything from sandy feet to pet paws and everyday wear and tear.
It combines the durability of vinyl with the look of real timber or stone, making it perfect for consistent flooring across open-plan layouts. We often use it in our modern house designs for its versatility and great value.
Best for: Kitchens, living spaces, hallways, and even bathrooms.
Neptune tip: If you mix and match flooring, try to stick to a single tone throughout to keep your style cohesive.
Tiles are a staple in Queensland homes. They’re cool underfoot, easy to clean, and ideal for our lifestyle. Porcelain and ceramic options are perfect for both wet areas and living zones, with finishes that range from smooth and sleek to textured and natural.
At Neptune Homes, we help clients choose tiles through our National Tiles Builders Design Centre, whether you’re going for a polished modern aesthetic, traditional Hamptons styling with soft greys or whites, or a modern organic or Mediterranean vibe with terracotta or stone-look patterns.
Best for: Bathrooms, kitchens, laundries, alfresco areas.
Neptune tip: While small and mosaic tiles can look incredible, go for large-format tiles to reduce grout lines (and hence, your scrubbing time) and create a more timeless finish.
Do you love the look of timber but need something low-maintenance? Vinyl planks are a great choice for busy households. They’re soft underfoot, affordable, and surprisingly realistic, available in a huge range of colours and woodgrain textures.
We often recommend these for first-home buyers or families who want style without sacrificing durability. They work beautifully in homes with kids, pets, and lots of foot traffic.
Best for: Bedrooms, playrooms, secondary living areas.
Neptune tip: Choose vinyl in similar tones to your cabinetry or wall colours for a soft, seamless flow.
While hard flooring rules the main areas, carpet is still a go-to for creating comfort, warmth, and quiet, especially in bedrooms, media rooms, and upper floors. In 2025 and onwards, we’re seeing a move toward wool-blend carpets in soft, natural tones like stone, oatmeal and charcoal.
Carpet can add contrast to timber floors and enhance that sense of luxury and relaxation, particularly with plush finishes and elegant colours.
Best for: Bedrooms, upstairs, media rooms.
Neptune tip: Add underlay for extra cushioning and to protect against mildew, mould and dustmites. You’ll notice the difference.
When you build with Neptune Homes, you’ll explore all your flooring options at National Tiles. Their Design Centre allows you to see and feel different flooring materials in person, with expert support to help you match your selections to your chosen design style.
We stay ahead of flooring trends to help Queensland families bring their dream homes to life with confidence.
At Neptune Homes, we design with Queensland living in mind. That means flooring options that suit your climate, your lifestyle, and your personal style. Whether you’re drawn to low-maintenance finishes or dreaming of Hamptons styling, we’ll help you find the perfect flooring combination to bring it all together.
Explore our home designs, visit a display home, or get in touch to start your journey today.
Need more styling inspo or design tips? Check out our articles on how to design a family home that suits your needs, and the top design trends for 2025.
You’ve seen them on almost every home, but chances are, you’ve never really noticed them. Eaves are one of those design features that fly under the radar, quietly doing a whole lot of heavy lifting behind the scenes.
They’re not flashy. They don’t come with marble swatches, and they’re probably not on your Pinterest board. But when it comes to how your home performs, they might just be the unsung heroes of your entire build.
So, what exactly they? And do you really need them? Let’s take a closer look.
Eaves are the overhanging edges of your roof. They stretch out past your external walls and help protect your home from the elements.
Picture the brim of a hat – that’s your roof eaves. They shield your windows and walls from harsh sun and rain, create shadow lines that add depth to your façade, and can even help regulate your home’s temperature throughout the year.
The eaves of a house come in all shapes and styles.
You’ll see:
– Boxed eaves with clean, lined soffits for a sleek finish
– Open eaves with exposed rafters for a more coastal or heritage vibe
– Deep architectural eaves that add drama and shadow play
Whether they blend into the façade or become a feature in their own right, they are more than just a finishing touch; they’re part of your home’s performance.
They’re small, but mighty. Here’s why they deserve a spot in your design brief:
1. They help keep your home cool
Good eaves are all about passive design. In summer, they shade your windows and reduce heat gain. In winter, they let in lower-angled sun to warm things up. That means more year-round comfort and potentially lower energy bills.
2. They protect your walls (and paint job)
They can stop rain from running down your cladding and window frames, which helps prevent long-term weather damage and reduces how often you’ll need to repaint. Less maintenance? Yes please.
3. They elevate your exterior
Done right, they can completely change the look of your façade. They create strong lines, add contrast and balance, and help your home look grounded and well-proportioned.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but orientation is key.
For north-facing windows, a good rule of thumb is eaves that are 45 to 60 per cent of the window height. That’ll give you shade in summer and sun in winter. Of course, your block, climate, council guidelines and design preferences all come into play, so it’s worth working with a builder who understands the finer points.
(Pro tip: that’s us).
In some builds, yes, but it all depends on the style, climate and regulations.
– Compact blocks or zero-lot lines? You might not have space for traditional eaves on every side, but you can still be strategic about where they go.
– Bushfire-prone areas? They are allowed but may need sealed soffits (that’s the underside of the eave—the bit you see when you stand under) and compliant materials.
– Minimalist architecture? Some modern designs favour flat rooflines with little to no overhang, but you’ll need alternative shading and weather protection.
– Eaves don’t always have to be big and bold. Even subtle overhangs can make a difference—you just need to design with purpose.
Like everything in your home design, they are an opportunity to add character. Here are some ways our clients are using them:
– Hamptons or Coastal homes with wide eaves and decorative brackets.
– Modern designs with slim, boxed eaves and clean, shadow-casting lines (shadow-casting lines are deliberate bold shadows created by architectural features in sunlight).
– Queenslander-inspired builds with deep, breezy overhangs perfect for verandahs.
What’s the difference between eaves and soffits?
Eaves are the roof overhang; the soffit is the lining on the underside of that overhang.
Do flat/skillion roofs have eaves?
They can. A clean skillion with a crisp, shallow overhang still counts as roof eaves, and still helps with shading and rain control.
Can I skip eaves for a modern box look?
You can, but plan for alternative shading, robust cladding, and careful waterproofing. In our climate, completely flush façades often mean higher heat gain and more maintenance.
Do eaves add much cost?
They add materials and labour, but the lifetime value is strong: better comfort, less repainting, and reduced cooling loads.
They might not be the first thing you think of when designing your dream home, but they are one of those subtle details that make a big difference. From passive cooling and weather protection to adding visual balance and street appeal, the right eaves of house design can improve how your home looks, feels and performs for years to come.
At Neptune Homes, we take every design detail seriously, from the floorplan to the fascia. Whether you’re still working out the basics or ready to knock-down and rebuild, our team can guide you through every design detail, including helping you choose the right roof eaves for your style, block and lifestyle.
Need more inspo? Check out the latest design trends, or read one of our articles, including the reasons why you want a north-facing home in Brisbane, and 5 alfresco trends to try in 2025.
Ready to build smart, stylish and future-proof? View our home and land packages or explore our home designs, then get in touch, and let’s bring your dream home to life!
In Australia, the Hamptons kitchen isn’t just a passing trend — it’s a lifestyle statement. Rooted in classic American East Coast design but reimagined for our light-filled, coastal climate, the Australian take on the Hamptons style kitchen blends timeless elegance with laid-back functionality.
Whether you’re planning a knockdown rebuild, building new, or simply gathering inspiration for your dream home, this enduring style continues to be one of the top kitchen trends for 2025, especially here in Queensland, where indoor-outdoor living is a must.
Here are seven standout features that define the look and feel of a modern Australian Hamptons kitchen.
At the heart of every Hamptons kitchen is a sense of openness and calm. Large windows, high ceilings, and a light colour palette set the tone, helping natural light bounce through the space and making the kitchen feel fresh and expansive.
In Australian homes, this is often amplified with open-plan layouts that connect directly to alfresco dining or outdoor entertaining spaces. A soft, coastal palette — white, off-white, soft grey, sandy beige, or duck egg blue — creates an airy base you can personalise with texture and finishes.
Pro tip: A pass-through window or bifold doors linking the kitchen and patio is a distinctly Aussie touch that works beautifully with this style.
Shaker cabinetry is one of the most defining elements of a Hamptons-style kitchen — and in 2025, Australians are embracing wider profiles and softer finishes to create a relaxed yet refined look.
But what is shaker cabinetry exactly? It’s a style of cupboard door made with a flat centre panel and a simple frame around the edge.
Whether you choose classic white, warm neutrals, or soft coastal or pastel tones, shaker doors provide the perfect foundation for layering with their clean lines. Pair them with brushed brass, nickel, or matte black handles, and consider adding glass-fronted overhead cabinets to elevate the look even further.
Want a local twist? VJ panelling on island fronts or pantry doors adds warmth and subtle texture that’s right at home in a Queensland kitchen.
In Australia, the kitchen island isn’t just a design feature — it’s the command centre of family life. And in a Hamptons kitchen, it should be both beautiful and functional.
Expect waterfall edges in marble or stone-look finishes, wide overhangs for seating, and base cabinetry for additional storage. In 2025, feature island panels in coastal tones, panelled detailing, or soft contrast colours (like navy, sage or duck egg) are rising in popularity.
Add a trio of rattan or glass pendant lights overhead and you’ve got yourself a show-stopping centrepiece that anchors the room.
Australian Hamptons kitchens are less formal than their American counterparts — and that’s part of their charm. They blend classic design with organic materials and relaxed coastal textures to feel warm and welcoming.
Timber or timber-look floorboards (in pale oak or washed finishes), linen curtains, rattan stools, woven lighting, clay and stone-look splashbacks help bring that layered, tactile quality into your kitchen.
This approach creates flow with the rest of your home and ties in beautifully with Queensland’s emphasis on relaxed, beachy living.
While Hamptons style draws on traditional charm, your appliances don’t have to. In fact, the 2025 kitchen trend is all about high performance, low visibility. Think integrated dishwashers, concealed rangehoods, under-bench wine fridges, and minimalist cooktops that don’t interrupt your clean cabinetry lines.
Keep the focus on your design details (like your benchtops, cabinetry and lighting) by letting the appliances blend into the background.
Subway tiles are a true Hamptons classic, but in 2025, we’re seeing more variation in how they’re styled. Australian kitchens are embracing vertical stacks, herringbone layouts, soft handmade-style textures, and warm white or pale blue tones in both matte and gloss finishes.
Prefer something a little more luxe? Marble-look porcelain or stone splashbacks add a premium finish while still staying true to the Hamptons aesthetic.
When it’s time to select your tiles, you’ll visit the National Tiles Builders Design Centre, where you can explore a wide range of floor and wall tiles, splashbacks, and feature options. Seeing the materials in person and feeling the textures, comparing tones, and matching your selections helps to ensure your Hamptons kitchen looks just as beautiful in real life as it does on your mood board.
At Neptune Homes, we know that great kitchens aren’t just about looks; they’re about how you live.
In an Australian Hamptons kitchen, functionality is essential. That’s why many of our clients choose features like walk-in butler’s pantries, generous drawers, oversized sinks, integrated bins, and storage solutions that make the space work for everyday life.
Whether it’s school lunches, Sunday roasts, or spontaneous dinner parties, a well-planned layout ensures your kitchen is always ready for real life, without compromising on style.
Designing a Hamptons-style kitchen is about more than just following kitchen trends; it’s about creating a timeless, functional space that reflects your lifestyle and personal taste. At Neptune Homes, we make that process exciting and stress-free through our exclusive Envision Studio.
Here, you’ll work one-on-one with our qualified Interior Designers and Colour Consultants to select everything from cabinetry finishes and benchtops to tiles, paint colours, and fixtures. all carefully curated from leading design brands. You’ll also visit the National Tiles Builders Design Centre, where you can explore an inspiring range of splashbacks, floor tiles, and feature options. Then at your Clipspec electrical appointment, you’ll plan out your lighting layout, power points, and any smart home features, making sure your kitchen isn’t just beautiful, but incredibly practical, too.
Whether you’re building from scratch or planning a knockdown rebuild, we’ll help you bring your kitchen (and your entire home) to life with expert guidance, beautiful products, and a design experience tailored to your budget and style.
Explore our home designs, visit a display home, or get in touch today, and start building a kitchen you’ll love for years to come.
Want more design inspo? Check out our blogs on modern alfresco ideas to try and top home design trends in 2025.
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.
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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.
