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:
Site preparation and earthworks
Council fees and permits
Landscaping
Driveways and fencing
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.
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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.
