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.
Building your first home is a huge milestone — a chance to turn dreams into reality and create a space that’s truly your own. For James and Melanie, that dream became even more magical thanks to the team at Neptune Homes, who made every step of the journey feel seamless and exciting.
From the moment they walked into a Neptune display home, James and Melanie knew they’d found something special. “From the moment we walked into the display home, we knew Neptune was the right choice for us,” Melanie recalls. The stunning layouts and high-quality finishes caught their eye, but it was the warmth of the Neptune team that made the decision easy.
It wasn’t just about building a house — it was about bringing their vision to life. “The team really listened to what we wanted and made us feel like our ideas mattered,” James shares. Whether they were fine-tuning design details or exploring custom options, Neptune Homes made sure every choice felt personal and meaningful.
Instead of feeling overwhelmed, James and Melanie found themselves enjoying the process, thanks to Neptune’s constant communication and care. “We always knew what was happening with our home — they were incredibly transparent,” Melanie explains. Regular updates from site supervisors and project managers meant there were no surprises, just excitement as their home came to life.
And when it came to quality? James couldn’t have been happier. “You can really see the attention to detail in every room. The finishes are flawless, and everything just feels solid and well-made.” It’s that level of craftsmanship that makes Neptune Homes stand out — turning a build into a masterpiece.
The most unforgettable moment, though, was stepping into their finished home for the first time. “It was everything we imagined and more,” Melanie says. Seeing all their choices come together so perfectly made the house instantly feel like home.
Even after moving in, Neptune’s support didn’t end. “The care didn’t stop when we moved in. The team checked in to make sure we were happy and helped with any questions we had,” James says, showing just how much Neptune Homes values their clients beyond the build.
For James and Melanie, building with Neptune Homes wasn’t just a project — it was an experience filled with joy, trust, and excitement. Their story is a testament to how special building a home can be when you have a team who truly cares.
Thinking about building your own dream home? Let James and Melanie’s journey inspire you. Watch their full testimonial here and discover why Neptune Homes is the builder so many Queensland families trust to turn their dreams into reality.
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.
As we step into 2025, home design trends are evolving to reflect both modern aesthetics and practical living. Homeowners are seeking comfort, functionality, and sustainable choices that make their living spaces both beautiful and efficient. Whether you’re planning a full renovation or just looking to refresh a room, here are the top home design trends to inspire your next project.
1. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Materials
Sustainability is more than just a buzzword—it’s a lifestyle choice. In 2025, expect to see more eco-friendly materials such as reclaimed wood, bamboo flooring, and recycled metal fixtures. Furniture made from sustainable resources is not only good for the environment but also adds unique charm to your interiors.
2. Earthy Tones and Natural Colors
Neutral and earthy tones are dominating the color palettes this year. Shades like terracotta, sage green, and warm browns create a cozy atmosphere that brings nature indoors. Pair these hues with natural textures like rattan, linen, and stone for a harmonious look.
3. Multifunctional Spaces
With the rise of remote work and homeschooling, multifunctional spaces are a must. Design elements that allow rooms to serve multiple purposes, such as fold-out desks, room dividers, and convertible furniture, are gaining popularity. Think creative layouts that maximize every inch of your space.
4. Smart Home Technology
From automated lighting systems to smart thermostats, technology is seamlessly integrating into home design. Voice-activated assistants, energy-efficient appliances, and smart security systems enhance both comfort and safety.
5. Indoor-Outdoor Living
Blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors continues to be a trend. Large sliding glass doors, outdoor kitchens, and cozy patios create a seamless connection with nature. Adding greenery inside your home, such as vertical gardens, can further enhance this effect.
6. Statement Lighting
Lighting is no longer just about functionality—it’s a design statement. Oversized pendant lights, sculptural chandeliers, and layered lighting designs can transform a space from ordinary to extraordinary.
7. Personalization and Unique Accents
In 2025, personalization is key. Mix and match styles, showcase art collections, and incorporate meaningful decor elements. Homeowners are embracing their individuality by creating spaces that reflect their personalities.
Conclusion
Home design trends in 2025 are all about finding balance—between comfort and aesthetics, tradition and innovation, and sustainability and luxury. By incorporating these trends, you can transform your living space into a beautiful, functional, and personalized sanctuary. Happy designing!
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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.
