Knockdown Rebuild Melbourne
Reimagine your lifestyle without leaving the neighbourhood you love. Carlisle Homes’ knockdown rebuild service gives you the opportunity to replace your outdated home with a brand-new, architecturally designed space, right on your existing block. Our specialists will guide you through every step, enabling you to create a home that truly suits your family, lifestyle, and future.
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Pre-designed floorplans
Choose from over 200 thoughtfully designed floorplans that maximise space and style. Each can be customised to suit your needs, offering flexibility without the hassle of starting from scratch.
Cost savings
Building new is often more affordable per square metre than renovating or extending. With a knockdown rebuild, you’ll enjoy a modern, energy-efficient home for less while avoiding the complexity and cost of renovations.
Personalised touch
While our homes come with expertly crafted designs, we offer a range of customisation options to ensure your home perfectly suits your family's needs and lifestyle.
Build quality and peace of mind
With Carlisle, you can trust in your new home's superior craftsmanship and structural integrity. Backed by long-term structural guarantees and our build-time promise, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is built to last.
Am I eligible for a knockdown rebuild?
Understanding your knockdown rebuild eligibility involves several key factors, including land suitability, local regulations, and any heritage overlays that may apply to your property. At Carlisle Homes, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that your dream home becomes a reality while meeting all necessary requirements.
Land suitability
For most knockdown rebuild projects, your block must meet certain criteria to ensure a smooth construction process. Larger or flatter blocks with minimal slope are ideal, making it easier to demolish and rebuild. Our experts assess factors such as setbacks, easements, soil conditions, and existing trees to confirm whether your land is suitable for a new home design and fully compliant with local building standards.
Navigating local regulations
Local council guidelines can significantly influence your ability to knock down and rebuild in Melbourne. At Carlisle Homes, we manage the entire approval and permit process for you, from understanding Melbourne’s zoning requirements to coordinating documentation for construction. Our team streamlines every step to ensure your new home meets all regulations, allowing you to focus on the exciting part: designing and building your dream home.
Heritage overlays
If your property sits within a heritage-listed precinct, additional rules may apply before knocking down a house or altering the streetscape. We review any relevant heritage overlays and provide clear advice about what can and can’t be modified. If restrictions impact your project, we'll outline your options and offer practical, upfront guidance so you can make the most informed decision.
Building zones
Carlisle Homes provides knockdown rebuild services across Melbourne and assesses whether your property sits within an approved build zone. Our team will determine eligibility, outline any requirements tied to your zone, and recommend the best pathway to begin your rebuild. If you're unsure whether your land qualifies, we’ll walk you through the steps to confirm suitability and discuss the best options for your home.
Find out more about Carlisle's knockdown rebuild options in your area
Living as seen in our Sorrento Grand Deluxe Theatre Atrium at Bankside Display Centre.
How much does a knockdown rebuild cost?
Understanding the costs of a knockdown rebuild is essential for planning your project. At Carlisle Homes, we aim to provide transparency so you know what to expect at every stage.
The average cost of a knockdown rebuild in Melbourne is within a wide range. We currently have contracts under construction from between $470,000 and $1,100,000. This estimate includes costs for site preparation, demolition, and the construction of the new home. However, factors such as the size of the house (square metres), complexity of the design, choice of finishes and upgrades, and additional expenses like council permits or site-specific conditions (e.g., soil quality) can influence the final price.
Demolition
The pricing to demolish your existing home typically falls between $15,000 and $30,000, depending on the size and complexity of the property.
Site Preparation
Includes clearing the land, soil tests, and any necessary groundwork, usually ranging from $10,000 to $20,000, but the price depends on site conditions.
Construction
The most significant expense is rebuilding a new home, which can range from $330,000 to over $700,000, depending on the design, finishes, and customisations you choose.
Additional Fees
These extra costs can include permits, council approvals, utility connection fees, and post-handover items like landscaping or fencing. Depending on your project’s specific requirements, these additional expenses can range from $5,000 to $10,000 (excluding landscaping).
Financing a knockdown rebuild may differ from a standard home loan. Many homeowners in Victoria opt for a construction loan, which provides access to funds in stages as the work progresses. You can also consider a relocation loan if you plan to purchase a new block while demolishing your current property. Enquire today to get started on a specialist knockdown rebuild quote.
While knockdown rebuild costs may seem like a significant upfront investment, the long-term value is substantial. Building a new home can save you ongoing maintenance and renovation costs while increasing the value of your property. Energy-efficient designs can also reduce utility bills, further boosting your savings over time.
Ready to get started? Our complete range of home finance and building cost calculators are designed to assist customers in estimating everything from initial construction costs to managing principal and interest loan repayments.
Explore our knockdown rebuild display homes
Our Knockdown Rebuild expert team is available on-site to answer any questions you may have, guide you on the process and further understand your needs and goals. A world of inspiration awaits, visit us today.
Live in the location you love with a knockdown rebuild
Skip the stress of costly renovations or moving out. With a knockdown rebuild, you clear the way for a brand-new, contemporary, and energy-efficient home, all on the block you already love.
Browse our home designs by what matters most to you
Select from a diverse range of stylish home designs and bring your dream home to life.
Rothbury: Spacious and Functional Family Design
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Sorrento: Elegant Living with Coastal Inspiration
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Clovelly: Stylish Home Design for Modern Families
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Matisse: Elegant and Functional Family Living
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Rothwell: Designed for Comfort and Family Living
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Award-Winning Home Builder
Carlisle Homes is thrilled to be recognised as Australia's Most Professional Major Builder for 2023 by the Housing Industry Association (HIA). The HIA's annual awards program is the highest measurement of excellence within the residential building industry. So if you’re looking for award-winning home designs, ours are among the best in Australia.
Hear what our customers have to say!
With location a priority and a very clear idea of what they wanted in a new home, this clever couple made early plans to knockdown and rebuild – and couldn’t be happier (or prouder) of their Carlisle Homes Sorrento Grand Retreat 46.
Mitar & Tracey
From plans to renovate and extend to custom designed duplex townhomes - this busy young family soon realised that knocking down and rebuilding was their only option to build the home of their dreams.
Michael & Tina
Offering so much space and brightness, this young family fell in love with the Montague Grand floorplan and could see the possibilities in creating a home exactly as they wanted.
Sameer & Priya
Our knockdown rebuild process
At Carlisle Homes, we make the knockdown rebuild process simple, guiding you from consultation to the completion of your brand-new home. With our collection of beautiful floorplans, the process is seamless and stress-free.
Get a free site assessment for your knockdown rebuild
Gain confidence in the potential of your block with a free, no-obligation site assessment from our expert Knockdown Rebuild team. We’ll help you understand the unique characteristics of your site and identify opportunities, as well as any challenges, to ensure a smooth and cost-effective build.
Our team is committed to delivering innovative solutions that maximise efficiency, streamline the knockdown rebuild process, and help reduce overall project costs, so you can move into your dream home sooner.
During your complimentary site assessment, we’ll thoroughly evaluate key factors such as site fall, easements, surrounding structures, vegetation, traffic considerations, and council requirements.
We’re here to support you at every stage, answering your questions, offering expert guidance, and creating a genuine partnership as we bring your new home to life on time and within budget.
Best of all, no deposit is required to begin. Download our info pack, and we’ll be in touch to get started with your site assessment today.
Visit our Spectra Showroom
Explore a wide range of materials and finishes at the Spectra Showroom to personalise your pre-designed home. From flooring to cabinetry, you can customise every detail to suit your style. Our expert interior design consultants will guide you through the process, helping you create a home that reflects your unique vision.
Meet our knockdown rebuild team
Meet our knockdown rebuild specialists, who are experts in building, design and customer service. Hear about their passion and insights into creating homes of quality, style and comfort.
John Doulgeridis | Managing Director
Meet John Doulgeridis, Carlisle Homes’ Managing Director, who leads a passionate team dedicated to delivering exceptional homes and client satisfaction.
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Ricky D'Alesio | Senior Designer
Meet Senior Designer Ricky D’Alesio, whose expertise lies in crafting beautiful, livable homes tailored to meet modern needs and family lifestyles.
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Tamara Hosken | Showroom Manager
Tamara Hosken’s expertise in lighting and interiors elevates every project at Carlisle, showcased beautifully in the award-winning Spectra Showroom.
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Sandy McDermott | General Manager - Operations
Sandy plays a crucial role in leading Carlisle’s Operations Team to drive project success and maintain the highest standards in construction practices.
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Get your dream home sooner
Why wait to start living in the home you’ve always wanted? At Carlisle, we’ve refined our knockdown rebuild process to create a smoother, more efficient experience from start to finish.
Our dedicated team works seamlessly across sales, customer care, and construction to provide expert guidance at every stage of your knockdown rebuild journey. With a strong focus on efficiency, superior craftsmanship, and exceptional customer service, we make the entire experience as stress-free as possible.
With our average knockdown rebuild build time currently at just 29 weeks, you’ll be turning the key to your new home before you know it. Let us take care of the details while you enjoy the excitement of building your dream home, faster and with better support every step of the way.
Download your Ultimate Knockdown Rebuild Guide
Considering a Knockdown Rebuild in Melbourne? Complete the form below to download a copy of our 60-page comprehensive Information Pack, which details everything you need to know about building a new home after demolishing an existing one.
We aim to eliminate any ambiguities, allowing you to fully enjoy the process and experience of building your dream home – a reflection of everything you’ve worked for.
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Your information is collected by Carlisle Homes Pty Ltd and will be used and held in accordance with our Privacy Policy. This information is collected for the purpose of inclusion on our communications database and for the purpose of providing access to key features on our website. The purpose of this communications database is to provide members with information about Carlisle Homes and/or our related services or products. For further information on our Privacy Policy or our complaints process please read our Privacy Policy.
Learn more about choosing to knock down and rebuild
Discover everything you need to know about the process of demolishing your old house and building a modern home in Melbourne. Explore everything from costs and timelines to design options and financing.
Everything You Need to Know About a Knockdown Rebuild
Learn the essentials of knockdown rebuilds in Melbourne. Explore benefits, costs, and expert tips to confidently create your dream home with Carlisle Homes.
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Frequently asked questions
Find answers to common questions about the process of knocking down your old house and rebuilding a spacious home that suits your lifestyle.
Do I need council approval for a knockdown rebuild?
Yes. In most cases, you will need council approval before you can knock down and rebuild your home. This may include both a demolition permit (for knocking down a house) and a planning or building permit for your new home design. Requirements vary depending on your local council, zoning, overlays, and any site-specific considerations.
At Carlisle Homes, we manage the entire knockdown rebuild process for you. Our team handles all documentation, liaises with the council, and ensures your project meets local regulations, so your demolition and rebuild can move forward smoothly and without delay.
How do you finance a home demolition?
Financing a knockdown rebuild typically involves securing a construction loan, which provides funding in stages as the project progresses through the step-by-step process. You may also be eligible for a rebuild knockdown package if you want to finance both the demolition and construction phases. It’s recommended to discuss your options with a financial adviser or lender. To get expert advice, talk to one of our sales consultants. We have in-house construction finance experts available to provide you with free, transparent, and no-obligation financial services. This allows us to not only save you time and money but also help you get into your new home sooner.
Is it better to knock down, renovate or buy an established home?
While renovating can be a good option for minor changes, a knockdown rebuild is the best of both worlds. It’s better to rebuild if you're seeking major upgrades to the flow, structure, and layout of the home. Allowing you to enjoy a streamlined build process, with experts guiding you along the way, expertly curated floor plans, showstopping facades, and an energy-efficient home that saves you time and money.
Building a new house can increase land value, provide modern energy efficiencies, and give you a fresh start without the limitations of your existing structure. Additionally, a knockdown rebuild is preferable to renovating, as it allows you to design your home from scratch, ensuring it perfectly suits your current lifestyle.
Do you pay stamp duty on a knock down rebuild?
You generally won’t pay stamp duty costs on the construction of a new house when rebuilding. However, if you purchase a new block of land to demolish and rebuild, stamp duty costs will apply to the land purchase. It’s essential to verify this with a legal expert and local councils to understand the specific details of your project. Check out our blog about avoiding knockdown rebuild mistakes to learn more.
How long does a knockdown rebuild take?
If you choose to knock down and rebuild your home, the entire process of knocking down your old house and replacing it typically takes 12 to 18 months, depending on factors such as council approvals, demolition timelines, and the construction phase. Demolition can take a few weeks, while building the new house on your ground floor can take several months. Read our step-by-step guide to a knockdown rebuild project for more information.
Is it worth knocking down your house?
Yes, a knockdown rebuild can be worth the investment if your old house no longer meets your needs or is beyond repair. A spacious home built from scratch provides modern features, increased comfort, and enhanced land value. Partnering with a knockdown rebuild specialist ensures the project is handled professionally, from obtaining the demolition permit to working with a demolition company and completing the display home-ready build. As knockdown rebuild experts, Carlisle is here to help you build a home you’ll love in the location you love with the finishes and features that enhance your lifestyle. Start your build journey with Carlisle Homes today.
