A knockdown rebuild lets you demolish your existing home and build a brand-new one on the same block so you keep the location, the neighbours, and the school zone you love. It's an increasingly popular choice for families who love where they live but have outgrown their house. This guide answers the most common questions about knockdown rebuilds, from costs and permits to timelines and design so you can make an informed decision before you begin.

For over 75 years, Simonds has helped Australians build homes they're proud of, and our dedicatedknockdown rebuild team is here to guide you through every step.

What Should You Do Before Starting Your Knockdown Rebuild Project?

Before you contact a builder, it pays to do some groundwork. Start by writing a simple wishlist: how many bedrooms and bathrooms you need, whether you want a single or double-storey home, your must-have living spaces, and how you want the home to connect to your outdoor area. Next, set a realistic budget with a contingency buffer of 10–15% built in for the unexpected.

It's also worth understanding your block early. Things like slope, established trees, the width and orientation of the lot, and access for machinery can all influence your design and your costs. Finally, check your property's zoning and any overlays that may apply (more on that below), these can affect what you're able to build. Getting clear on these factors upfront makes every conversation with your builder more productive.

For a deeper dive, see our guide to the10 factors to check when preparing for your knockdown rebuild.

Should You Knock Down and Rebuild, or Renovate?

This is one of the first big decisions and the right answer depends on your home and your goals. Renovating can be a great option for smaller updates or modest changes. But once a renovation involves structural work: new roofing, rewiring, restumping, replumbing, or reconfiguring the entire floor plan. The costs can climb surprisingly close to the cost of building new, often with more hidden surprises along the way.

A knockdown rebuild, by contrast, gives you a completely clean slate: a modern, energy-efficient home built to current standards, with a floor plan designed around your household. Simonds homes also come with lifetime structural guarantee and far lower ongoing maintenance.

We've broken this decision down in detail in our article: Knockdown rebuild or renovate? If you're also weighing up buying an established home instead, our team can help you compare the long-term value of each path.

What Approvals or Permits Do You Need to Secure?

Every knockdown rebuild in Victoria requires the right approvals before work can begin, and these vary depending on your council and your block. As a general guide, you'll typically need:

• A demolition (building) permit: This permit authorises the safe removal of the existing home and confirms compliance with regulations relating to asbestos, waste disposal and protection of neighbouring properties.
  
  A Section 29A demolition consent — needed from your local council in certain cases, such as when a street-facing facade is affected or more than half the building is being removed.

• A planning permit:
  Your local council may require a planning permit if your block has overlays (such as heritage, vegetation, or flood) or other planning controls.

• A building permit for the new home
  This is issued by a registered building surveyor to confirm your design meets the National Construction Code. Consult the Victorian Building Authority for the relevant building permits.

What Should You Organise Before Demolition Day?

Once approvals are in place, there are a few practical things to arrange before the machines arrive. You'll need to:

• Disconnect and cap utilities:  electricity, gas, water, and telecommunications all need to be disconnected by your providers, who usually require around a week's notice.

• Arrange temporary accommodation:  you'll need somewhere to live throughout demolition and construction. Many families rent in the same suburb to maintain school and work routines.

• Sort storage: for furniture and belongings you won't need during the build.

• Salvage what matters: remove anything with sentimental or practical value, and photograph the old home before it goes.

• Update your address: notify Australia Post, your bank, the electoral commission, insurers, and other key contacts of your temporary address.

It's also worth noting that most Melbourne homes built before the 1990s contain asbestos, which must be removed by licensed professionals as part of demolition. 

You can download our handyknockdown rebuild checklist to keep track of every step.

What Are the Key Milestones in the Knockdown Rebuild Journey?

While every project is unique, most knockdown rebuilds follow the same broad path:

Step 1: Speak with our specialist
Speak with our Knockdown Rebuild team to discuss your goals, your current property and what you’re hoping to achieve with a brand-new home.

Step 2 - Site Assessment

We assess your site to understand its size, orientation, access, services and any planning considerations. This helps us confirm what’s possible and ensure your new home is designed to suit both your block and local requirements

Step 3 - Choose your Design

Choose from our range of home designs and personalise your layout, finishes and inclusions to suit your lifestyle, budget and preferences. Our team will guide you through the selections so your new home feels considered, functional and truly yours.

Step 4 - Demolish & Prepare

Once everything is approved, we coordinate the demolition of your existing home and prepare the site for construction. We manage this process for you, ensuring everything is handled safely, compliantly and with minimal stress.

Step 5 - Build & Move In

We build your new home and keep you informed throughout construction. When your home is complete, we guide you through handover so you can move in with confidence and start enjoying your new space.

 How Much Does a Knockdown Rebuild Cost?

Costs vary depending on your block, your design, and your finishes, but here's a realistic picture for Melbourne in 2026.

Most complete knockdown rebuild projects fall somewhere between $450,000 and $900,000+, with the wide range reflecting the fact that every block and design is different.

The cost of knockdown rebuild typically includes the following:
1. Demolition Costs – Removing an existing home generally costs between $15,000 and $40,000, depending on factors like asbestos removal, property size, and accessibility.
2. Site Preparation & Permits – Additional costs for soil testing, council approvals, and service connections may apply.
3. Construction Costs – Building a new home can start from $300,000 to $600,000+, depending on size, design, and inclusions.

What Type of Designs Should You Consider for a Knockdown Rebuild?

One of the great advantages of a knockdown rebuild is the freedom to choose a home that's purpose-built for your block and your lifestyle. Key considerations include:

• Block dimensions — Narrow or compact blocks may suit a double-storey design that maximises living space without sacrificing yard, while wider blocks open up single-storey options.

• Orientation — Positioning living areas to capture natural light and northern sun improves comfort and energy efficiency.

• Your street's character — A facade that complements your existing neighbourhood adds long-term value and street appeal.

Simonds offers a dedicated range of home designs well suited to knockdown rebuilds, including options for narrow and irregular blocks. Explore our knockdown rebuild home designs to see what's possible. And because the facade sets your home's first impression, our guide to 5 contemporary facades to consider for your knockdown rebuild is a great place to start.

How Long Does It Take to Rebuild Your Dream Home?

From your first design conversation to moving in, most knockdown rebuilds take somewhere between 12 and 24 months. Within that, demolition itself only takes a matter of weeks, while construction of the new home typically takes around 8–14 months. The remainder of the timeline is spent on design, contracts, and securing approvals.

The biggest variable is the approvals stage. Blocks in heritage areas, bushfire-prone zones, or councils with stricter design controls can take longer to get through planning. Working with an experienced builder from the outset is the best way to keep your project moving and avoid common delays.

What Type of Designs Should You Consider for a Knockdown Rebuild?

Simonds offers a dedicated range of home designs well suited to knockdown rebuilds, including options for narrow and irregular blocks. Explore our knockdown rebuild home designs to see what's possible. And because the facade sets your home's first impression, our guide to 5 contemporary facades to consider for your knockdown rebuild is a great place to start.

Why Choose Simonds as Your Knockdown Rebuild Builder?

Rebuilding on your own block is a significant decision, and the right builder makes all the difference. For over 75 years, Simonds has been building quality homes across Australia, earning recognition as one of the country's most awarded home builders. When you choose Simonds for your knockdown rebuild, you get:

• A dedicated knockdown rebuild team that manages the journey end to end — from design and demolition through to handover.

• Our Fixed Price Guarantee, so there are no surprise costs.

• A Guaranteed Site Start, giving you certainty on when your build begins.

• Our industry-first Lifetime Structural Guarantee, protecting your home's foundations, wall frames, and roof framing for as long as you own it.

• A wide range of award-winning designs and facades to make the home truly yours.

Ready to reimagine your block? Explore our knockdown rebuild designs or get in touch with our team to start the conversation.