How long does it really take to build a house in Australia?

Most people accept that building a new home requires an investment of time but exactly how much can be hard to determine. While most residential projects in Australia will sit somewhere in a broad spectrum between 6-24 months, the actual answer for your own build will be influenced by a wide variety of factors. By understanding these factors and examining them closely, you can establish an accurate timeframe within which your plans can be based, helping you figure out your timings and whether it’s the right move for you to make, or not.

In Australia, a standard home will on average take around 6-12 months to build. However, there are many factors that can influence this, for example, a custom designed home can easily take double this amount of time. Economic and industrial factors, including supply chain issues, can also have an impact as well as regulatory and administrative issues (more on all this later).

A standard home design and construction process, however, can ordinarily look like the following:

1. Design and planning (3-6 months)

The first stage, which can be the biggest depending on the complexity of the project, is the design and planning phase. This begins with initial design consultations where you work closely with your architect or building designer and sometimes even the builder to collaborate and outline the vision, wants and needs for the home.

These discussions inform all the main decisions regarding the actual home design including the layout, features, finishes, materials etc. This allows detailed blueprints to be created with electrical, plumbing and structural plans following local building regulations.

This also allows a bill of quantities (BOQ) to be drawn up, typically by a quantity surveyor, which is essentially a shopping list of everything needed for the project as part of the tendering process. This provides you with an accurate idea of what your project is likely to cost.

As part of the planning process, the required permits and approvals are usually obtained, which vary between states and territories. This is typically done by the architect, especially for custom built homes.

Related article: What do architects do? An essential read before your next project

2. Site preparation (1-2 months)

The next stage is when the project will break ground for site preparation which involves clearing and levelling the land. Soil testing is conducted to understand the soil's characteristics so the right foundation can be designed and implemented.

A site survey will be done to properly define the property's boundaries and if there's a slope to contend with, excavation or retaining walls might be needed for stability. Utility connections will also be checked to ensure water/gas/electricity etc is there or can be easily connected.

Local regulations will have to be followed for everything mentioned above and in some instances, additional measures may be required for bushfire, flood, or environmental protection zones.

3. Construction phase (6-12 months)

The most exciting stage (and often the most challenging) is the construction phase where everything comes together. This is generally the longest stage of any project and can be broken down in the following way:

Base stage (less than a month): The base stage includes excavating, laying footings, and pouring the concrete slab or constructing stumps/piers.

Frame stage (1-2 months): Once the foundation is laid and the concrete is cured, the framing stage starts. This is where the walls, roof trusses and framing for the windows and doors will be constructed. The time taken depends fairly heavily on the size and complexity of the design.

Lockup stage (1-2 months): The lockup stage refers to the point where the house's external structure is complete, with the roof, external cladding, windows, and doors installed, making it weatherproof and secure. This is a significant milestone in the construction process, allowing internal work to begin.

Fixing stage (1-2 months): As just mentioned, once the house is completed to lockup, the internal fixtures and fittings can then be installed which includes the internal doors, skirting boards, shelving, cabinetry, and other built-in elements.

Completion stage (1-2 months): The completion stage is where the final touches are added to get the home ready for occupancy. This is when the painting, tiling, flooring, lighting, plumbing and any remaining carpentry work get done. It also includes work outside the home like the landscaping, driveway and fencing.

Handover stage (1-2 weeks): Last but not least, the handover stage is where the builder and homeowner have a walkthrough to inspect the finished project before transferring it over completely. Any minor fixes or defects are addressed, and documents (warranties, compliance certificates etc) are passed on which is followed by the handing over of the keys.

Having covered the typical timeframe for the home building process in Australia, it's important to understand all the specific factors that can extend this. In doing so, you will get a better idea of the time your project is likely to take for any of the relevant characteristics described below.

1. Type of home

The type of home you choose to build has a major impact on the timeline and is arguably the biggest factor. When discussing the "type" of home, we are generally referring to one of four options — a kit home, a project home, a house and land package home, or a custom-built home.

Kit home (6 months): A kit home is basically a prefabricated house where the components (walls, roof trusses, etc.) are manufactured off-site, then delivered and assembled on the site. Because the design is already set and a lot of work is done off-site, the timeframe is much shorter at 6 months and sometimes less.

Project home (6-12 months): A project home is one that comes from a builder's catalogue of pre-designed models with some customisation options. These homes are built on a client’s land and because the designs are repeated across multiple builds, construction is highly efficient with materials readily available, often ordered by the building company in bulk.

House and land package (6-12 months): A house and land package is where the land and a pre-designed home from a property developer or builder are purchased together, common in new residential developments. With the design for both land and home already determined and controlled by the builder or developer the process is much more streamlined.

Custom home (12-24 months): A custom-built home is a unique architecturally designed project specifically tailored to the needs of a client. They typically have original designs, bespoke elements, high-end materials and other custom features. The design and planning phases of these projects are longer and much more involved as well as the construction time due to the nature of the materials and features of the project.

Related article: A curated selection of some of Australia's finest architecturally designed homes

2. Size of the home

The size of a project can greatly influence how long it takes to build a house for obvious reasons — the bigger the house, the more work there is to do. However, there is one factor within this that is particularly important, which is the number of stories/levels it is.

A multi-storey home often takes longer than a single because of the extra foundation and structural components needed to support the upper levels. The addition of staircases and a construction process where one level of flooring needs to be completed before the next, adds to the timeframe. There is also the need for things like scaffolding and other complexities which in total can add a few months to the project.

3. Location of the site

Building a home in metropolitan areas is generally faster and more efficient than in regional or remote areas due to better access to tradespeople, materials, and infrastructure, along with well-established utility connections. However, there can be longer council approval times due to higher demand and urban planning complexities.

Overall, building in metropolitan areas tends to be more streamlined, while regional projects often encounter logistical and environmental hurdles. The timeframe for this can vary from project to project so it’s an important one to investigate early in the process.

4. Council and financial approvals

Administration and documentation are a big part of the planning phase and can quickly hold up a home build project if it is not managed diligently. This typically relates to council or financial approvals, the former to do with planning and building permits and the latter to do with construction loans, valuation assessments, banking payment delays etc.

Ordinarily, this should all happen within about 6-10 weeks as part of the designing and planning phase, however, the more complex a project is, the more challenging the approval process is likely to be, especially if revisions to the plans are required. If you are building in a particularly busy period (private sector house building approvals are up 13.1% from last year (July 2024)), this may also slow things down. These are important factors to bear in mind during your pre-construction process, especially if you're working within a tight timeframe.

5. Calibre of professionals

Highly skilled and experienced builders, architects, and contractors are crucial when it comes to delivering a project on time. They are often more efficient at managing tasks, identifying potential issues early, and coordinating the various stages of construction. They are also less likely to make costly mistakes that require rework, which can save time.

These types of professionals are often well-networked with good project management skills that help ensure the timely procurement of materials and seamless scheduling of trades. Unfortunately, there is no shortage of horror stories that involve less reputable or experienced professionals so being thorough and selective with who you choose to work on your new house project is key.

6. Supply chain issues

Supply chain issues can significantly impact the time required to build a home, with COVID-19 being a telling recent example of this. Factory shutdowns and port closures severely disrupted the production and delivery of critical materials like timber and steel as well as many other building products.

The only solution in these situations is to wait it out or source alternatives, both of which mean reworking schedules which leads to an inevitable slowdown of a project. However, the more effective your planning is and the more reliable and secure your suppliers are, the more you'll be insulated from these disruptions.

7. Industrial factors

Besides supply chain issues, there are other industrial factors that can have an impact, such as labour shortages, union disputes, and government regulations. Labour shortages in skilled trades have been well-documented in recent times, especially in the background of the government's ambition to create 1.2 million homes in the next 5 years under the National Housing Accord.

Additionally, changes in building codes, safety regulations, or environmental standards which more often happen with a change in government, can require adjustments to plans or construction methods, adding time to the project.

8. Land preparation requirements

One of the most underestimated factors when it comes to the time taken to build a house is the land preparation required before any construction can begin. Sites that are on challenging terrain, rocky soil or steep slopes a far more complex requiring extensive clearing, levelling and or excavation.

Soil testing is vital as it may reveal poor soil quality, necessitating extra foundation work or reinforcement, which adds time. Additionally, if the site is in a flood zone, bushfire-prone area, or environmentally sensitive location, additional permits and measures such as drainage systems, retaining walls, or fire protection systems may be required.

9. Weather conditions during construction

Weather conditions during construction are becoming an increasingly significant factor with extreme weather events like heavy rain, storms and floods which can halt site preparation, foundation work and other tasks that require dry conditions. At the other end of the spectrum, extreme heat can slow down labour productivity.

With the frequency and intensity of these weather events on the rise in Australia, it is something that cannot be ignored during the planning phase of any new home project.

Related article: Why build a home in Australia? The benefits, challenges and solutions

Having gone through the factors that can slow down a project, you could be forgiven for feeling a little bit dejected by the prospect of it. However, you'll be pleased to know there are some steps you can take to mitigate the effect of many of these, giving you a much better chance to finish a project on time.

1. Be thorough during the design phase

As you may have already deduced, thorough planning is essential to the success of any project especially if you are embarking on a custom build. In these cases, it is essential that all your designs, floor plans, blueprints, specifications etc are finalised before the construction phase begins.

2. Prioritise your permits

This point is really an extension of the previous but merits its own place due to its importance. Delays with local council planning approval processes and building permits can be incredibly frustrating so the sooner you can get these done, the better.

3. Secure financing early

As mentioned earlier in this article, issues with financing can cause delays in disbursements so you need to be on top of your financial arrangements, especially when loans are involved. Due diligence here will ensure everything goes out as planned, saving you time and avoiding stressful situations

4. Hire reputable professionals

The professionals you enlist will totally shape the success (or failure) of your project so your selection of them is crucial. Look for contractors with good reviews and a portfolio of completed projects similar to your own (easily done on platforms like ArchiPro). It may require more investment and a longer wait to line them up but it will be time and money well spent.

5. Maintain clear communication with contractors

Having an open and clear dialogue with your architect, interior designers and builders is an absolute necessity. It's important they understand exactly what you want to achieve and why. Otherwise, assumptions will be made in the absence of this which may not align with your overall vision, leading to mistakes or delays. Regular meetings are a great idea to keep everyone on the same page.

6. Set a realistic timeline

To avoid disappointment, it's important to set a realistic project timeline, discussing this in detail with your architect and builder — something that will also help with your budgeting. Experienced building professionals will know how to do this, accounting for weather disruptions, material and product availability and any other common factors that can impact progress.

7. Order materials in advance

To avoid supply chain disruptions, it's a good idea to order key materials and products as early as possible, especially for imported goods. Sometimes, one missing or delayed component can hold up the entire project. With early planning and procurement, you can stop this from happening.

8. Avoid last-minute changes

This is a tricky one as sometimes changes in design, materials or layout can take you by surprise during the construction phase but the more this can be avoided, the smoother your project will be. Do your very best to stick to the agreed-upon plan as much as possible and you'll save yourself a lot of stress, keeping your project on track.

Having gone through this thorough process you will hopefully have some clarity on how long it will take you to build the house you have in mind. In some cases, the information above may change the type of home or house design you want to pursue. Whatever the result, so long as have made an informed, thoughtful decision, you will be able to achieve what you want in the time that you have, reaping the benefits of your dream home made entirely for you.  

Featured projects:

The Towers Street Project by The Artificial

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Kilimanjaro Street Project by AT ARCDESIGN

Corby House by R ARCHITECTURE