Building a home that’s genuinely yours shouldn’t feel like ordering off a narrow menu. Yet many custom builds end up as display-home copies, leaving you disappointed and over budget.
What if you could start from a blank canvas, choose every room layout, finish and feature exactly to your taste? That’s the real promise of custom home building in Perth – a home as unique as your fingerprint, designed around your life.
In this guide, we’ll explain what makes a home truly custom. We’ll also break down the custom home building costs and factors that go into budgeting your dream home.
Keep reading to demystify the cost to build a custom home and turn your vision into a clear, confident budget plan.
What Exactly is a Custom Home?
A custom home is built entirely to your specifications, not adapted from a standard plan. You work with architects/designers from day one to create a unique layout. You can adjust room sizes, add unconventional features (like angled walls or integrated cabinetry), and select every material
By contrast, a project-home or volume builder home offers pre-designed plans where you mainly choose finishes and make minor tweaks. Project homes are usually faster to build and cheaper per square metre. But they lack the individuality of a custom design.
Top Features of a Custom Home
Think high ceilings, expansive glazing, specialty finishes like natural stone benchtops, engineered timber floors, and bespoke fixtures e.g. custom lighting, built-in joinery.
For inspiration, see our single-storey designs or double-storey designs. And learn how we work with clients in our process overview.
Perth Custom Home Building Costs: 2025 Benchmarks
Building a custom home in Perth can range from $2,450 to $5,500+ per square metre, depending on the complexity of the design and the finishes you choose.
To put numbers on it:
Average per m² Pricing for Custom Builds:
Use these per-m² benchmarks to estimate your build cost before getting into total figures:
| Finish Tier | Cost per m² (AUD) | Typical Inclusions |
| Standard | $2,450 – $3,200 | Basic fixtures, standard cabinetry, simple roofline |
| Mid-Range | $3,200 – $4,000 | Upgraded finishes, energy-efficient features |
| Premium | $4,000 – $5,500+ | Custom joinery, high-end fixtures, complex designs |
Use these benchmarks to gauge your overall budget: e.g. a 200 m² home at mid-range finishes would start around $640,000 (200 m² × $3,200/m²).
Total Build Costs by Home Size
Total project cost depends on your home’s size and chosen finish tier:
| Home Size | Basic Custom Build | Mid-Range Custom Build | Luxury Custom Build |
| 150 m² | $350,000 – $450,000 | $450,000 – $575,000 | $575,000 – $700,000 |
| 250 m² | $600,000 – $800,000 | $800,000 – $950,000 | $950,000 – $1,100,000 |
| 350 m² | $800,000 – $1,100,000 | $1,100,000 – $1,350,000 | $1,350,000 – $1,600,000 |
Key Factors Influencing Your Custom Home Building Costs in Perth
Every custom home budget is unique, but several factors universally sway costs:
(✔) Land & Site Conditions
Lot size, shape and slope determine how much groundwork you’ll need. Sites with challenging access, uneven terrain or poor soil demand extra preparation to create a stable foundation.
(✔) Design Complexity
The more customised your floorplan and architectural features, the more time and specialised skills your build requires. For example, multi-storey layouts, angled walls, large spans or extensive glazing require skills and time which adds on your budget.
(✔) Materials & Finish Quality
Choices in cabinetry, benchtops, flooring, windows and fixtures span a wide spectrum. Premium stone, hardwoods, designer hardware and high-efficiency glazing deliver luxury. Also, they require greater investment than standard builder-grade options.
(✔) Construction Methods & Labour
Traditional on-site builds, modular components and hybrid systems each have distinct labour demands and timelines. Local trades availability and any rush-build requirements will also influence labour rates and scheduling.
(✔) Professional Services & Approvals
Architects, engineers, surveyors and interior designers guide your project from concept to completion. Navigating council planning, energy-rating compliance and any special overlays (bushfire, heritage) adds complexity and coordination work.
(✔) Utility Connections & Site Services
Confirming existing power, water, sewer and communications infrastructure on your block and arranging any new connections directly impacts your project’s scope and timeline.
(✔) Contingency & Variations
Unexpected changes inevitably arise. Allowing room for design tweaks, scope shifts or minor site surprises ensures you can adapt without derailing your build schedule or budget.
Detailed Custom Builds Cost Breakdown of Each Category
To plan your budget, consider these major cost buckets:
(✔) Land & Site Costs in Perth:
The first major expense in your custom home project is the land itself. As of March 2025, According to REIWA, the median land price in Perth is $290,000, but this varies significantly depending on lot size:
- Small lots (< 300 m²) – Average $300,000
- Medium lots (300–450 m²) – Average $369,000
- Large lots (> 450 m²) – Average $545,000
On top of the purchase price, budget for:
- Site preparation: It costs between $10,000 – $50,000+.
- Surveying & soil tests: Typically, $400–$500 for soil investigation.
- Earthworks: Excavation and leveling can range from $5,000 for a flat block to $20,000+ on sloping or rocky sites.
- Retaining walls: If required, allow $250–$700/m² of retaining wall.
This breakdown helps you pinpoint where land acquisition costs sit in your overall custom-build budget.
Here’s an approx. overview of how bedroom count impacts overall custom-build costs in Perth.
Custom Home Costs by Bedroom Count
| Bedrooms | Typical Size (m²) | Total Cost Range (AUD) | Notes |
| 2 Bedroom | 120 m² | $276,000 – $534,000 | Mostly built as villas or townhouses for specific needs |
| 3 Bedroom | 175 m² | $402,500 – $778,750 | Smaller than WA’s average new home size (223.2 m²) |
| 4 Bedroom | 260 m² | $598,000 – $1,157,000 | Typical 4BR home with two bathrooms (incl. ensuite) |
| 5 Bedroom | 300 m² | $690,000 – $1,335,000 | High-end finishes or fully customised family-style properties |
(✔) Base Construction (Shell):
This covers the foundation and structural shell (slab, framing, external walls and roof structure).
Custom home construction costs about $1,900–$3,700 per m² depending on finish level.
For example, a 200 m² single-storey home might have a basic foundation/slab of $40K–$60K, plus timber framing and brick veneer walls perhaps $80K–$150K. Double-storey or custom shapes will cost more per square meter (due to extra structure).
In short, expect slab + shell to absorb a large portion of your budget.
(✔) Building Envelope & Weatherproofing:
Now add the roof, external cladding, gutters, insulation and finishing that weatherproof the shell.
Roof materials vary. Colorbond metal roofing is common in WA, typically about $44–$55 per m² installed. Tiled roofs can cost significantly more. A Colorbond roof on a 200 m² home might therefore be on the order of $10K–$15K. Ceiling and wall insulation that need under modern codes add several thousand dollars.
Gutters, downpipes and flashing are also additional. Exterior cladding choices, like brick vs timber cladding vs rendered walls, likewise span a range. Premium claddings like stone veneer or high-tech composite panels will be at the top end of the envelope budget.
Remember to account for smaller items too. Like eaves linings, mid-strength glass if needed in cyclonic areas, and any covered outdoor ceilings.
(✔) Interior Fit-Out:
All internal finishes and joinery.
- Kitchens and Cabinets: A modern kitchen (medium size) might be $15k–$30k or more. This includes cabinetry, benchtops, appliances and splashbacks. A stone benchtop alone could be $2,500–$3,000.
- Bathrooms: Allow roughly $10k–$25k per main bathroom, depending on size and finishes. This covers vanity cabinets, tiles, plumbing fixtures, and shower screens.
- Flooring: Basic vinyl/tile floors start at <$50/m². Whereas, hardwood or large-format tiles can be $100–$200/m² installed.
- Doors, Painting, etc.: Interior doors (solid-core) might be $300–$700 each. Painting (walls, ceilings) often costs $20–$40/m² to apply professionally, depending on quality of paint.
(✔) Permits & Regulatory Fees:
Building in Perth requires several fixed costs. The building permit fee is generally a small percentage of your contract sum. It costs around 0.19% for a certified application which is approximately $110+ on even a small project.
There’s also an occupancy certificate fee and the 0.2% Construction Training Fund levy (for contracts over $20K). Councils levy planning/development fees on new builds which can run into the thousands.
In total, it’s a typical range of $5K–$50K for all council-related fees on a standard new home. The exact figures depend on local council and any special conditions like heritage or bushfire zone assessment). Don’t forget any strata or subdivision fees if applicable.
Finally, home indemnity insurance (required over $20K builds) will be roughly 0.5% of the contract. Practically, it’s safest to allow a few percent of your build budget for all permits and levies combined.
(✔) Services & Utilities:
Mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP).
- Electrical: Rough-in wiring is typically included in the build, but upgrades add cost. For example, 3-phase power, home automation wiring, lighting fixtures etc.
- Plumbing: Costs depend on fixtures chosen and any complex layouts. A standard package of hot water system, taps, and fixtures may be $5k–$10k.
- HVAC: Perth homes mostly add air conditioning. A split system can be $2k–$5k per zone. Whereas, ducted AC might be $5k–$15k total, depending on capacity. Gas heating or evaporative cooling add more.
- Renewables: If you include solar panels, budget roughly $6k–$10k for a 5–6 kW system (after rebates).
- Smart systems: Wiring for security, home theatre or automation can add $1k–$5k, depending on features. For example, a basic security package might be $2k–$4k.
(✔) Finishing Touches & Landscaping:
Final items that mostly lie outside the core contract.
- Driveways & Paths: A standard concrete driveway might cost $5k–$15k; pavers or decorative finishes more.
- Fencing: Budget $3k–$10k for a typical perimeter fence, depending on length and materials.
- Decks & Patios: Timber or composite decking is commonly $200–$400/m² installed; large decks or alfresco areas can easily be $10k–$50k depending on size.
- Landscaping: Turf, plants and garden beds might start at $5k–$10k for a modest garden, up to $30k+ for extensive hard/softscape.
(✔) Contingency & Variations (5–10%)
Always set aside a contingency for change orders or unexpected costs. Industry rule-of-thumb is about 5–10% of your build budget. This covers small design changes, scope creep, or cost escalations in materials. A good builder will include this buffer in your contract planning.
Expert Tips for Managing & Saving on Costs
- Value-Engineered Designs: Work with your builder early to identify high-cost elements you can trim without losing quality. For example, choosing a simpler roofline, reducing excessive ceiling heights, or standardising window sizes can save thousands.
- Phased Building: If your budget is tight, consider staging the build. Finish the core house now, and defer items like landscaping, an extra carport, or a pergola to a later phase. Spreading costs over time can ease cash flow.
- Supplier Negotiations & Bulk Buying: Builders often get trade discounts. Ask if you can join larger orders (e.g. for tiles, windows or roofing across multiple homes) to save per unit. Sometimes buying some materials (like flooring or fixtures) direct from a wholesaler and having the builder install them can reduce mark-ups.
- Timing Your Build: The construction market fluctuates. Avoid periods of high demand (e.g. avoid aiming to finish just before Xmas or in peak winter). Starting in a quieter season or negotiating a start date can reduce rushed labor charges. Also, locking in a fixed-price contract early can shield you from future price inflation.
- Prioritise Wisely: Spend where it counts (quality waterproofing, proven appliances, good insulation) and save on more cosmetic choices (entry tile versus carpet, for example). A designer or QS can help pinpoint where you’ll get the best value for your money.
Build Your Custom Home with PDCD Homes – On Budget On Time!
Is the thought of hidden costs making your head spin?
At PDCD Homes, we specialise in turning dreams into reality without nasty surprises. We guide you through our transparent process, from block purchase to handover. Our friendly team will help balance your vision and budget. No technical jargon, just clear advice.
Book a free consultation with our expert custom home builders. Whether it’s single-storey or double-storey, let’s talk about your perfect plan and budget.
FAQs
Q: How much does it cost to build a 3‑bedroom house in Perth?
For a typical 3‑bedroom home (175 m²), expect roughly $400,000–$780,000 all-up. The range reflects finish level. A budget spec might be near the low end, while a home with higher-quality fixtures reaches the top end.
Q: How much does it cost to build a 4‑bedroom house in Perth?
A 4-bedroom (around 250–260 m²) custom home is roughly $600,000–$1,160,000. This depends on design complexity and materials. Double-storey designs tend toward the higher side due to extra structure.
Q: Is it cheaper to build or buy a home in Perth?
Currently, building a home is more cost-effective than buying. In many cases you can get a brand-new home for less than buying an established one. Plus, new homes often include energy efficiency benefits.
Q: How much does it cost to build a single-storey house in Perth?
Building a single storey home generally costs between $2,300 and $4,450 per square meter. A single-storey home generally costs less per m² than a double-storey because the structure is simpler.
Q: How much extra does it cost to build a double-storey home in Perth?
Roughly an additional 10–20% per m² compared to the same area single-storey, translating to up to about $800 more per m². The extra cost comes from stair construction, scaffolding, stronger structural elements and a larger roof.
Q: What is the most expensive part of building a house?
Typically, the framing and major construction (foundation and shell) cost the most. If your site is tricky, foundation work (excavation, steel footings) can spike costs. Similarly, kitchens and primary bathrooms often consume a big slice of the budget. Quality finishes everywhere (floors, tiles, fixtures) add up quickly.
Q: What extras are excluded in base quotes?
Base contracts usually cover the structure and internal finishes, but not items like driveways, fencing, landscaping, window coverings, or solar panels. For example, builders often exclude driveway paving, fences, lawns and gardens. Always check your contract: things like external decks/patios, lights, appliances and garden works are commonly separate.
Q: How much should I budget for council and consultant fees?
Generally, plan 5–10% of your construction budget for fees and consultants. In Perth, council fees for permits and approvals can range from about $5,000 up to $20,000+, depending on project size and location.
Q: Can I customise standard display-home plans?
Yes and no. Many volume builders allow some modifications (flipping plans, minor layout tweaks). But PDCD’s approach is different. We treat each home as fully custom. If you like a display home style, we can certainly use elements of it, but we’ll tailor everything to your block and needs rather than forcing a pre-made plan.
