Journeys/Melbourne Journey

Knockdown-Rebuild Journey in Melbourne

KDR on a Melbourne block is only viable outside Heritage Overlays - which cover about 40% of inner + middle-ring blocks. The path takes 16-24 months from decision to keys and needs demolition consent, potential planning permit, then building permit. Here is the honest sequence.

Typical cost

$500K - $1.2M all-in

demolition + rebuild + temp accommodation + services

Typical timeline

16 - 24 months

decision to Occupancy Permit

Find my Melbourne builder What is a knockdown-rebuild Melbourne

Melbourne knockdown-rebuild in progress on an established block

What this means in practice

Non-heritage middle + outer-ring Melbourne blocks

Get matched with the right builder for your build

A 3-minute questionnaire on budget, block type and build style. We shortlist Adelaide partner builders that fit, and hand you a comparison table. No pushy calls, no commitment.

Match me with builders Or speak to a human

Under 3 minutes. 8 quick questions, no email required to see results.
Ranked shortlist. Match score, price band, and where each builder actually builds.
Independent. Editorial layer over paid ranking. Builders can't buy their way to the top.

This journey suits you if

Non-heritage middle + outer-ring Melbourne blocks
1960s-90s brick veneer past useful life
Owners keeping the block 10+ years

What goes wrong most

Full block refused by Heritage Overlay (75-85% of HO applications rejected)
Asbestos discovery ($5k-$18k extra)
Temp accommodation cost during 14-22 month rebuild ($30k-$70k)

How it actually unfolds

The steps that move the needle. We sit beside you on each one.

1
Overlay check via VicPlan first
Any Heritage Overlay grading usually kills KDR. Confirm before spending on plans.
2
Asbestos + demolition quote
Melbourne homes pre-1985 almost always contain asbestos. Get a licensed assessor + certified disposal quote.
3
Demolition permit
Standard non-heritage lots need a demolition permit (2-8 weeks). Heritage-adjacent lots also need council planning approval.
4
Select builder + rebuild design + permits
Same VBA + DBI checks as any new build. See our new-build journey for the detailed permit path.
5
Demolish, rebuild, hand over
2-4 weeks demolition, 12-16 months rebuild. Plan temporary accommodation for the full window.