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.
$500K - $1.2M all-in
demolition + rebuild + temp accommodation + services
16 - 24 months
decision to Occupancy Permit
What this means in practice
Non-heritage middle + outer-ring Melbourne blocks
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.
Cornerstone reads for this journey
Join the Victoria waitlist
Adelaide-based advisor. No retainer. No upselling. We have walked this exact journey with hundreds of families.
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