Sheds and Garages Melbourne
Real 2026 Melbourne pricing, when a shed needs a planning permit, and how to spec a garage that lasts 30+ years.
By George Giannakakis · B.Arch.Studies · M.Arch (UniSA) · RLA300580
Last reviewed: · How we research
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Sheds and garages in Melbourne are shaped by three factors: Rescode side/rear setbacks, whether the structure counts as an outbuilding or a habitable dwelling, and Bushfire Attack Level requirements in outer-Melbourne. This guide covers real costs, permit rules and the sub-slab engineering that matters.
Real all-in cost by scope
Small (3m x 3m garden shed): $3,500-$7,500. Standard (6m x 3m Colorbond): $8,000-$16,000. Double garage (6m x 6m detached): $22,000-$45,000. Triple garage (9m x 6m): $38,000-$72,000. Add concrete slab: $2,500-$8,500. Add power + lighting: $2,000-$5,500. Insulation upgrade: $2,500-$6,000.
Planning permit rules
Under 20m² and under 3m high, on standard residential zoning, over 1m from boundaries: usually no planning permit needed. Any of - larger, taller, closer to boundary, in a heritage/bushfire overlay - needs council review. Melbourne outer-growth councils are permissive; Yarra, Stonnington, Bayside, Boroondara are strict.
Sub-slab and footings
A shed only lasts as long as the slab it sits on. Melbourne reactive clay needs 100mm reinforced slab minimum, with N12 bars at 300mm centres. Poor slabs crack within 3-5 years and telegraph through the shed. Spend the $2k extra on engineered slab - it doubles shed lifespan.
Frequently asked questions
Only with a full building permit + planning permit treating it as a dwelling. This includes insulation, waterproofing, electrical to residential code, and often plumbing. Most Melbourne councils treat this as a secondary dwelling / granny flat - see our /granny-flat-builders-melbourne guide.
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Building in South Australia? See the Adelaide version of this guide →
Disclaimer: Pricing ranges are Mar 2026 Melbourne market observations and indicative only. Actual costs depend on site conditions, block access, materials and finish level. BuildPilot is an independent home-build CoPilot and does not build or supply. Always obtain three fixed-price quotes on identical inclusions, verify Victorian building licences via Victorian Building Authority and check planning overlays via VicPlan.
The ongoing numbers
Indicative 2026 ranges, not quotes. All 66 items
- Safety switches (RCDs) on every circuitRequired on all final sub-circuits in new work and in rentals in both states.
- No asbestos-containing materialsBanned since 31 Dec 2003. Legal to keep if intact, but disclosure and removal rules apply when you touch it.
Asbestos in the eaves, walls and fence: Roughly one in three Australian homes built before 1990 contains asbestos cement somewhere. It is harmless left alone and dangerous when cut, sanded or smashed.
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