Rise And Fall - Australian Building Glossary

By , Editor and Founder, BuildPilot. M.Arch, Licensed Real Estate Agent (RLA300580), HIA Industry Judge. Last reviewed: .

Contract Terms

Rise & Fall

George Giannakakis

By George Giannakakis · B.Arch.Studies · M.Arch (UniSA) · RLA300580

Last reviewed: · How we research

Working on real numbers? Read the independent Adelaide Build Cost Report 2026 for current per-sqm rates, site-cost bands and the hidden line items most quotes miss.

Rise & Fall explained in detail

In building contracts, rise and fall refers to the adjustment of contract prices due to changes in the cost of labour, materials, or other expenses that occur after signing the contract. Including rise and fall clauses protects the contractor and the owner from unexpected cost increases or decreases throughout the project. These clauses are more common in commercial contracts and long-duration residential projects.

Market Update with Ben Stewart from Core Projects
55m 48s
Watch: Rise & Fall in contextSponsored byHome Building Hub
Market Update with Ben Stewart from Core Projects

This level of market update would normally cost you money, but we’re bringing it to you for free. Join us as we welcome Ben Stewart from Core Projects, who takes you through some amazing insights into the current market conditions, peak pricing, land supply, the 70:30 ratio, housing targets, when to buy and much more.

Watch full episode

Related Terms

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about rise & fall

In building contracts, rise and fall refers to the adjustment of contract prices due to changes in the cost of labour, materials, or other expenses that occur after signing the contract. Understanding the terminology upfront helps you compare builder quotes and read your Australian building contract with confidence.

Contract and legal information

Building contracts, dispute resolution, and consumer law are complex and vary by state and contract type. The information here is general in nature and may not apply to your situation. For advice about your specific contract, rights, or dispute, speak with a building lawyer, your state’s consumer protection body, or a licensed building consultant.

Authoritative Sources

Verify against the binding rules in your state

BuildPilot is an independent Australian building platform, we publish guidance, we don't hold a building licence. Every Australian residential build must comply with the National Construction Code plus state-specific Acts and consumer-protection law. The authorities below are the primary sources of truth for the rules that actually apply to your project.

National

Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB)

The primary national set of technical building standards that every Australian build must comply with. Volume 2 covers Class 1 & 10 buildings (most homes).

Standards Australia

Specific material, product and method standards (e.g. AS 3700 masonry, AS 1684 timber framing) referenced by the NCC.

HIA

National peak body for residential builders. Publishes the most widely used home-building contracts and consumer guidance.

Master Builders Australia

National peak body for general builders. Publishes commercial and residential contracts and industry guidance.

Links above open the public website of each authority. BuildPilot is not affiliated with these bodies and does not act on their behalf. Information on this page is general - check the current edition of the NCC and the relevant state Act for binding requirements.

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