Brisbane has a well-established network of house builders covering new home construction, knockdown-rebuilds, and custom designs across the greater metro area and surrounding suburbs. Companies such as Metricon, Stroud Homes, McDonald Jones, G.J. Gardner, and Plantation Homes are among the most active volume builders operating in South East Queensland, while smaller local custom builders serve buyers wanting more control over design and materials.
Volume Builders vs Custom Builders
Volume builders work from a fixed catalogue of floor plans, which keeps costs predictable and build timelines shorter. Metricon and G.J. Gardner both have display villages in Brisbane where you can walk through completed homes before committing. These builders suit buyers purchasing land in a new estate and working within a standard budget, typically starting from around $250,000 for a house-only contract, depending on size and inclusions.
Custom builders design homes from scratch to suit a specific block or lifestyle. This suits infill sites in established suburbs like Paddington, Ashgrove, or Bulimba, where blocks are irregular, sloped, or subject to character overlay planning rules. Custom builds generally start from $400,000 to $500,000 and up, with architects or draftspeople involved before the builder even quotes.
What to Check Before Signing a Building Contract
Queensland building contracts are regulated under the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) framework. All residential builders must hold a current QBCC licence, which you can verify at the QBCC licence search on their website. Check the licence category matches the work being done, as some licences only cover low-rise or specific trades.
Confirm that the builder holds Home Warranty Insurance (also called QBCC Home Warranty Scheme insurance) before any work begins. This covers you if the builder becomes insolvent or fails to complete the work. Contracts over $3,300 require this cover by law in Queensland. Always get a fixed-price contract where possible, and clarify which items are provisional sums, as these can affect the final cost significantly.
Build Timeframes and Costs in Brisbane
A standard single-storey new home in Brisbane currently takes between 6 and 12 months to complete from slab pour, depending on the builder and tradesperson availability. Two-storey homes typically run 12 to 18 months. Supply chain pressures in recent years have pushed some timelines out further, so ask builders for their current average completion times and check recent reviews on ProductReview or Houzz for real customer experiences.
Construction costs in Brisbane broadly range from $1,800 to $3,500 per square metre depending on fit-out quality, site conditions, and design complexity. Site costs (earthworks, retaining walls, and connections) are often quoted separately and can add $20,000 to $80,000 or more on sloped or difficult blocks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an owner-builder licence in Queensland?
Yes. If you want to act as your own builder in Queensland, you must apply for an owner-builder permit through the QBCC. This is only available for homes you intend to live in, and restrictions apply on how soon you can sell the property after completion.
Can I build on a sloped block in Brisbane?
Yes, but it adds cost. Sloped blocks are common in Brisbane’s inner and middle ring suburbs, and most experienced local builders are familiar with pole-frame and split-level construction. Get a site inspection and soil report before accepting a quote so site costs are accurate.
What is the difference between a turnkey home and a standard building contract?
A turnkey contract includes all finishes, landscaping, and fencing so the home is move-in ready at handover. A standard contract often excludes these items, meaning additional costs after completion. Turnkey contracts are common with volume builders selling in new estates.
