Cost per Square Metre Guide (Houses, Duplexes, Apartments) Australia 2025 (with Sydney Benchmarks)

When it comes to building a home, one of the first things you'll want to know is: how much is this going to cost? If you're planning to build a house, duplex, or apartment in Australia, particularly in Sydney, the cost per square metre is a critical piece of the puzzle.

This guide will break down the apartment construction cost per square metre (m²) for different types of properties, including houses, duplexes, and apartments, across Australia in 2025, with a specific focus on Sydney. It's important to note that these costs are for building only, and do not include land costs, site-specific conditions, or additional expenses like landscaping or permits.

Let’s dive into the numbers so you can make informed decisions for your next project!

Understanding “Cost per Square Metre” What’s Included (and What’s Not)

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the cost breakdown, let’s clarify what “cost per square metre” actually means. Simply put, it's the amount you pay to build a single square metre of a property. This number helps you estimate the overall cost of a project based on the size of the house, duplex, or apartment.

However, this figure often excludes land which can be a huge chunk of the total cost, especially in high-demand cities like Sydney. Other exclusions typically include site-specific works (e.g., excavation, foundation work), approvals, and finishes (e.g., premium flooring, custom cabinetry, high-end fixtures).

Cost per square metre is a helpful starting point for budgeting, but once you have your design and site details locked in, you’ll need a more detailed quote to understand the full cost.

2025 Build Cost Benchmarks in Australia National Snapshot

In 2025, the cost to build a new property in Australia can vary widely depending on the region, design, and quality of finishes. Here’s a quick national overview of cost per square metre for different types of properties:

Property Type	Low-End Build	Mid-Range Build	High-End Build
House	AUD $1,300/m²	AUD $2,200/m²	AUD $3,900/m²
Duplex	AUD $1,800/m²	AUD $2,500/m²	AUD $3,800/m²
Apartment	AUD $2,000/m²	AUD $2,800/m²	AUD $4,500/m²

Note: These are ballpark figures, and actual costs can vary based on location, design complexity, and builder choice.

Focus on Sydney (NSW) Why Location Matters

Sydney is one of Australia’s most expensive cities to build in, and your location within the city (inner, middle, or outer suburbs) will significantly affect your build costs. Labour costs are higher in metropolitan areas, and land prices in desirable locations can add tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars to your overall budget.

Here’s a snapshot of Sydney-specific costs for 2025:

Property Type	Low-End Build	Mid-Range Build	High-End Build
Single-Storey House	AUD $1,800/m²	AUD $2,500/m²	AUD $3,200/m²
Double-Storey House	AUD $2,000/m²	AUD $2,700/m²	AUD $3,500/m²
Duplex	AUD $2,200/m²	AUD $2,800/m²	AUD $3,800/m²
Apartment	AUD $2,400/m²	AUD $3,000/m²	AUD $4,200/m²

Why the variation?

• Land costs: Sydney land prices vary significantly based on location. Inner-city land can cost up to 3–4 times more than land in outer suburbs.

• Compliance and regulations: In Sydney, building codes and permits are more stringent, adding to the cost.

• Labour and materials: Sydney’s construction industry is in high demand, leading to higher labour rates.

Duplexes & Multi-Unit Builds What to Expect and Why Costs Differ

If you're considering building a duplex, you're looking at a slightly different cost structure. A duplex typically includes two separate living spaces in a single building, which can help reduce certain costs. However, the build itself is often more complex than a simple detached home.

What drives duplex costs?

• Shared walls: The shared structural elements can save some costs, but the design complexity increases.

• Separate services: Each unit needs its own plumbing, electrical, and heating systems, which can add to the cost.

• Approval complexities: Duplexes often require additional council approvals and can be subject to stricter zoning and planning laws.

Duplex Build Costs for Sydney (2025)

• Low-End: AUD $2,000/m²

• Mid-Range: AUD $2,700/m²

• High-End: AUD $3,500/m²

A typical 300 m² duplex in Sydney could cost anywhere between AUD $600,000 and $1,050,000 to build (excluding land and additional costs).

Apartments / Low-Rise Multi-Unit Builds Higher Complexity, Higher Costs

Building an apartment or low-rise multi-unit building tends to be more expensive due to the complexity of the structure and the need for additional compliance. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of shared spaces like hallways, lifts, and parking.

Apartment Build Costs for Sydney (2025)

• Low-End: AUD $2,400/m²

• Mid-Range: AUD $3,000/m²

• High-End: AUD $4,200/m²

For a 100 m² apartment in Sydney, the cost could range between AUD $240,000 and $420,000 for building alone (excluding land and site work).

Cost Drivers & Hidden Costs What to Budget for Beyond Base Build Cost

While the apartment construction cost per square metre gives you a good start, there are several other factors that can increase the overall price of your build. Here are some additional costs to consider:

• Land Cost: Especially in Sydney, land can be a significant part of your budget. Ensure you factor in your land costs based on the area you plan to build in.

• Site Works: Depending on the condition of your land, you might need to budget for site preparation, such as excavation, foundation work, or clearing.

• Design & Finishes: Custom designs, high-end finishes, and luxury materials can increase the cost per m².

• Permits & Approvals: Council fees, zoning approvals, and environmental assessments can add thousands of dollars to your project.

• Contingency: Always budget an extra 5–15% for unexpected costs such as delays or supply chain issues.

How to Use this Guide Practical Steps for Homebuilders & Investors in Sydney / NSW

Now that you have a better understanding of the costs, here’s how to use this guide effectively:

1. Estimate your budget: Multiply your planned floor area by the cost per m² range (low, mid, or high) to get an idea of the build cost.

2. Refine with custom quotes: Once you have your design, obtain detailed line-item quotes from builders for a more accurate estimation of house construction.

3. Consider total costs: Don’t forget to account for land costs, site works, and permits — these will add up.

4. Plan for contingencies: Set aside a contingency fund to cover unexpected costs, as construction projects often run into delays and price increases.

5. Consult experts: Use professional cost estimators or quantity surveyors to get a clearer picture of your project’s full cost.

Quick Reference Tables (for Readers to Use)

Property Type	Low-End Build	Mid-Range Build	High-End Build
House	AUD $1,300/m²	AUD $2,200/m²	AUD $3,900/m²
Duplex	AUD $1,800/m²	AUD $2,500/m²	AUD $3,800/m²
Apartment	AUD $2,000/m²	AUD $2,800/m²	AUD $4,500/m²

Conclusion & Call to Action

Building a property in Sydney can be a complex process, but understanding the costs is the first step towards a successful project. Use this guide as a reference to estimate your build costs, but remember that final prices will vary depending on your design, site, and finish quality.

If you're ready to take the next step, contact Sydney Estimator for a more detailed, personalised estimate. If you're building a house, duplex, or apartment, we can help you budget accurately and make informed decisions. Get started today!

FAQs

Q: What exactly is included in a "per square metre" build cost? 

A: The per square metre cost typically includes materials, labour, basic fixtures, and the structural build. It excludes land costs, site works, and high-end finishes.

Q: Does "per m²" include land cost? 

A: No, the land is an additional cost and will vary based on location. The per m² cost is only for the building.

Q: Why is there such a wide range in per‑m² costs (e.g. $1,300 vs $4,000)? 

A: The wide range is due to the quality of materials, design complexity, and site-specific conditions. A basic build will cost less, while a luxury build or complex design will push the cost up.

Q: Should I rely solely on a per‑m² estimate or get a detailed quote? 

A: Per‑m² estimates are useful for early budgeting, but once you have a design, always get a detailed, itemised quote from a builder.