Home Demolition Costs in Melbourne: Full Breakdown
Are you thinking about residential demolition in Melbourne? That means knocking down an old house so you can start fresh. So today we are going to discuss how expensive it could be. And we will explain it all to you in simple terms, so you can follow it. You will be relaxed and prepared by the end, and in case you need to get some help, we have an ideal next stop right below.
What Affects the Cost of Knocking Down a House
Many things can change the cost. We can divide them into pieces that an ordinary mind can digest:
1. How Big and Tall the House Is
- A small cottage costs less to knock down than a big, two-story home.
- Most ordinary Melbourne homes (a three-bedroom house) cost about $17,000 on average, maybe up to $40,000 if extra work is needed.
2. What the House Is Made Of
- A wooden house costs less than one made of concrete or brick.
- Heavy materials need more time, more machines, and more money.
3. Is There Anything Dangerous—Like Asbestos?
- Asbestos is a bad material used in old houses.
- Specialists must remove it before knocking the house down.
- That extra step can cost $3,000 to $10,000, or from $30 to $150 per square metre.
Explore more about our asbestos removal services.
4. How Easy Is It to Get the Machines In
- If the house is on a narrow lane or behind trees, machines can’t get close.
- That makes the job harder and more expensive.
5. Permits and Paperwork
- You need permission from the local council.
- You may also require safety checks, builders’ reports or water, gas and electricity disconnection.
- These costs tend to range between $500 and $3,000.
6. Picking Up and Throwing Away the Trash
- Once it has been knocked down, all you have is a ton of trash such as timber, metal, and cement.
- Its removal ranges between $2,000 and $5,000.
7. Getting the Land Ready
- Once the house is gone, the ground may need to be flattened or cleaned so you can build.
- This could cost another $2,000 to $5,000.
Typical Cost Spread
Here is a chart to help you see what each part might cost:
| What You Pay | Expected Cost Range |
| Knocking the house down | $12,000 – $30,000 |
| Asbestos removal | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Council, permits, and inspections | $500 – $3,000 |
| Debris removal and recycling | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Site cleanup and levelling | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Total average range | $17,000 – $45,000 |
These numbers come from many Australian sources, including Victorian specialists.
Why You Might Have BIGGER Bills
Sometimes people pay more than expected. Here are common surprises:
- Hidden asperities—like asbestos found late.
- Hard-to-reach location, needing extra gear.
- Dust and Noise Problems, which could lead to neighbour complaints.
- Delays in getting permits delay your build start.
- Extra site needs, such as removing a pool or a big shed.
How to Keep Surprises Away
Here’s what people do to feel safe:
- Get at least three quotes: When you compare, you see who gives a full price.
- Asbestos survey early: Do this before signing anything.
- Bundle the work: Try to use one company for demo, clean-up, site site-level.
- Talk to the council early: Ask for a list of needed permits and how long it takes.
- Ask about dust control: Water sprays or covers help keep dust down.
- Ask for a written quote: Make sure everything is listed so nothing is “hidden.”
Is a Partial Demo Possible?
Yes! You might just want to take out part of the house, like a lean-to or an old shed:
- It often costs much less than fully tearing it down.
- But it still needs permits and clean-up.
- Just ask your contractor, “Do you do small jobs?”.
A Real Example from Melbourne
One Reddit user said they paid $32,000 to completely remove their house, plus rubbish and fill by VWD Group. They were happy with how well it was done.
Why You Should Care
- Budget control: This helps you know how much bank money or a loan to get.
- Less stress: When you know the steps, things feel easier.
- Better timeline: No surprise days—and your builders don’t wait.
- Good neighbours: Controlling dust and noise keeps the peace.
Tips Checklist (Before You Start!)
- Get 3+ quotes, with full costs.
- Survey for asbestos and report early.
- Ask if permits come included or are extra.
- Know who handles rubbish and how much it costs.
- Ask if they will flatten or level the land.
- Ensure dust/noise control is in place.
- Get the plan in writing—no verbal quotes!
Conclusion
Now you know how many things add up to knock down your home in Melbourne. It may be between $17,000 to 45,000, depending on your location. But when you make good decisions and plans, you can be happy and secure with your project.
Thinking of starting? For residential demolition Melbourne, ask for a full, easy-to-understand quote that covers everything—no surprises. We’re ready to help you. Let’s clean that slate and build your dream!
Contact us today and have a fair, transparent costing that does not include a surprise bill. Your next step is easy: contact now!