This guide is general, educational information to help you understand typical costs and choices. Prices are approximate, based on examples seen in south-east Queensland in 2024–2026, and will vary with location, size, materials, supplier and time. It is not financial, legal, building or professional advice, and not a quote. Always get written quotes from licensed trades and check your own contracts before making decisions.
Single-storey house, standard finishes
Driveway and paths
On a build of about $440,000
Construction loans do not usually cover these
Typical costs, item by item
| Item | What it covers | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Driveway and paths | Exposed aggregate driveway, side paths and an alfresco or porch slab | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Landscaping | Turf, garden beds, edging and planting, front and back | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Side and rear fencing | About 40 m of timber paling fence, lapped and capped | $5,000 – $8,000 |
| Share of a boundary fence | Contribution when a neighbour has already built a shared fence | $750 – $2,000 |
| Side gate | Aluminium slat gate with a return panel | $1,300 – $2,500 |
| Alfresco and porch tiling | Outdoor tiles, grout and labour | $4,000 – $5,500 |
| Garage floor | Flake epoxy on a double garage (about 36 m²); allow extra if a damp-proof membrane is needed | $2,700 – $3,200 |
| Blinds | Roller blinds throughout | $2,200 – $4,500 |
| Letterbox and clothesline | Supply and install | $500 – $1,000 |
| Total | $45,000 – $60,000 |
For a single-storey house of about 250 m² on a 350–450 m² lot. Ranges are based on paid invoices for recent houses in south-east Queensland estates, rounded and including GST.
Driveway and paths
Usually the biggest single cost. Exposed aggregate costs more than plain concrete but is the most common finish in new estates. Concrete normally goes first, because the landscaper and fencer work to its levels.
Landscaping, fencing and gates
Landscapers often quote fencing, the clothesline and letterbox installation together. Where a neighbour has already built a shared boundary fence, you may be asked to pay half. Many estates have design rules for front fences, driveways and front gardens, so check them before getting quotes.
Garage floor, outdoor tiles and blinds
Epoxy quotes can rise if the slab needs a damp-proof membrane, so ask about it up front. Blinds can be measured before handover and paid with a deposit, so they are fitted in the first weeks.
Often not in the contract
| Ducted air conditioning, if not in the contract | $8,000 – $9,000 |
| Fly and security screens | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Ceiling fans and towel rails | $300 – $600 each installed |
| Final clean before moving in or letting | about $450 |
Check the inclusions list in your building contract; some builders include these as standard or as upgrades.
Costs when the land settles
| Stamp duty on the land | Nil for eligible first home buyers in QLD; otherwise about $10,000 on a $340,000 lot and $19,500 on a $589,000 lot |
| Titles Office registration | about $1,200 |
| Conveyancing | $1,000 – $1,500 |
| Electronic settlement fee | about $140 |
Queensland transfer duty from the Queensland Revenue Office rate table. See the 2026 rules for first home concessions.
Ongoing costs from settlement
| Council rates (new house in a Logan estate) | about $4,300 – $4,600 a year |
| Home or landlord insurance | about $1,500 – $2,500 a year |
| Pest barrier and inspection | about $250 – $500 a year |
What helps
- Budget about 10–12% of the build price for external works, in cash
- Get concrete, landscaping and fencing quotes before handover, so trades can start in the first weeks
- Ask the builder for the handover date early; many of these trades book weeks ahead
- Check estate design rules for driveways, fences and front gardens
- Keep every invoice: for an investment property they add to the cost base for capital gains tax
Typical ranges for south-east Queensland, 2025–26, including GST. Actual prices vary with lot size, finishes and trade availability. General information for planning only, not financial advice. Related: Property Construction Analysis: Greenbank QLD 4124.
Everything on this page is for educational and informational purposes only. Costs, prices, interest rates, rules and government schemes change over time, and the figures shown are approximate examples that may already be out of date. Nothing here is financial, tax, legal, building or professional advice, a recommendation or a quote. Do your own research, get written quotes and seek advice from qualified professionals before making any decision.