15 Best Custom Home Builders in Melbourne for Quality & Value (2025 Guide)

Building a home in Melbourne means navigating rising construction costs, heritage overlays, smaller/narrow blocks, and the fixed-price vs cost-plus decision. To save you weeks of research, we’ve curated 15 of the best custom home builders in Melbourne, from boutique specialists to knockdown-rebuild (KDR) experts. This guide compares quality, value, timelines, inclusions, energy performance (7-Star+) and service areas so you can shortlist fast and request apples-to-apples quotes.

• Top value picks: Great inclusions for families, transparent quoting, dependable timelines.
• Premium/luxury: Design-led, architect collaboration, bespoke finishes.
• KDR specialists: Fixed-price pathways, heritage & narrow/sloping sites.
• Fast timelines: Streamlined pre-construction and volume-style efficiencies.
• Green/sustainable: 7-Star+ builds, all-electric, solar & battery-ready.

How We Chose the 15 (Methodology)

We looked at build quality, warranty support, contract transparency (fixed price vs cost-plus), customer communication, on-time delivery, design flexibility, energy efficiency and service areas. We also considered verified reviews, HIA/Master Builders Victoria awards, display home consistency, and spec sheets.

Map + Service Areas

Most custom builders cover Inner North, Inner East, Western Suburbs, Bayside and parts of the Mornington Peninsula. Overlay considerations (heritage, vegetation, coastal) and BAL ratings can affect façade choices, materials and cost.

The 15 Best Custom Home Builders in Melbourne (2025)

1. BG Construction

• Why they made the list: Balanced quality-to-price, collaborative design, and transparent quoting for custom builds and knockdown-rebuild projects.
• Typical price range: $$–$$$ (final price depends on site, façade and inclusions).
• Contract & inclusions: Fixed-price or cost-plus; turnkey options to reduce surprises.
• Design strengths: Narrow and heritage streetscapes, family-friendly layouts, modern façades.
• Energy & sustainability: 7-Star+ options, all-electric pathways (induction, heat-pump HW/HVAC).
• Service areas: Inner North/East, Bayside, Mornington Peninsula.
• Good fit if you want: A dependable partner to value-engineer a custom brief without compromising design.
• Watch-outs: Confirm site allowances (soil class, drainage) and façade upgrade costs upfront.

2. Englehart Homes

Why: Long-standing luxury specialist delivering architecturally designed, custom homes in blue-chip suburbs.

Price: $$$$ | Contract: Typically Cost-Plus for bespoke projects

Strengths: Bespoke detailing, high craftsmanship, heritage of awards/portfolio depth.

Best for: Design-driven clients seeking one-off luxury builds in Inner East/Bayside.

3. Latitude 37

Why: Award-winning bespoke design & build with strong Bayside/Mornington Peninsula presence.

Price: $$$$ | Contract: Typically Cost-Plus for bespoke projects

Strengths: High-spec interiors, tailored designs, showcase portfolio.

Best for: Premium custom homes with integrated design studio support. 

4. Mazzei  

Why: Integrated design–build model with Webster Architecture for cost clarity and design continuity.

Price: $$$$ | Contract: Typically Cost-Plus for bespoke projects

Strengths: Concierge-style service, architecture-led process, whole-of-home solutions (landscaping, pools).

Best for: Clients wanting an architecturally led custom home with aligned budget control. 

5. Thomas Archer

Why: Offers both truly bespoke (Landmark Custom) and curated designs (Expression Series).
Price: $$$ | Contract: Fixed-Price (series) / Cost-Plus (bespoke)
Strengths: Modern façades, architect involvement on custom, citywide experience included. KDR.
Best for: Clients wanting contemporary style with flexibility across custom and series. 

6. Carter Grange

Why: “Blank-sheet” custom design; 2,000+ builds; strong dual-occ capability and displays.

Price: $$–$$$ | Contract: Fixed-Price (custom documented scope)

Strengths: Original designs per site, family-friendly layouts, dual-occ know-how.

Best for: Custom single dwellings and dual-occ projects with value-smart inclusions. 

7. Glenvill Homes

Why: Heritage brand (since 1958) delivering bespoke homes and collections across Victoria.

Price: $$$$ | Contract: Fixed-Price or Cost-Plus (project-dependent)

Strengths: Bespoke division, design resources, long track record.

Best for: Premium custom builds seeking a well-resourced, established builder.

8. Grollo Homes

Why: 50+ years crafting luxury custom homes with strong Melbourne roots.

Price: $$$$ | Contract: Typically Cost-Plus for bespoke projects

Strengths: One-off architectural builds, craftsmanship focus.

Best for: High-end custom homes requiring tailored detailing and finishes. 

9. Comdain Homes

Why: Melbourne family builder known for luxury custom homes and KDR in established suburbs.

Price: $$$ | Contract: Fixed-Price or Cost-Plus (project-dependent)

Strengths: Overlay/heritage navigation, custom detailing.

Best for: Knockdown-rebuilds and bespoke homes in the inner north/east. 

10. Sinjen

Why: Architect-specified builds; specialises in unique, design-intensive projects.

Price: $$$$ | Contract: Typically Cost-Plus for bespoke architectural work

Strengths: Complex details, innovative construction, sustainability focus.

Best for: Architect-led custom homes and high-complexity renovations/extensions.

11. Carlisle Homes

Why: Dedicated Knockdown Rebuild program with inner-metro experience and fixed-price pathways.

Price: $$–$$$ | Contract: Fixed-Price

Strengths: Clear inclusions, KDR specialists, and timeframe guarantees referenced in materials.

Best for: Families wanting predictable KDR delivery with curated designs.

12. Boutique Homes

Why: KDR specialist consultants; flexible designs with personalisation and selections support.

Price: $$–$$$ | Contract: Fixed-Price

Strengths: Strong displays, clear step-by-step KDR guidance.

Best for: Owner-occupiers wanting stylish, semi-custom KDR outcomes.

13. Simonds Homes 

Why: Statewide KDR solutions with display network and time-frame messaging.

Price: $$–$$$ | Contract: Fixed-Price

Strengths: Wide plan range, KDR pages/tools, staged guidance.

Best for: Budget-to-mid KDR clients prioritising value and availability. 

14. G.J. Gardner  

Why: Local owner-operator offices with customisable designs; metro coverage.

Price: $$–$$$ | Contract: Typically Fixed-Price (franchise)

Strengths: Local display homes, plan customisation, franchise support.

Best for: Clients wanting a local team with customisable project-home pathways. (Note: Some non-VIC franchises have had issues; evaluate each local office on its merits.) 

15. Pascon

Why: Melbourne custom builder delivering architect-led homes and KDR with strong site management and finish quality.

Price: $$–$$$ | Contract: Fixed-Price

Strengths: Contemporary façades, premium detailing, Bayside/SE focus.

Best for: Mid–upper custom/KDR across Bayside & South-East.

Quick Comparison Table Best Custom Home Builders in Melbourne (2025)

Custom vs Project vs Boutique (Which Path Is Right for You?)

• Custom: Maximum design freedom; best for unique blocks (narrow, corner, sloping) and tailored spaces. Costs vary; cost-plus or fixed-price after documentation.
• Project/volume: Faster and cheaper with display homes and curated inclusions; less flexibility.
• Boutique: Middle ground curated plans, tight supervision, higher finish consistency.

Suburb-by-Suburb Pointers

• Inner North (Fitzroy, Brunswick): Terraces, heritage façades, tight sites.
• Inner East (Hawthorn, Kew): Premium finishes, overlay compliance.
• North (Preston, Reservoir): Dual-occupancy potential.
• West (Werribee, Tarneit): Estates, fast-track builds.
• Bayside (Brighton, Sandringham): Coastal finishes, corrosion-resistant fixtures.
• Mornington Peninsula: BAL ratings, wind exposure, coastal materials.

What to Ask Before You Sign (Buyer’s Checklist)

1. Contract type: Fixed-price vs cost-plus; escalation clauses.
2. Specs: Inclusions schedule, brand SKUs, window schedule, and insulation R-values.
3. Site specifics: BAL rating, slab class, drainage, retaining walls.
4. Aftercare: Warranty, defects liability period, and communication cadence.

Red Flags & Common Mistakes

• Unrealistic promo pricing or vague PC/PS allowances.
• Under-allowance on site costs & electricals.
• Design creep without budget updates.

How to Get Comparable Quotes

Provide the same brief to each builder:

• Final floor plan & façade (or a concept sketch), finishes schedule, electrical plan.
• PC/PS caps for tiles/tapware/joinery, and a preferred appliance pack.
• Ask for: itemised site costs, energy rating assumptions, brand/model lists.

Choosing Your Melbourne Builder

The best custom home builder in Melbourne is the one that fits your block, budget, and build style whether that’s a fully custom one-off, a project/volume KDR with fixed pricing, or a boutique semi-custom with tighter supervision. Aim for 7-Star+, confirm inclusions and PC/PS allowances, and compare like-for-like quotes. Ready to shortlist? Start with BG Construction consult to sanity-check site costs, timelines, and spec. Then request three comparable quotes and choose with confidence.