Top 10 Residential Builders in Australia (2025): Prices, Designs and Reviews

Residential

November 25, 2025

Finding the top residential builders in Australia 2025 just got easier. This guide ranks the Top 10 home builders with real prices, designs and reviews including price per square metre, 7-star energy options, knockdown rebuild capability and display homes to visit.

Coverage includes Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra and hubs like the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Newcastle, Geelong and Tasmania. Whether you want custom luxury or modern family value, use the quick table to shortlist the right builder fast.

Best Residential Builders Australia 2025 Comparison Table

Rank	Builder	Where they build	Design focus	Price per m² (from)	Energy focus	Reviews & proof points
1	BG Construction	Melbourne & VIC	Luxury custom, modern/minimalist, architect collaboration	$$$$ (custom)	7-star pathways on request	Boutique luxury projects; Melbourne specialist with strong craftsmanship focus.
2	Metricon	VIC, NSW, QLD, SA	Broad modern family plans, display homes	$$–$$$	7-star options, tiered specs	Australia’s #1 by site starts for 10 years; huge plan library and presence.
3	ABN Group (Dale Alcock, Boutique, etc.)	WA, VIC	Contemporary façades, two-storey & sloping-block	$$–$$$	Energy upgrades by climate	National top-tier by volume via WA/VIC brands; strong regional expertise.
4	Henley Homes	VIC, QLD (Plantation)	Modern designs, value engineering	$$–$$$	Public 7-star design collections	First mainstream ranges marketed as 7-star; strong energy comms.
5	Carlisle Homes	VIC	Premium modern spec, display polish	$$–$$$	7-star pathways	HIA Most Professional Major Builder 2023; high client-care signals.
6	McDonald Jones Homes	NSW	Contemporary family, KDR experts	$$–$$$	7-star options	Long, consistent HIA/MBA awards trail in NSW.
7	Clarendon Homes	NSW, QLD	On-trend modern plans & upgrades	$$–$$$	Energy upgrades	Strong third-party review footprint across large sample sizes.
8	Hickinbotham Group	SA	Value-forward modern family	$$	7-star options	SA’s largest home builder with fast-build messaging.
9	G.J. Gardner Homes	National (franchise)	Customisable modern via local owners	$$–$$$	Energy by franchise	Very high ProductReview ratings; vet your local franchise.
10	Coral Homes	QLD, NSW	Bright coastal modern, steel frame options	$$–$$$	Energy upgrade packs	Regular awards and strong buyer ratings.

How we ranked the top residential builders

Design & inclusions: modern/minimalist through to luxury; clarity of price per m², base vs upgrades.
Delivery & support: build times, structural warranty, after-care, and KDR capability.
Energy & comfort: clear 7-star pathways, glazing/insulation detail, solar/battery readiness.
Market signals: HIA Housing 100 context, display presence, awards, and unbiased review footprints.

The Top 10 designs, prices and reviews (profiles)

1. BG Construction (Melbourne & wider VIC)

Best for bespoke luxury, clean modern lines, high-detail interiors, and architect collaboration on knockdown rebuild or new sites.

Design strengths: contemporary façades, mixed cladding, indoor-outdoor living, premium joinery.

Typical pricing custom (quote-based) with fixed-price clarity once scope is locked.

Energy 7-star pathways available on request (orientation/glazing/spec).

Why ranked high boutique focus and craftsmanship for clients wanting luxury home builders in Melbourne.

2. Metricon (VIC, NSW, QLD, SA)

Best for families wanting lots of display homes, upgrade paths and predictable delivery in multiple states.

Pricing strong mid-market with premium tiers; wide façade choice.

Energy 7-star options; specification tiers by climate and budget.

Proof Australia’s largest builder by site starts for 10 consecutive years (HIA Housing 100 2024/25).

3. ABN Group (incl. Dale Alcock, Boutique)

Best for WA/VIC buyers chasing contemporary looks, two-storey/urban blocks and established trade networks.

Design on-trend façades, family and premium layouts, strong KDR capability.

Market context consistently 2nd nationally by starts (HIA 100).

4. Henley Homes (VIC, QLD)

Best for modern value with clearly communicated 7-star pathways.

Design MainVue/Henley ranges with light, space and thermal performance focus.

Proof public 7-star collections and education around energy compliance.

5. Carlisle Homes (VIC)

Best for polished display quality, inclusion transparency and client support.

Proof HIA Australian Most Professional Major Builder 2023; MBA recognition.

6. McDonald Jones Homes (NSW)

Best for knockdown rebuild and contemporary family plans across NSW.

Proof deep HIA/MBA awards history; strong display presence.

7. Clarendon Homes (NSW/QLD)

Best for on-trend modern façades with practical layouts and upgrade paths.

Reviews robust sample size with strong ratings on ProductReview.

8. Hickinbotham Group (SA)

Best for value-forward modern homes and quick, structured delivery in SA.

Proof SA’s largest detached builder; publicly promoting fast build frameworks.

9. G.J. Gardner Homes (National franchise)

Best for localised service with national backing; custom modern plans.

Reviews of very high ProductReview rating quality varies by franchise, so vet locally.

10. Coral Homes (QLD/NSW)

Best for coastal-modern designs, family value and steel-frame options.

Proof regular awards and buyer sentiment; broad plan range.

Prices and inclusions explained (2025)

Topic	What it covers	What moves the price	Quick tips
Price per m² (2025)	Base build cost benchmark for comparing top home builders	Façade complexity, glazing size/spec, site works (soil class, slope), BAL/wind rating, inclusions level	Always compare like for like: same façade, same spec, same allowances. Ask for a price per m² with site works noted.
Base vs upgrades	What’s in the standard inclusions vs premium selections	Kitchen (appliances, benchtops, cabinetry), flooring, electrical (downlights, data), façade accents (render, cladding), energy upgrades (insulation, glazing, solar)	Request a detailed inclusions list. Tag essentials vs nice-to-haves to control budget creep.
Hidden/variable costs	Items not obvious in the brochure or display home	Services run-ins (water, sewer, power), engineering/acoustic reports, planning/design controls, demolition for KDR, retaining, driveways/landscaping	Get a site-specific estimate early. Confirm demolition scope for knockdown rebuild, and list council/overlay requirements up front.

Design styles Australians search for in 2025

Most buyers start by style, so match the builder shortlist to the look and layout you want.

Modern family homes
Open-plan living, indoor–outdoor flow, four bedrooms plus study, alfresco. Popular with display homes shoppers.
Minimalist and contemporary
Clean lines, mixed cladding, large glazing, simple roof forms. Easy path to price per square metre comparisons.
Luxury custom homes
Bespoke joinery, high ceilings, premium glazing, pools or basements. Best with a custom home builder and detailed inclusions.
Duplex and dual occupancy
Yield and multi-gen living; check strata, parking and setbacks. Search duplex builders for your city.
Sloping block and split level
Engineered solutions, retaining, drainage. Ask for site-specific costs before deposit.

Save two or three facade options you like, then compare the same inclusions list across builders.

Home Builder Tips by City and Region

City / Region	Key focus	What to check	Shortlist tip
Sydney	Tight-lot knockdown rebuild	BAL and flood overlays; confirm price per m² with site works	Shortlist builders with proven KDR approvals in your LGA
Melbourne	Inner-suburb KDR; façade/heritage overlays	Demolition scope, easements, setback rules	Boutique luxury specialists like BG Construction for high-detail work
Brisbane	Warm-climate envelopes	Slab vs raised floors; ventilation; 7-star options	Ask for summer heat-gain modelling and shading notes
Perth	Coastal builds, hot-dry performance	Corrosion-resistant fixtures near beach zones	Compare glazing specs and roof insulation upgrades
Adelaide	Split-level and hillside engineering	Retaining, drainage, soil class and access	Prefer SA builders with strong local supply chains
Canberra	Winter comfort, summer shading	Upgrade glazing and insulation; airtightness strategy	Request a climate-zone specific 7-star schedule
Gold Coast / Sunshine Coast	Indoor–outdoor plans, salt-safe finishes	Wind ratings; aluminium or stainless hardware	Verify coastal warranties and maintenance requirements
Newcastle / Geelong / Tasmania	Regional pricing and logistics	Lead times, delivery costs, timber/passive options	Ask for a site-specific quote and local trade availability

Ready to compare builders for your city?

Shortlist two or three and request a like-for-like quote with inclusions and a 7-star schedule.

How to choose the right builder near you

Walk display homes (finish quality over styling).
Compare price per m² on identical façade/spec.
Demand a clear inclusions list and 7-star options sheet.
Get a site-works estimate early (soil, slope, services).
Review awards and independent ratings; inspect recent jobs.

FAQs about Residential Builders

How much does it cost per m² to build a house in Australia in 2025?

Expect a wide band from entry-level to luxury custom. Your price per square metre moves with façade complexity, glazing, site works (soil, slope), and your inclusions list. Always ask for a written per-m² figure that includes estimated site costs.

Which builders are best for knockdown rebuild in capital cities?

Look for teams that publish clear KDR processes, fixed-price demolition allowances, and council/overlay experience. Shortlist city specialists in Melbourne and Sydney for tight urban blocks, and Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide for climate-specific envelopes.

Do big volume builders or boutique builders have better build times?

Volume builders often quote faster slabs-to-keys due to scale and supply chains. Boutique builders may take longer but can deliver higher finish quality and more flexibility. Validate with recent local handovers and display home inspections.

Can I build a duplex or dual-occupancy with a volume builder?

Yes, but offerings vary by state and zoning. Many top home builders have duplex and dual-occupancy designs in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. Confirm setbacks, parking, strata requirements and service upgrades early.

What’s the best way to find the right builder near me?

Search “best home builders near me” with your suburb, shortlist three with strong display homes and recent reviews, compare price per m² and inclusions, walk a current site if possible, and request a detailed timeline from slab to keys.

Comparing builders? Get a side-by-side concept with real inclusions and per-m² pricing for your suburb.

BG Construction designs minimalist and luxury modern homes across Melbourne & Victoria with fixed-price clarity and 7-star pathways.

Contact BG Construction to start your plan today.

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