What does it really cost to build a custom home on the South Coast in 2026?

Thinking about building your dream home on the South Coast? Before you start choosing tiles and finishes, it’s important to understand what will actually influence your building budget.

There’s no single price per square metre that accurately tells you what your custom home will cost. Your block, design, site conditions, materials and level of finishes can all have a significant impact.

At Best Coast Constructions, we believe the best builds start with understanding these factors early.

What affects the cost of building a home?

• Your block
  
• Your site can have a huge impact on construction costs.
  
• Slope, soil, access, excavation, retaining, drainage, bushfire requirements and services can all add to your project budget.
  
• The cheapest block isn’t always the cheapest block to build on.
  
• Your design
  
• A simple home and a highly detailed architectural home will have very different construction requirements.
  
• The size and complexity of your home, roof design, structural elements, glazing and bespoke details all influence the cost.
  
• Good design isn’t necessarily about spending more. It’s about making thoughtful decisions that work with your site, lifestyle and budget.
  
• Your finishes
  
• Your choices around windows, joinery, flooring, stone, appliances, bathrooms and lighting can significantly change the final cost.
• Site and hidden costs

Don’t forget about costs outside the house itself, including:

• Excavation and rock
• Engineering and consultants
• Approvals
• Bushfire requirements
• Stormwater
• Service connections
• Driveways and landscaping
• External works
• Contingency

Allowing around 10–15% contingency is a useful starting point, although every project is different.

What about energy efficiency?

A new home is an opportunity to think about performance from the beginning.

Orientation, insulation, high-performance glazing, shading, airtightness and ventilation can all contribute to a more comfortable and energy-efficient home.

As a Passive House certified builder, Best Coast Constructions brings this performance-led approach to our projects — whether you’re building a certified Passive House or simply want a more comfortable, efficient home.

So, how much will your South Coast home cost?

The honest answer is: it depends on your site, design and specification.

Rather than relying on a generic square-metre rate, we recommend understanding your block, establishing your priorities and setting a realistic overall project budget before you begin.

If you’re considering building in Gerringong, Kiama, Berry, Gerroa, Jamberoo, the Illawarra, Shoalhaven or Southern Highlands, getting the right advice early can help you make better decisions throughout the project.

Planning your dream home?

We’ve created a free 7-Step Checklist for Building Your New Home to help you understand the key stages. From finding your block and setting your budget through to design, construction and handover. This can be found on our website.

And if you’re ready to talk about your project get in touch on our contact page. We’d love to hear what you’re planning.

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