BUILD 2025: The lowdown on knockdown rebuilds

The lowdown on knockdown rebuilds

Dreaming of a brand-new home, but love your existing location? A knockdown rebuild might be the perfect answer.

WHAT’S INVOLVED IN A KNOCKDOWN REBUILD?

A knockdown rebuild is exactly what it sounds like: demolishing your existing home and building a new one in its place. It’s a great option if you want to capitalise on an established neighbourhood and avoid some of the costs and complexities associated with land acquisition.

Advantages of a knockdown rebuild

• You get to stay in a location you love, close to family, friends, schools, and amenities.

• Compared to buying a similar-sized new home in the same area, a knockdown rebuild can be more cost-effective.

• You get a brand new, modern home designed for your needs and can incorporate the latest energy-efficient technologies and sustainable building materials.

A KNOCKDOWN REBUILD IS A GREAT OPTION FOR STAYING IN AN AREA YOU LOVE, BUT THERE ARE SOME KEY THINGS TO CONSIDER.

Important things to consider

• Demolition costs can be substantial, and vary depending on the size and structure of your existing home.

• Unexpected issues can arise during demolition and construction (for example, asbestos), adding to the expense and timeline.

• Development conditions may be in place for certain residential areas that relate to the size of home you can build, design elements and setback requirements.

• Heritage requirements may exist for older existing suburbs. You can check for heritage considerations on the ACT Heritage Register.

• Location of utilities will affect your build. Make sure your design takes into account where plumbing and sanitary pipes are located on your block. With the ACT Gas Transition now in effect, you should also make allowances around your gas connection; once disconnected (even if for renovation works), you will be unable to reconnect it.

You also have an obligation to make sure that utility providers are able to properly access the infrastructure and mains.

TIP: Icon Water and Evoenergy will be able to check the location of your utilities.