Home Building or Renovation? 5J Building Group Helps You Decide – Should You Build, Buy or Renovate in Australia in 2025? A Cost and Reality Check
Home Building or Renovation In 2025, Australia’s housing landscape continues to face big shifts. Construction costs have risen, labour and material shortages persist, and property prices remain high—leaving many Australians unsure about the best path forward.
Should you build your dream home, buy a fully renovated property, or renovate an existing one?
At 5J Building Group, we help everyday Australians make informed decisions. Whether you’re planning to build from scratch or improve what you already have, here’s what you need to know in 2025.
🔨 Building a New Home: Freedom Comes with a Price
💰 Average Build Costs:
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Land: $300,000 – $600,000+
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Base construction (200m²): $360,000 – $600,000
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Other costs (permits, site works, landscaping): $80,000 – $150,000
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Total (excluding land): $440,000 – $750,000+
⚠️ Key Challenges:
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Construction costs have increased 53% in 3 years
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Ongoing material shortages (timber, steel, fixtures)
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Labour scarcity causing longer build times
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Some builders are financially unstable, leading to project risks
💡 5J Building Group offers fixed-price contracts, efficient project timelines, and reliable partnerships to help reduce these risks.
🛠️ Renovating: Upgrade Without Moving
Renovating remains a popular option for homeowners wanting to improve value, style, or function—especially in desirable suburbs where buying or rebuilding is too expensive.
📊 Average Renovation Costs:
| Renovation Type | Cost Range (per m²) |
|---|---|
| Cosmetic Renovation | $800 – $2,500 |
| Structural Work | $2,000 – $4,500+ |
| Full Home Renovation | $150,000 – $400,000+ |
🏡 Common Renovation Costs (Standard Homes):
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Kitchen: $25,000 – $50,000+
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Bathroom: $15,000 – $35,000
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Full 3-Bed Home: $140,000 – $300,000+
🧱 Cost Drivers:
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Labour rates up 15–30% since 2022
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Material prices remain high
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Permits and council approvals may be required
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Location impacts both labour and material costs
🔧 At 5J Building Group, we provide end-to-end renovation solutions—from design and council approvals to project delivery—with transparent pricing and no hidden surprises.
🏡 Buying a Fully Renovated Home: Convenience at a Premium
💵 Cost Overview:
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Renovated homes: $850,000 – $1.4 million+
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Stamp duty & buying fees: 5–6% of purchase price
✅ Advantages:
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No construction delays
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No coordination with trades or council
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Move-in ready and stress-free
❌ Downsides:
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Higher purchase prices
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Fewer layout or design choices
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Highly competitive market with low stock
🧮 Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Build New Home | Renovate Existing Home | Buy Renovated Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | Medium to High | Medium to High | High |
| Customisation | Full | Partial | Limited |
| Stress & Complexity | High | Medium | Low |
| Completion Time | 9–18 months | 3–9 months | Immediate |
| Risk Level | High | Medium | Low |
🛠️ How 5J Building Group Supports Your Decision
Whether you’re:
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Building your first home
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Renovating your forever home
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Planning a smart investment
5J Building Group is here to guide you.
✅ Our Services Include:
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Custom new home construction
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Full and partial home renovations
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Extensions and structural upgrades
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Transparent budgeting and fixed quotes
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Council approvals and compliance support
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Experienced trades and trusted suppliers
📞 Ready to Talk?
2025 may be a challenging year in the property space—but with the right partner, it’s also full of opportunity.
Whether you’re planning to renovate, build, or upgrade your home’s energy efficiency, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Contact 5J Building today and take the first step toward creating a home that’s stylish, efficient, and built to last! You may reach 5J Building Group by calling (03) 9886 3731, or obtain an Instant Quote Online.
