House Demolition Costs Australia 2026

Small Structure Demolition (Garage/Shed): $3,000-$8,000 AUD (1-3 days) - Garages, sheds, small outbuildings up to 50m². Includes removal, waste disposal, and site clearing.

Single Storey House Demolition: $12,000-$25,000 AUD (3-7 days) - Full single level home demolition 100-200m². Includes asbestos testing, permits, utilities disconnection, complete demolition, and waste removal.

Double Storey House Demolition: $20,000-$40,000 AUD (1-2 weeks) - Two-story residential demolition 200-300m². Includes all permits, asbestos management, full structural demolition, and site clearing.

Partial House Demolition: $8,000-$25,000 AUD - Removing extensions, second storey, or specific sections. Requires structural engineering and precision work.

Internal Strip-Out: $3,000-$12,000 AUD (3-7 days) - Interior demolition only, shell remains intact. Ideal for complete renovations.

Commercial Building Demolition: $40,000-$150,000+ AUD (2-4 weeks) - Commercial structures and complexes 300m²+. Complex permits and safety requirements.

Factors That Affect Demolition Cost

Asbestos Presence: Adds $2,000-$8,000 for small amounts, $8,000-$30,000+ for extensive asbestos (mandatory testing for pre-1990 buildings)

Building Material: Timber homes are cheaper to demolish than brick/concrete structures (30-40% cost difference)

Site Access: Poor access increases costs 20-50%. Narrow driveways, overhead powerlines, or steep slopes require specialized equipment

Location: Major cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane) cost 10-20% more than regional areas

Salvage Value: Salvaging materials can reduce costs by $1,000-$5,000+ (timber floors, bricks, fixtures)

Underground Services: Complex utilities or septic systems add $2,000-$8,000

Legal Requirements & Compliance

All house demolition work in Australia requires licensed contractors with proper insurance and safety certifications

Asbestos testing is mandatory for all buildings constructed before 1990 per WorkSafe Australia regulations

Council demolition permits required for most demolitions (2-6 weeks processing time). Penalties up to $50,000 for unauthorized demolition

Utility disconnections must be completed before demolition begins (electricity, gas, water, sewerage) - contractors typically coordinate

Neighbor notification required in most councils (properties within 40m typically must be informed)

Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) regulations for waste disposal must be followed

How to Get House Demolition Quotes

Step 1: Fill out 2-minute online form describing your house demolition needs (property type, size, asbestos concerns, timeline)

Step 2: Receive up to 3 detailed quotes from licensed demolition contractors within 24 hours

Step 3: Compare quotes, contractor expertise, timelines, and inclusions to save up to 30%

Step 4: Choose contractor who will handle all permits, asbestos testing, and demolition work

House Demolition Timeline Australia

Pre-Demolition Phase (1-4 weeks): Council permit application and approval, asbestos testing ($300-$800), utility disconnection bookings

Week 1 Preparation: Utility disconnections (electricity $200-$400, gas $300-$600, water $150-$300), site setup and safety measures

Week 2 Asbestos Management (if required): Licensed asbestos removal by certified contractor, WorkSafe notifications, clearance certificates

Week 3 Active Demolition: Structural demolition by excavator and equipment (single storey 3-7 days, double storey 7-14 days)

Week 4 Completion: Waste removal to EPA-licensed facilities, site clearing and leveling, final council inspection

Types of House Demolition Compared

Full House Demolition: Complete structure removal. Best for knockdown rebuilds, extensive asbestos, major structural issues. Cost: $12K-$40K. Most popular option.

Partial Demolition: Remove extensions or sections only. Best for removing poor additions, downsizing, heritage facade retention. Cost: $8K-$25K. Requires structural engineering.

Internal Strip-Out: Remove interior only, shell remains. Best for complete renovations, commercial fit-outs, change of use. Cost: $3K-$12K. Fastest option (3-7 days).

Garage/Shed Demolition: Small outbuilding removal. Best for landscaping, new construction, removing unsafe structures. Cost: $2K-$8K. Simplest permits (1-3 days).

Should I Demolish or Renovate My House?

Choose Demolition When: Extensive asbestos throughout, major structural issues (foundations, termite damage), renovation costs exceed 60% of rebuild, poor layout unsuitable for modern living, property older than 60 years with multiple issues, land value significantly exceeds building value

Choose Renovation When: Structurally sound building, minor cosmetic updates needed, heritage value to preserve, good layout and floor plan, renovation costs under 50% of rebuild value, emotional attachment to property

Cost Comparison: Full demolition + rebuild $250K-$500K total. Major renovation $150K-$350K. Factor in ongoing maintenance costs of older homes.