How much will it cost?

Written By Nathan Roussos

When you first start dreaming of a custom home, it’s natural to ask: “How much will it cost?” But if you’ve tried searching online, you’ve probably found the answers range wildly—from $2,000 to $6,000+ per square metre. So what’s the real story?

At FANDR, we specialise in high-quality, custom residential builds—and we believe in giving people clear, honest information. In this blog, we’ll break down what actually drives the cost of building a custom home in NSW, and why “price per square metre” isn’t always the best measure.

There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Price

Every custom home is different, which means the cost is, too. It depends on your site, design, materials, level of finish, and countless other details. There’s no fixed price—but there are patterns.

As a very rough guide, you can expect:

  • Project homes (volume builders, minimal customisation): from around $2,000–$2,500/m²

  • Custom homes (like those FANDR builds): typically from $3,500–$5,500+/m²

But the square metre rate is just a starting point. What really matters is the total cost to deliver the home you want—without surprises or compromises.

What Drives the Cost of a Custom Home?

Here are the key factors that influence how much your home will cost to build:

🏡 Site Conditions

  • Sloping land, poor soil, or tricky access can significantly impact costs.

  • Retaining walls, excavation, and slab design all add up.

✍️ Design Complexity

  • Simpler forms (like a rectangle) are more cost-efficient.

  • Architectural details, multiple rooflines, custom joinery or glazing push costs higher.

🎨 Finishes & Fixtures

  • Stone benchtops, hardwood floors, premium appliances—these all lift the price, but also the result.

  • We work with you to match your style with your budget.

📐 Size Isn’t Everything

  • It’s not just how big the house is, but how it’s laid out.

  • Bathrooms, kitchens, and living areas cost more than simple bedrooms or corridors.

📄 Approvals & Compliance

  • BASIX, energy efficiency, bushfire ratings, and DA costs all play a part.

  • Don’t forget design, engineering, and consultant fees.

Why “Cost Per Square Metre” Can Be Misleading

It’s tempting to multiply the house size by a square metre rate, but that can give you a false sense of security. Here’s why:

  • Wet areas (like bathrooms) cost more per m² than open-plan spaces.

  • High ceilings, large windows, and special features inflate the cost without increasing area.

  • Two 300m² homes can cost $500,000 apart based on their spec and design choices.

Instead, focus on setting a realistic budget and designing to that number—not the other way around.

What You Can Expect from FANDR

At FANDR Constructions, we’re not just builders—we’re project partners. We help clients shape their home design around what they actually want to spend. We believe in:

  • Transparency: No false promises, no smoke and mirrors.

  • Quality: We build to last, using materials and techniques we stand by.

  • Collaboration: We work closely with your designer—or bring one in—to ensure the home you fall in love with can actually be built.

For most of our clients, custom homes land somewhere between $3,500–$5,500/m², depending on the level of finish, design complexity, and site conditions. We’ll guide you through that from day one.

Ready to Talk Real Numbers?

If you’re thinking about building a custom home in 2025, now’s the time to get clarity on budget. Avoid costly surprises by starting the conversation early.

Let’s sit down, look at your vision, and give you the facts.

Nathan Roussos
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