Australian construction costs continue to go up

National construction costs are continuing to climb at record rates, CoreLogic reports.

The Cordell Construction Cost Index showed residential construction costs increased by 11 percent over the 12 months to September 2022 across the country, compared with a 10 percent rise recorded over the past 12 month to June this year.

The rising costs, especially for timber and metals, were impacting on structural stages of housing construction, such as framing and reinforcing, CoreLogic construction cost estimation manager, John Bennett said.

“This quarter has also shown a larger increase in the cost of wall linings, including plasterboard and fibre cement, which previously had been relatively stable,” he said. “It will cost you more to get into your house too, with the price of doors showing a sharp rise in the last quarter.”

Queensland was the worst affected state this quarter, recording a 5.8 percent increase, followed by Victoria at 5.6 percent and NSW at 4 percent. Western Australia saw the lowest quarterly increase at 3.3 percent.

Victoria has experienced the highest rise in construction costs over the past 12 months, recording a 12.3 percent increase to September this year.

CoreLogic research director Tim Lawless said there was no easy answer to the pressures of rising material costs and the COVID-related backlog of residential construction that is still apparent. Recent weather events, and the subsequent damage to homes that now required repairs, would only add to the squeeze on resources in the building industry, he said.

“There’s no quick solution for providing additional materials and fuel costs remain elevated. All of these factors have an impact and are likely to push building costs higher for some time yet,” Mr Lawless said.

“Persistently high construction costs are clearly adding to inflationary pressures as well, with the price of new dwellings one of the most significant contributors to the June quarter inflation reading.”

Former Aussie Rules player Jeff Chapman’s dream beach house, which has had its praises sung by The Independent in the UK, is back on the market with a revised – and more competitive – price guide.

The contemporary pavilion-style residence Alinghi, created by celebrated architect James Grose, was voted one of the top five beach houses in the world by the British newspaper and has been operating as a luxury holiday rental earning up to $7000 a week.

The one-time Melbourne forward and founder of Bennelong Funds Management, and his wife Carena Shankar, listed the five-bedroom getaway back in mid 2024 with hopes of about $8 million. The prestige property is now back with new agent Pauline Karatau of Ray White New Farm and the amended guide now sits at $6.5 million.

As part of the private 5ha Rocky Point estate, at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef overlooking Honeymoon Bay, the glamorous holiday home shares not only a private beach with just four other neighbours, but also a 30m saltwater pool, a full-size tennis court, a beach cabana with barbecue facilities and a full-time live-in caretaker on site.

Alinghi seemingly floats against the cliffs of North Queensland’s Capricorn Coast consisting of two pavilions and shallow reflections pools for ultimate serenity. Residence number 5 is home to a two-storey main pavilion with large living spaces spilling onto semi-enclosed areas framing enviable ocean views. Upstairs there are four bedrooms, including two with ensuites. The second pavilion is a private retreat housing the main bedroom suite with an additional study or wellness space.

Crafted by Grose to leave minimal impact on its natural environment, the house features external materials sourced locally including rich cedar, plus glass and Travertine stone specifically chosen to blend and weather with the landscape over time.

The low maintenance property is also relatively self sufficient thanks to water tanks collecting the region’s abundant rainfall. Despite it’s northern Queensland address air-conditioning is an after-thought due to the clever cross-ventilation design principles and deliberate orientation capturing ocean breezes that flow through the large footprint.

Alinghi’s external lightning has also been carefully designed to be low voltage with minimum impact upon the local wildlife including wallabies, echidnas, goannas, turtles and even a diverse range of native birds. From the private terraces throughout winter, homeowners can also track the migratory whales.

Alinghi is a 90-minute drive away from Agnes Waters and its sister town of 1770 (also known as Seventeen Seventy). It is approximately 120kms from Bundaberg, which is home to a well-serviced domestic airport.

Alinghi is listed for sale with a price guide of $6.5 million via Ray White New Farm agent Pauline Karatau on 0418 733 773.

Australian construction costs continue to go up – and up

Victoria has been worst hit by rising prices over the past year, with no end in sight