Construction costs ease across Australia as key materials prices stabilise
Following hefty increases in recent years, there’s some relief in sight for home builders – and their clients
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Construction cost increases have fallen to their lowest point since the start of the pandemic according to the latest data from CoreLogic.
The property data provider’s Cordell Construction Cost Index (CCCI) shows a growth rate of 0.7 percent over the June quarter, which is the lowest figure recorded since September 2020.
The CCCI tracks the cost of building a typical three-bedroom, two-bathroom new home in Australia.
While there was variation and volatility across building product types, CoreLogic Construction Cost Estimation Manager John Bennett said steel and timber prices had begun to stabilise. It’s a trend he said was likely to continue.
“There’s been a significant drop off in dwelling approvals in the year to April, which will flow through to prices,” Mr Bennett said. “As the level of residential construction work reduces, pressure on material costs and labour supply is likely to reduce further.”
The price of timber has escalated sharply in recent years as local stocks dried up following the 2019 bushfires and demand for materials increased following the Federal Government’s HomeBuilder initiative. It’s a similar story with steel, which has been impacted by the war in Ukraine, the strength of the Australian dollar and supply chain issues.
However, there appears to be some relief on the horizon with the latest national figures well below the 1.2 percent decade average, CoreLogic data shows, representing a further softening from the 0.9 percent growth rate during the first quarter of this year.
CoreLogic head of research, Eliza Owen, said the figures bode well for a further reduction in the rate of inflation.
“The cost of new owner occupier dwelling purchases comprises the largest weighting in the CPI ‘basket’, which means the ongoing reduction in the CCCI is good news, potentially signalling lower inflation numbers,” she said.
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Mount French Lodge offers a rare mix of privacy, scale and hospitality potential as demand grows for prestige estates beyond beachside hotspots.
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Mount French Lodge, one of the most remarkable private estates in Queensland’s Scenic Rim, has been brought to market, offering a glimpse into the growing appetite for high-end lifestyle properties beyond the state’s traditional beachside enclaves.
Located in the tiny locality of Charlwood, around 100km inland from Brisbane and home to just 146 residents at the 2021 Census, the estate stands in stark contrast to its quiet surroundings. Set across nearly 100 acres and positioned some 600 feet above sea level, the property occupies a commanding vantage point beneath the escarpments of Mount French.
It’s this combination of elevation, scale and seclusion that defines the estate, not just as a private residence, but as an experience-led destination. Mount French Lodge has been recognised in both the 2024 and 2025 Best of Queensland Experiences, reflecting a broader shift towards luxury rural retreats that blur the line between home, hospitality and investment.
Last sold for $3.65 million in 2021 to Brisbane-based entrepreneur Tim Woodhouse, the estate has since evolved into a multifaceted holding. At its core is a central lodge, complemented by guest accommodation, entertaining spaces and resort-style amenities spread across two distinct plateaus.
In total, the property comprises 12 bedrooms configured across eight self-contained apartments within multiple lodges. At its heart is the Great Room, a central gathering space anchored by a large living area and fireplace. Nearby, a fully equipped outdoor pavilion with barbecue facilities sits alongside the estate’s swimming pool.
The property is being marketed as a private compound, ranch, corporate retreat and a wedding venue, highlighting its potential as a lifestyle asset with income-generating capability. This kind of flexibility is increasingly resonating with buyers, particularly as demand grows for properties that can serve as multigenerational homes, wellness retreats or boutique accommodation offerings.
Despite its sense of isolation, Mount French Lodge remains within relatively easy reach of Brisbane, around an hour by road or just minutes by helicopter. That balance of accessibility and privacy underscores the broader appeal of the Scenic Rim, which continues to emerge as a quiet achiever in Queensland’s prestige property market.
The listing is being handled by Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty agents Sandy Davies and Nicholas Miranda, and is expected to attract interest from both domestic and international buyers.
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