A knockdown rebuild is the process of demolishing an existing house and building a brand-new home on the same block of land. It's often called a "knock down rebuild" or "KDR." Because you already own the land, you get a custom-designed home without the cost of buying a new block or paying stamp duty again. It's the middle ground between renovating and moving: you keep your suburb, your street, and your land but get a home built for how you live today.
Choosing Your Path
Not sure which path suits your home? Here's how the three options actually compare, and when a knockdown rebuild tends to be the smarter call.
Knockdown Rebuild · Melbourne's East
Option One
Full control over layout, no stamp duty since you already own the land, and a clean slate for homes with structural, damp, or asbestos issues. Most projects take 12–18 months. See our custom home builds.
Option Two
Faster and less disruptive if the existing structure has good bones. You're working within the current layout, so design freedom is more limited. Most projects take 4–9 months. See our home renovations.
Same Land, Built For How You Live Now
Step One
Before anything is designed, we assess your block soil, slope, access, and overlays so you know what's realistic before you commit to a budget.
Design
Most of our knockdown rebuilds are architect-led. We work directly with your design team or connect you with one of ours if you're starting from scratch. See our custom home builds.
Approvals
We handle the planning permit, building permit, and demolition permit process for you, including anything triggered by heritage overlays or your local council.
Demolition
Demolition is carried out by licensed contractors, with asbestos removal managed to EPA Victoria guidelines wherever it's present in the existing home.
Construction
One team manages the entire build, with consistent site oversight so nothing falls through the gaps between trades.
Finishes
Every rebuild is finished in our signature modern rustic style natural materials, considered textures, and a standard of detail we're known for.
Communication
From your first consultation to final handover, you'll have one point of contact and realistic expectations at every stage no surprises.
Best for knockdown rebuilds, architect-led custom homes, and homeowners who love their block but not their floor plan.
A knockdown rebuild is a big undertaking you're managing demolition, approvals, and construction all at once. We keep it simple with one team and one point of contact throughout.
A premium finish standard on every rebuild, from the joinery to the final coat. We sweat the details other builders skip.
Realistic expectations from the first consultation no surprises on scope, budget, or timeline as the project moves forward.
Natural materials and considered finishes, paired with practical layouts built for how your household actually lives.
Consistent oversight from demolition through to handover, so trades stay coordinated and the program stays on track.
We work directly with your architect or designer to build exactly what's been drawn no shortcuts, no cut-down versions.
See examples of our finished work in our project gallery, or read more about Craft Built Homes and why homeowners choose us.
Tell us about your block and what you're hoping to build, and we'll help you map out the next steps from design through to handover.
Most Melbourne knockdown rebuilds take 12–18 months from initial design through to handover, including permits, demolition, and construction. Demolition itself is usually completed within a few weeks.
Yes. Because the entire home is demolished, you'll need alternative accommodation for the duration of the project — typically 12–18 months.
If your home was built before the mid-1980s, it may contain asbestos, which must be removed by a licensed contractor before demolition. We manage this as part of the process. Guidelines are set by EPA Victoria.
Yes. Most of our knockdown rebuild projects are architect-led. We work directly with your design team to build exactly what's been drawn or we can connect you with a designer if you don't have one yet.
We service Melbourne's eastern and inner-eastern suburbs, including Balwyn, Kew, Hawthorn, Camberwell, Boroondara, Doncaster, and Ivanhoe. See all locations.
