Knockdown Rebuild Melbourne
Your neighbourhood, school zone and familiar street do not have to change. A knockdown rebuild with SJD Homes replaces the home that no longer works with a new home designed for the way your family lives now, on the block you already own.
Legacy by SJD Homes – Knockdown Rebuild Melbourne
Build Bold. Build Better. Build Legacy.
Legacy is SJD Homes’ dedicated knockdown rebuild service for Melbourne and Victoria. We guide homeowners from early site assessment through design, approvals, demolition, construction and handover, with a new home tailored to their block, lifestyle and priorities.
Knockdown Rebuild Specialists in Melbourne
When an older home no longer works for your family, a knockdown rebuild gives you a fresh start: a modern home designed around your lifestyle, on the block you already own.
SJD Homes supports projects across Melbourne, South East Melbourne, Melbourne’s North, Melbourne’s West, Geelong and selected Victorian locations. From site investigation and approvals to demolition, construction and handover, we coordinate the process so you know what comes next.
Rebuild with Confidence – Discover Legacy by SJD Homes
Keep the local you already value
Stay close to the people, schools, work and community you value, while replacing an outdated home with one designed to support your family’s next chapter.
Design around your life and site
Start with one of 100+ pre-designed floorplans, then tailor the layout, facade, premium inclusions and finishes to suit your lifestyle, priorities and existing block.
Understand key site factors early
A land survey, site assessment and soil classification identify the conditions that can influence design, engineering, site preparation and the detail of your tender.
Navigate established-area constraints
In areas such as Camberwell, tighter sites, access constraints, setbacks and overlays can influence the right floorplan, facade and approvals pathway.
Build for more efficient living
A rebuild creates the opportunity to consider orientation, daylight, insulation, glazing, shading and efficient heating and cooling from the earliest stages of home design and budget planning.
Popular SJD Designs for Knockdown Rebuilds
Explore single storey and double storey designs that can be assessed against your block, lifestyle and priorities.
We consider factors such as frontage, access, orientation, private open space and site constraints to identify suitable options.
Single-Storey Options
The Caversham
A family-friendly layout with a master suite featuring dual walk-in robes, a separate theatre and an open-plan kitchen, meals and family hub connecting to a generous alfresco. Four bedrooms and thoughtful storage create a home that feels easy from day one.
The Morrison
Open-plan main living framed by feature windows for natural light, plus a theatre, walk-in pantry and practical storage. Four bedrooms, including a generous master suite, make it a smart option for families seeking liveability on a narrower block.
The Holland
A relaxed ranch-style single-storey home for wider blocks, with an open-plan kitchen, meals and family zone flowing to the alfresco. Multiple living areas and well-proportioned bedrooms create a calm rhythm across the floorplan.
Double-Storey Options
The Hawthorn
Loft-style double-storey living with soaring ceilings, an upstairs retreat and smart zoning for family life. Open-plan spaces draw in natural light across two levels, with four spacious bedrooms and multiple living areas.
The Windsor
Luxury two-storey living with five bedrooms, five bathrooms and three grand living areas. A chef’s kitchen with butler’s pantry anchors open-plan spaces that flow to the alfresco, while generous storage and zoned areas support day-to-day family life.
The Picollo
A double-storey design for narrow sites, sized for a 12.5m frontage. The open-plan kitchen with walk-in pantry anchors living to the alfresco, with four bedrooms plus a study, flexible living zones and a double garage.
You’re In Good Hands
30+
years
Building for Melbourne families, with deep local know-how.
3,000+
homes built
A delivery record you can rely on.
100+
modern designs
Single and double storey, tailored to your block.
4.9+
quality reviews
Average from verified Melbourne homeowner reviews.
SJD Homes is a proudly Australian owned registered builder in Victoria, with the domestic building insurance (where applicable) and a structured quality assurance approach.
Case Studies
Real knockdown rebuild projects, showing how we turn existing homes into modern, custom-built spaces designed for long-term living.
Our Sustainable Knockdown Rebuild Process: Step-by-Step Guide
A knockdown rebuild has many moving parts. Legacy by SJD Homes guides you from early site assessment and budget planning through approvals, demolition, construction and handover, with practical guidance at each point.
We begin by discussing your goals, budget and existing block. You can start with a pre-designed floorplan, then explore customisation options for the layout, facade and single-storey or double-storey configuration so the home suits your lifestyle and site.
A site appraisal, land survey and soil classification confirm the factors that influence design, engineering and site works.
We also review planning controls, overlays, easements and the approvals pathway, including requirements administered by the Victorian Building Authority.
Once reports and design documentation are complete, SJD Homes presents a detailed tender covering the agreed home, inclusions, site costs and allowances.
Fixed pricing provides clarity on the agreed scope before the building contract is signed. Items not yet confirmed may remain allowances or provisional sums and should be explained before you proceed.
SJD Homes assists with the demolition permit process and can recommend trusted demolition companies.
A licensed contractor completes the demolition, followed by required clearing, levelling, service work and preparation for construction.
Your site manager coordinates trades and provides updates as your new home progresses through slab stage, frame stage, lock-up stage, fixing stage, completion and handover.
Progress payments are set out in your building contract and generally align with the agreed construction schedule.
For extra confidence, you can view our Build Quality Guarantee, including independent surveyor verification and inspection reporting across key stages.
Before practical completion, the building team guides you through a final quality inspection and explains key features, maintenance considerations and next steps.
After handover, SJD Homes provides a 3-month maintenance period for minor issues, plus a structural guarantee backed by a 10-year structural new home warranty.
For more detail on timelines, approvals and each step, explore our full Knockdown Rebuild Process guide.
We begin by discussing your goals, budget and existing block. You can start with a pre-designed floorplan, then explore customisation options for the layout, facade and single-storey or double-storey configuration so the home suits your lifestyle and site.
A site appraisal, land survey and soil classification confirm the factors that influence design, engineering and site works.
We also review planning controls, overlays, easements and the approvals pathway, including requirements administered by the Victorian Building Authority.
Once reports and design documentation are complete, SJD Homes presents a detailed tender covering the agreed home, inclusions, site costs and allowances.
Fixed pricing provides clarity on the agreed scope before the building contract is signed. Items not yet confirmed may remain allowances or provisional sums and should be explained before you proceed.
SJD Homes assists with the demolition permit process and can recommend trusted demolition companies.
A licensed contractor completes the demolition, followed by required clearing, levelling, service work and preparation for construction.
Your site manager coordinates trades and provides updates as your new home progresses through slab stage, frame stage, lock-up stage, fixing stage, completion and handover.
Progress payments are set out in your building contract and generally align with the agreed construction schedule.
For extra confidence, you can view our Build Quality Guarantee, including independent surveyor verification and inspection reporting across key stages.
Before practical completion, the building team guides you through a final quality inspection and explains key features, maintenance considerations and next steps.
After handover, SJD Homes provides a 3-month maintenance period for minor issues, plus a structural guarantee backed by a 10-year structural new home warranty.
For more detail on timelines, approvals and each step, explore our full Knockdown Rebuild Process guide.
If you’d like a clearer view of timelines, approvals and what to expect, explore our full Knockdown Rebuild Process guide.
Why SJD
Energy-efficient homes designed for more comfortable, future-focused living.
Quality finishes, fixtures and features that bring more value to your home from the outset.
More than 100 floorplans, with customisation options for your lifestyle, block and priorities.
Recognised as the 2025 HIA Australian Professional Major Builder for a continued focus on quality, service and delivery.
30+ years building in Victoria, with optional HomePay finance to build now, pay later during construction(subject to eligibility).
Independent surveyor verification and inspection reporting through the build, supported by our structured quality assurance approach.
Ready To See What Your Ideal Home Could Look Like?
Walk through our display homes anytime (or take a virtual tour from the comfort of your current home) to explore real layouts, finishes and living spaces.
Then, take the next step by visiting our Inspiration Studio Display Centre, where you can personalise the details and start shaping your new home.
Explore with confidence, SJD Homes delivers award-winning quality with a clear build process from start to handover.
What We Assess Before You Commit
Before you proceed, we review the practical factors that affect whether your preferred home design is suitable for the block and what needs to be allowed for in the tender.
Dimensions, slope, orientation, site coverage, driveway access and crossover requirements.
Zoning, setbacks, heritage overlays, neighbourhood character, vegetation, flood controls, easements, BAL requirements and services.
Demolition, site preparation, soil conditions, waste removal, service changes, premium inclusions and selected performance upgrades.
Why Rebuilding Beats Renovating
Renovating can involve unknown conditions, structural compromises and variable costs that are difficult to confirm upfront.
A knockdown rebuild creates a clean slate: a modern floorplan and a new home built to current standards for structure, waterproofing and energy efficiency.
- Greater clarity around demolition, site preparation and the scope of the new build before construction starts.
- A cohesive, architecturally designed home rather than an addition joined to an older structure.
- New-home warranties and modern compliance across structure, waterproofing and energy performance.
Explore SJD Homes Before You Decide
Walk through our display homes, take a virtual tour or visit the Inspiration Studio Display Centre to explore real layouts, finishes and living spaces before you begin planning your dream home.
Everything You Need to Plan Your Knockdown Rebuild
Think a knockdown rebuild locks you into a set plan? Think again. Discover just how much freedom you really have to shape layouts, finishes and features around your lifestyle.
Knockdown & Rebuild FAQs
How much to knock down and rebuild in Melbourne?
There is no single price because costs depend on your block and selections. Main drivers include demolition scope, site preparation, soil classification, fall, rock, engineering, home size, premium inclusions, overlays or BAL requirements, and service changes.
SJD Homes can provide an early ballpark after reviewing site information, then confirm the agreed scope through a detailed tender and building contract. Items still being confirmed may be shown as an allowance or provisional sum.
Do I pay stamp duty on a knockdown rebuild?
If you already own the land, stamp duty generally applies to the land purchase, not the building contract. If you’re buying a property to knock down later, stamp duty typically applies to the purchase.
This is general guidance only, confirm your situation with your conveyancer or adviser in Victoria.
How long does a knockdown rebuild take?
Timeframes vary by site and scope. Local council approvals, service changes, overlays, soil test and engineering, weather, design complexity and variations can all affect the schedule.
SJD Homes provides a personalised project program after relevant reports are complete and keeps you updated through the construction process.
Should I extend my home or choose a knockdown rebuild?
An extension can add space, but it may require you to work around an old structure, hidden conditions and an existing layout.
A knockdown rebuild gives you a brand-new home designed as one cohesive space, with modern layouts, energy efficiency and room to plan for how your family lives now. You will still need temporary accommodation during demolition and construction.
What sustainability upgrades make the biggest difference in a rebuild?
Start with orientation, daylight, cross-ventilation, insulation, glazing, shading, airtightness and draught sealing.
You can then discuss all-electric options and future-ready choices such as heat pump hot water, efficient heating and cooling, and solar-ready provisions based on your budget and goals.
From there, we can discuss Synergy-style all-electric options and future-ready choices like heat pump hot water, efficient heating and cooling, and solar-ready provisions for future PV, based on your budget and targets.
What will the demolition cost?
Costs vary by home size and materials, asbestos removal, slab or pier removal, machinery access, tree protection or removal, utilities, permits and tip fees.
SJD Homes can obtain quotes from licensed demolition contractors, assist with the demolition permit and incorporate the confirmed figure into your tender.
Do I need a planning permit for a knockdown rebuild in Melbourne?
Not always. Some projects can proceed with a building permit only, but many Melbourne suburbs have overlays (heritage, vegetation, neighbourhood character, flood, etc.) that can trigger a planning permit.
A feasibility and site review should confirm early whether a planning permit is likely, before you invest heavily in design.
How do progress payments work during a knockdown rebuild?
Progress payments are set out in your building contract and generally link to agreed construction stages, such as slab, frame, lock-up and fixing. If you are using construction finance, your lender will explain its inspection and payment process before funds are released.
Begin your Knockdown Rebuild journey with SJD Homes
Book a consultation with one of our consultants to discuss your block, preferred home design and next steps.
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