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How Much Does House Demolition Cost in Melbourne? (2026 Guide)

18 June 2026 · 7 min read

If you're planning a knock-down-rebuild or clearing a block in Melbourne, demolition is one of the first costs you'll face. Most single-storey house demolitions in Melbourne fall between $15,000 and $40,000 — but the range is wide because every property is different.

What drives the cost of demolition?

Size and construction: a weatherboard cottage is cheaper to demolish than a double-brick double-storey home. Brick homes cost more to pull down but can attract salvage credits for recycled bricks.

Asbestos: homes built before 1990 almost always contain asbestos. Licensed removal typically adds $2,000–$10,000+ depending on the amount and location of the material.

Access: tight inner-suburb blocks in areas like Richmond or Fitzroy need smaller machines and more labour, pushing prices up. Wide suburban blocks in growth corridors are usually cheaper.

Disposal and recycling: tipping fees are a major cost component. Contractors who recycle concrete, steel and timber can quote lower.

Why quotes vary so much between contractors

It's common to see quotes for the same house vary by $10,000 or more. Some contractors are hungrier for work in your area, some have their own tip access or recycling yards, and some simply price high when they're busy.

That's exactly why comparing at least three quotes matters. On a typical Melbourne house demolition, comparing quotes saves customers thousands.

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