Homeowners who no longer feel their property meets their needs often think selling and buying new is their only choice. But savvy buyers are rewriting the rulebook, ditching the endless hunt for the perfect home.
Instead, they’re turning to knockdown rebuilds (KDRB) as a game-changing alternative. This approach lets them stay in the neighbourhoods they love while living in their dream home.
“In recent years, the knockdown rebuild sector has seen a significant uptick,” says Drew Glascott, general manager, sales and marketing, at one of Australia's most renowned home builders, Metricon.
Smart buyers are realising they don't have to choose between great location and high quality of home: They can have both.
“The most notable increase occurred between 2021 and 2022, with a 9% year-on-year rise. Since then, we’ve consistently maintained over 1000 KDRB projects annually.”
Glascott says 2024 is shaping up to meet this growth, showing just how many people are making the most of their land and upgrading their home. If you have an existing block and desire the best of contemporary living, here are 7 reasons why KDRBs are a great option.
1. The latest in design
KDRBs are particularly popular in the inner suburbs where there are larger blocks with older homes that need a lot of work. A KDRB is a chance to embrace the best of modern building trends and technologies that are hard to retrofit into an existing build.
“Our customers often highlight the uncompromising design, simplicity, and ease that come with building new rather than renovating,” says Glascott.
Metricon ensures that building requirements such as site boundaries, covenants, zoning, and planning overlays are all met.
“This ensures the physical practicalities of your new home site are meticulously addressed, allowing you to enjoy a home designed with exceptional finishes and fittings, just the way you want it,” he says.
2. Enjoy a blank canvas
Through the KDRB process, Glascott says you get to start with a blank canvas and pick the exact style of home, number of rooms, living spaces and more that are perfect for your taste and lifestyle.
It also means you can change your home to suit the shifting needs of your family, whether that be needing more bedrooms for growing teenagers, or preparing to age in place.
“KDRB offers a unique opportunity to create your perfect home without compromise,” says Glascott.
3. Return on investment
For older homes that need significant renovation, the costs can add up quickly, especially if there are unforeseen structural issues once the build starts.
Glascott says buyers can be surprised to learn that the cost per square metre of renovations can often be more than a KDRB.
"While the project's scope can vary, the demolition cost is relatively low in the overall build process. Additionally, there are significant savings on stamp duty and buying and selling costs,” he says.
New homes could also boost property value compared to renovating an older home, as buyers are attracted to everything being contemporary and fresh.
Scroll through our gallery to see the latest design styles available for a brand new Metricon Home.
Choose from different facades
4. Stay put
Purchasing a new home might require relocating away from family, friends, schools, and favorite local amenities. In contrast, opting for a knockdown rebuild (KDRB) allows people to stay in the areas where they are happiest.
“Our customers often choose KDRB to build their dream home in sought-after school zones or to maximize their investment on existing land,” says Glascott.
5. Go green
Many homeowners feel frustrated by the lack of energy efficiency in their current properties. According to Glascott, constructing a brand-new home can significantly enhance comfort regarding heating and cooling, while also lowering energy bills and minimizing environmental impact.
"With current regulations mandating a 7-Star energy rating and recent updates to the National Construction Code, a knockdown rebuild (KDRB) home ensures lower energy bills compared to older properties, particularly those constructed over 50 years ago," he explains.
The advancements in construction practices and materials mean that newly-built homes adhere to much stricter energy efficiency standards.
This not only translates to greater comfort in terms of temperature regulation but also results in significant savings on utility bills over time.
Additionally, these updated building codes include requirements for better insulation, more efficient heating and cooling, and the integration of sustainable energy sources like solar panels.
6. Cut down on maintenance
Older homes often require continuous maintenance, including tasks like painting, restumping, upgrading plumbing and electrical systems, and repairing roofs, among other fixes. These ongoing issues can be both time-consuming and costly for homeowners. In contrast, one of the major attractions of opting for a knockdown rebuild (KDRB) is that it provides a brand-new home where everything is completely up to date.
With a KDRB, homeowners can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with modern building standards and materials. This means roofs, walls, and foundations are constructed using the latest technologies and methods, minimising the need for repairs. All plumbing and electrical systems meet current codes and regulations, ensuring greater safety and efficiency.
New homes built under KDRB projects also often come with warranties that cover many structural aspects, further reducing the burden of unexpected maintenance costs. The modern amenities and features included in new builds enhance comfort and convenience, adding significant value to the property.
“New homes require significantly less maintenance, saving you both time and money. This means fewer repairs and more time enjoying your home, making KDRB a smart and cost-effective choice for homeowners,” says Glascott.
7. Favourable financing
For buyers interested in a KDRB project, Glascott says Metricon offers flexible and favourable financing options. The long-established builder works in partnership with preferred brokers to help individuals with their finance needs.
Glascott says it’s a great time for buyers weighing up if a KDRB is perfect for them to reach out and find out more.
Feeling inspired? Visit a Metricon display home today to learn more about creating your KDRB dream home or fill in the lead form below.
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