Comfort & Climate
Ducted Air Conditioning
Ducted air conditioning is one of the most expensive single upgrades in a new home build — and one of the most valuable. Whether a builder includes it as standard, offers it as an upgrade, or excludes it entirely can represent a $10,000–$20,000+ difference in the real cost of your build.
73
Builders Include Standard
83
Offer as Upgrade
0
Do Not Include
What is it?
Ducted air conditioning is a whole-home reverse-cycle system with a central outdoor unit, ducting in the roof space, and vents in every room. It provides both heating and cooling, can be zoned for independent temperature control, and is significantly more expensive to install after construction than during the build.
Why buyers compare it
- Ducted air conditioning can add $10,000–$20,000+ to the build cost
- Post-build installation is significantly more expensive and disruptive
- Some builders include only a single split system, not whole-home ducted
- Zoning allows independent temperature control per room — a comfort and efficiency feature
Is it worth upgrading?
Questions to Ask Your Builder
Ducted Air Conditioning — Typical Costs
$2,000 – $4,000
One living area only — included by some builders as 'air conditioning'
$10,000 – $16,000
Whole-home system with 4–6 zones and a central controller
$16,000 – $25,000+
Higher capacity, smart zoning, WiFi control, premium brand
Compare My Build Tip
When a builder says 'air conditioning included,' ask whether that means a single split system in the living room or ducted reverse-cycle throughout. The difference in value is $8,000–$15,000, and some builders use the phrase to make their package sound more complete than it is.
Which Builders Include Ducted Air Conditioning?
Simonds Homes
Hudson Homes
Brighton Homes
Clarendon Homes QLD
McCarthy Homes
Plantation Homes
OJ Pippin Homes
G.J. Gardner Homes – Gold Coast South
Arden Homes
Carlisle Homes
Kingsbridge Homes
JG King Homes
Mimosa Homes
Homebuyers Centre - VIC
Nostra Homes
McDonald Jones Homes
Rawson Homes
Omnia Homes
Beachwood Homes
SJD Homes
Southern Vale Homes
Fairhaven Homes
Aston Homes
G.J Gardner Homes – Melbourne North West
Bellriver Homes
New Living Homes
Masterton Homes
Champion Homes
Montgomery Homes
Hibbarb Homes
Candor Homes
Lily Homes
Fowler Homes
Tempo Living
Kurmond Homes
Vogue Homes
Kaplan Homes
Eagle Homes
Arcadia Homes
MasterBuilt Homes
Infinite Homes
Malpress Homes
Stonewood Homes
Bennic Homes
Verona Homes
Arli Homes
Metronest Homes
Oxame Homes
Melbourne Homes
5AB Homes VIC
5AB Homes SA
Hudson Ridge Builders
Langdon Building
Lane Housing Co
Arkadian Homes
McMaster Designer Homes
Highmark Homes
Sessions Builders
Colmac Homes
Legend Homes
Garraway Homes
Redink Homes
Ultra Living Homes
Better Built Homes
Homes By ZAC
Avia Homes
Kline Homes
Ridgewater Homes
Central Property
Paul Gray Builders
Twomey Homes
Xircon Homes
Hunter Homes
Evoca Homes
Hallmark Homes
Coral Homes
Orbit Homes
Metricon Homes
Stylemaster Homes
Burbank Homes
Stroud Homes
Kiba Built
ABC Homes
Bold Living
Homes by CMA
Ownit Homes
Omni Built Homes
DARE Homes
Leonard Homes
CJ Homes
Hotondo Homes
DR Homes 
Indigo Homes
AUSMAR Homes
Tapscott Homes
Wide Bay Homes
Dixon Homes
Aspect Homes
Vantage Building Group
Steve Bagnall Homes
P.J Burns Builder
CCS Homes
Cougar Homes
Ausbuild Homes
Value Homes
MyStyle Homes
Austart Homes
Gemini Homes
Integrity New Homes 
Emerald Developments
Fresh Homes
Henley Homes
Boutique Homes
SOHO Living 
Eden Brae Homes
Domaine Homes
MOJO Homes
Wisdom Homes
Perry Homes
Winton Homes
Trend Connection Homes
Casaview Homes
Baygrove Designer Homes
Crystele Homes
Practical Homes
Dream Scope Homes
Homes By DJ Jones
Ellis Developments
Bundy Homes
Arden Vale Homes
G&P Builders
McLachlan Homes
Weeks Homes
Metro Homes 
Kookaburra Homes
Coast Life Homes
CSB Homes
Everyday Homes
King Homes
Movinda Homes
Clarendon Homes NSW
Oasis Building Group
Hearty Homes
Key Homes
Allworth Homes
Hosies Homes
Neptune Homes
Costa Homes
Vision Homes
Tullipan Homes
Oakworth Homes
Green Homes
Bluetongue Homes
Meridian Homes
Provincial Homes
Oakridge LivingRelated Guides
What Are Inclusions vs Upgrades?
Understand the difference between standard inclusions and paid upgrades in a new home build.
Hidden Costs Builders Don't Mention
Discover the costs that builders commonly exclude from their advertised 'from' prices.
Upgrade Costs Guide
Full breakdown of common upgrade costs across all categories in Australian home builds.
What to Compare Before Signing
The essential checklist of what to compare between builders before you sign a contract.
Compare Ducted Air Conditioning Across All Builders
Use our free comparison tool to see all inclusions side-by-side and find the best builder for your needs.
Compare All Builders