Cost estimates only: Any building, material or upgrade figures on this page are indicative, not fixed prices or quotes. Confirm current written costs, specifications and inclusions directly with your builder, supplier or relevant trade.
Overview
Landscaping is one of the most variable inclusions in new home builds — and one of the most frequently misunderstood. Many buyers are surprised after handover to find their brand new home sits on bare dirt with no lawn, plants, or garden edges.
Understanding exactly what landscaping your builder includes (if anything), what estate covenants require, and the realistic cost of the additional work is essential before you sign your building contract.
Watch Out
What's Typically Included
When landscaping is included in a builder's package, it typically covers a minimum scope:
- ✓Topsoil to front yard (preparation for turf)
- ✓Turf (couch, buffalo, or similar) to front yard only
- ✓Concrete mowing edge or steel garden edging to garden beds
- ✓Small amount of mulch to defined garden bed areas
- ✓Possibly 1–3 small standard plants to front garden bed
- ✓Council/estate crossover connection (if included in the package)
Note
What's Usually Excluded
The scope of exclusions is usually much larger than inclusions. Commonly excluded:
- ✕Back yard turf and landscaping
- ✕Side yard turf
- ✕Garden irrigation / reticulation
- ✕Feature planting or large trees
- ✕Retaining walls (unless required by site conditions)
- ✕Timber or Colorbond fencing
- ✕Garden shed
- ✕Outdoor entertaining structures (pergola, shade sails)
- ✕Swimming pool or spa
- ✕Letterbox
- ✕Clothes line
Turf vs Seeded Lawn
When builders say "turf included," they typically mean roll-on turf (pre-grown lawn on a thin soil layer, delivered in rolls and laid by hand). This provides an instant lawn.
Some budget packages may specify "seed" rather than turf — a much cheaper option that requires weeks to germinate and establish, and is more vulnerable to washout, birds, and drought in the interim.
Common turf varieties in Australia:
- Sir Walter Buffalo (NSW, QLD, SA): Shade-tolerant, hard-wearing, low maintenance. Australia's most popular lawn variety.
- Couch Grass (All states): Very common, fast-growing, handles heavy traffic. Less shade-tolerant than buffalo.
- Kikuyu (QLD, NSW, WA): Vigorous and fast-growing, good for high-traffic areas. Can be invasive.
- Zoysia (QLD, WA): Fine-leaf, drought-resistant, premium appearance. Slower to establish.
Included or Upgrade?
Varies by Builder
Front Yard Turf and Basic Garden Edging
Included by some builders in their base package. Excluded by many, particularly for house-only contracts. Check your specific inclusions.
Typically an Upgrade
Back Yard Turf and Landscaping
Almost universally an owner-arranged item or paid upgrade. Budget based on area size and scope.
Typically an Upgrade
Garden Irrigation / Reticulation
Rarely included. Almost always owner-arranged or a paid upgrade. Budget $2,000–$6,000 for a standard installation.
Typically an Upgrade
Fencing, Feature Plants, Trees, Retaining Walls
All typically excluded from standard packages. Budget separately for these items — they can significantly add to post-handover costs.
Common Builder Upgrades
Common Builder Upgrade
Full Front and Back Yard Turf Package
Common Builder Upgrade
Colourbond or Timber Fencing
Common Builder Upgrade
Clothesline and Letterbox Inclusions
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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