Landscaping Cost Guide for New Home Builds

Landscaping a new home is often underestimated. While your builder may include basic turf and a concrete driveway, creating a complete outdoor space typically costs $20,000–$80,000+. Here's a detailed breakdown.

What's Typically Included by Builders

Most builder's "turnkey" or "landscape" packages include:

• Front yard turf — basic variety, limited area
• Concrete driveway — standard grey concrete
• Front fence — if required by estate guidelines
• Basic front planting — a few shrubs or hedges

This is often valued at $10,000–$20,000 but provides a very basic result. To create a landscape that complements your home and lifestyle, you'll likely need to invest more.

Landscaping Cost Breakdown

Design

• Landscape design — $2,000–$8,000 (concept plans to full construction drawings)
• Soil testing and site survey — $500–$1,500

Earthworks and Site Preparation

• Excavation and grading — $2,000–$10,000+ (depends on site and soil volume)
• Soil removal — $500–$3,000 (if significant cut required)
• Imported topsoil — $50–$100/m³
• Reticulation/drainage — $1,000–$5,000

Hardscaping

• Paving (concrete/pavers) — $80–$200/m²
• Decking (timber/composite) — $350–$600/m²
• Retaining walls (timber) — $200–$400/m²
• Retaining walls (concrete/stone) — $400–$800/m²
• Fencing (colorbond) — $130–$180/linear metre
• Fencing (timber) — $180–$300/linear metre
• Driveway upgrade (exposed aggregate) — $80–$150/m²

Soft Landscaping

• Turf (instant lawn) — $15–$35/m² installed
• Garden beds (soil + mulch + plants) — $80–$200/m²
• Advanced trees (45L bags) — $150–$400 each
• Mature trees (100L+ bags) — $400–$1,200 each
• Irrigation system — $2,000–$6,000

Outdoor Living

• Alfresco paving — $3,000–$10,000
• Outdoor kitchen — $5,000–$30,000
• Pergola/vergola — $5,000–$25,000
• Lighting — $2,000–$8,000
• Pool fencing (if applicable) — $3,000–$12,000

Typical Budget Tiers

Basic ($15,000 – $25,000)

• Front and rear turf
• Concrete driveway
• Basic front planting
• Simple rear paving
• No retaining walls or features

Mid-Range ($30,000 – $60,000)

• Professional design
• Premium paving (exposed aggregate or pavers)
• Established planting (front and rear)
• Retaining walls where needed
• Irrigation system
• Outdoor lighting
• Fencing upgrade

Premium ($70,000 – $150,000+)

• Full landscape design
• Premium hardscaping (stone, composite decking)
• Mature trees and premium planting
• Outdoor kitchen and entertainment area
• Pool and/or spa integration
• Automated irrigation and lighting
• Custom features (water features, fire pits)

Timing Your Landscaping

The best time to plan landscaping is during your build, not after. Discuss with your builder:

• Where retaining walls need to go (may need to be built before handover)
• Where drainage runs (should be planned before final grading)
• Service locations for irrigation and outdoor lighting
• Where the builder's responsibility ends and the landscaper's begins

Find a landscaper on Trade Connect or compare builders to plan your complete outdoor space.