Many people think renovating an old house is the way to go. Maybe redo the flooring, put in new tiles, freshen it up. That’s fine. But once you start extending or reworking the structure, it often costs as much as a new build. And after all that, the house is still old.
That’s why more Victorians are choosing knockdown rebuilds, especially for duplexes.
But it’s not as simple as smashing it down and getting started.
To get your knockdown rebuild moving sooner and maximise your ROI, you need the right builder.
Here are 3 key qualities to look out for:
Quality #1: They Know Your Council’s Rules Inside and Out
Getting a knockdown rebuild approved is the hardest part, not the build itself.
Councils don’t make it easy. Approvals can drag on for months with strict rules on open space, materials, and heritage overlays. Many homeowners get stuck in red tape, and some give up and sell instead.
Some builders wait for the council to respond, slowing the process even more. Others stay ahead of it, adjusting plans before the council pushes back. The second type gets approvals through faster, avoiding costly redesigns, planning rejections, and delays caused by shifting council requirements.
Quality #2: They Make Sure Your Land Works Harder for You
A knockdown rebuild isn’t just about putting up a new home. It’s about maximising what your block can do.
Instead of rebuilding a single house, many owners add a second unit or a granny flat to create extra income or keep the family close. Some sell one unit to cover a chunk of their mortgage, while others rent it out for 300 to 600 bucks a week in passive income.
One family we worked with wanted to buy a home for their kid but couldn’t afford it, so they built a self-contained home on the rear of their block instead. Now their kid has their own space, and if things change, the family can rent it out or sell it later.
A smart rebuild turns your property into an investment, rather than sinking money into renovations that don’t add long-term value.
Quality #3: They Build Homes That Last
Most older homes in Victoria sit on wooden stumps instead of concrete slabs. Over time, timber stumps shift, sink, and weaken, causing uneven floors, cracked walls, and constant maintenance headaches. No matter how much money goes into renovations, an old house will always have old bones, and those problems won’t go away.
A proper knockdown rebuild future-proofs your property with modern materials and stronger construction. A concrete slab foundation prevents movement, giving your home a stable base that won’t need expensive repairs down the line. Updated framing, insulation, and roofing make it more energy-efficient and more comfortable year-round.
Renovating an old house can feel like a never-ending cycle of repairs. Fix one issue, and another pops up. A full rebuild does it right the first time, eliminating surprise costs and giving you a home that lasts.
The Bottom Line? Renovating Can Be A Money Sink
If you’re working with an old home in Victoria, a knockdown rebuild often makes better financial sense — as long as you have the right builder. The right team will cut through the council red tape and help you get more value out of your investment.