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Knockdown Rebuilds

The Ultimate Guide to Knock Down Rebuilds in Sydney

Everything Sydney homeowners need to know about knock down rebuilds in 2026 — costs, timelines, approvals, demolition, and how to decide if it beats renovating.

TL;DR A knock down rebuild (KDR) means demolishing your existing house and building a brand-new home on the same block. In Sydney in 2026, expect the full process to take 12–20 months and cost from roughly $2,500 to $4,500+ per square metre for the new build, plus $20,000–$45,000 for demolition and site works. It often beats a major renovation when your home is dated, structurally tired, or fighting your block. You keep your land, your suburb and your neighbours, and gain a home designed exactly for how you live. The big variables are your council, your slope, your soil, and the standard of finish you choose. This guide walks through every stage so you can decide with clear eyes. What is a knock down rebuild? A knock down rebuild is exactly what it sounds like: you demolish your current dw…