How Much Does Landscape Design Cost in Melbourne? A Complete Pricing Guide

Understanding Landscape Design Costs in Melbourne

One of the most common questions we hear from homeowners in Melbourne’s north-eastern and inner-eastern suburbs is about budget. It is a reasonable question. The answer depends heavily on the unique constraints of your site and the scope of your landscape design project.

We specialize in transforming complex properties. Our experience shows that the final figure relies on more than just aesthetic choices. This guide breaks down both design fees and construction costs. It will help you develop realistic expectations for your project in 2026.

Design Fees vs. Construction Costs

You must distinguish between two separate investments: the cost of design and the cost of construction. These are distinct phases.

Design fees cover the creative and technical work required to get your project ready for building. This includes site analysis, concept development, detailed design, and construction documentation. Professional firms typically charge a fixed fee based on the complexity of the site.

Construction costs cover the physical creation of your garden. This includes materials, labour, machinery, and plant stock. It is typically the larger investment and varies dramatically based on site access and terrain.

Melbourne Design Fee Ranges

Professional landscape design fees in Melbourne generally fall into specific ranges based on the scope of work.

Consultation Only: $450 - $850 This is a site visit with verbal recommendations. We find this suitable for clients who need advice on an existing garden but do not require drawings.

Concept Design Package: $2,500 - $5,500 This level includes site consultation, a concept plan, and basic planting direction. It works well for flat blocks with straightforward briefs.

Full Design Package: $5,500 - $12,000+ Most residential projects in suburbs like Kew or Ivanhoe require this level of detail. It includes concept options, detailed design development, plant schedules, and construction documentation.

Complex/Large Property Design: $12,000 - $35,000+ Properties with significant gradients or environmental overlays require this investment. These projects often need engineering, town planning permits, and multiple stages of documentation.

Factors That Influence Design Fees

Several variables affect where your project falls within these ranges.

Property Topography A flat block is simple to document. A sloping site in Warrandyte or Eltham requires 3D modelling and precise level calculations. We must design retaining walls and drainage systems that comply with engineering standards.

Council Planning Overlays Many eastern suburbs are covered by Significant Landscape Overlays (SLO) or Vegetation Protection Overlays (VPO). These require a separate Town Planning application. Preparing these drawings and reports adds to the design time.

Level of Detail Required Some projects need basic concept plans. Others require detailed documentation for building permits and engineering certification. High-end construction requires high-end documentation to ensure accurate quoting.

Designer Experience Award-winning designers with strong portfolios command higher fees. Their expertise often saves money during the build by avoiding costly errors and specifying durable materials.

Melbourne Construction Cost Ranges

Construction costs vary enormously based on what you build and where you build it.

Pro Tip: For 2026, we recommend adding a 5-10% contingency buffer to all construction budgets to account for fluctuating material costs.

Basic Garden Renovation Budget: $25,000 - $50,000 This typically includes new planting, simple paving, garden bed preparation, and basic irrigation. It assumes the site is relatively flat and easy to access.

Mid-Range Garden Transformation Budget: $50,000 - $100,000 This budget allows for quality paving, feature planting, low retaining walls, a deck or pergola, and garden lighting.

Comprehensive Garden Design Implementation Budget: $100,000 - $250,000 We see this range frequently for complete property overhauls. It includes premium materials, extensive retaining walls, multi-level terracing, an outdoor kitchen, and quality timber or steel structures.

Premium Residential Landscape Budget: $250,000 - $500,000+ This level involves high-end natural stone, pool landscaping, extensive hardscape, advanced lighting systems, and architectural features. It is common for properties requiring significant excavation and engineering.

Cost Breakdown by Element

Understanding approximate costs for individual elements helps you prioritize your budget. These figures reflect current Melbourne pricing for supply and installation.

Element	Budget Range (Installed)
Bluestone / Travertine Paving (per m²)	$350 - $600
Spotted Gum Decking (per m²)	$600 - $950
Composite Decking (e.g., Ekodeck) (per m²)	$700 - $1,100
Concrete Sleeper Retaining Wall (per m²)	$450 - $800
Blockwork/Rendered Retaining Wall (per m²)	$900 - $1,600
Instant Turf (Sir Walter Buffalo) (per m²)	$40 - $65
Garden Lighting (per fitting)	$400 - $900

The “Steep Block” Premium

Properties requiring steep block solutions typically cost 30-50% more to landscape than flat sites. This is a reality for many homes in the north-east.

This premium reflects several unavoidable costs:

Limited Access: We often need to use smaller machinery or cranes to move materials. Moving soil by hand is labour-intensive and slow.
Engineering: Any retaining wall over one meter high usually requires a structural engineer and a building permit.
Excavation and Spoil: Digging into rock or clay takes time. Removing that soil from the site incurs high “tipping fees” at waste facilities.
Drainage: Water management is critical on a slope. Sub-surface drainage systems must be robust to prevent erosion.

You should factor this premium into your budget from the start if your property has challenging topography.

Getting Value from Your Investment

The best landscape outcomes come from matching design ambition with realistic budgets.

Invest in a Feature Survey Before starting design on a slope, get a licensed land surveyor to map your levels. This data prevents expensive surprises during construction. A $2,000 survey can save ten times that amount in excavation errors.

Prioritise Hard Landscape Paving, walls, and structures define spaces and last decades. Allocate your budget here first. You can always add smaller plants later as funds allow.

Consider Staging A Masterplan allows you to build in phases. Complete the structural retaining walls and drainage first. Add the outdoor kitchen or expensive feature lighting in a later stage.

Be Realistic About Maintenance A garden you can maintain is worth more than a garden that becomes overwhelming. We design low-maintenance solutions that look good year-round without constant attention.

Questions to Ask Your Designer

When discussing budget with your designer, clear communication is vital.

“What are the likely permit costs for this design?” (Planning and building permits can add $3,000+ to the project).
“How does site access impact my quote?”
“Can we value-manage the materials without losing the look?” (e.g., using concrete pavers instead of natural stone).
“What can be staged for later completion?”

An experienced designer will help you understand trade-offs. They ensure you make informed decisions that align investment with your lifestyle.

The Return on Investment

Quality landscape design and construction is an asset. It adds tangible value to your property. Real estate data consistently suggests that well-designed gardens can add significantly to resale value.

The “curb appeal” factor is real. Yet the daily enjoyment of a functional outdoor living space is equally important.

Your investment must be guided by professional design. We understand both your lifestyle needs and the realities of construction in Melbourne’s unique climate.

Ready to understand what’s possible within your budget? Contact us for a consultation where we can discuss realistic options for your property.