We get knocked down: The Brisbane suburbs where knockdown rebuilds are a dime a dozen

Knockdown rebuilds are becoming increasingly common in Brisbane's affluent and desirable suburbs, driven by rising construction costs and a growing demand for larger, modern homes. Builders and homeowners alike are opting to demolish older postwar houses—typically made of weatherboard or fibro-cement—and replace them with brand-new structures that offer greater space, style, and value. This trend is particularly pronounced in areas such as Carina Heights, Windsor, Taringa, Upper Mount Gravatt, Mitchelton, Stafford Heights, Wavell Heights, and Camp Hill, where the combination of prime locations and outdated housing stock makes knockdown rebuilds an attractive option.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), which conducted its first-ever analysis of knockdown rebuild approvals in 2025, the majority of demolished homes in Queensland are being replaced by single-family residences rather than contributing to the overall housing supply. In fact, 74 percent of demolished houses in the state are rebuilt as standalone homes, meaning that the practice does little to address the broader housing shortage. Brisbane itself faces a significant shortfall, requiring an additional 209,000 homes by 2046 to accommodate its projected population of 1.72 million residents.

Builder Jay Flaskos, who runs Flascon Construction Group, estimates that his firm completes between 20 and 30 knockdown rebuilds annually. He explains that while the initial cost of demolition—including waste levies—can reach around $30,000, the investment is justified when considering the long-term benefits of a custom-built home. These new constructions typically begin at a minimum budget of $1 million, with some luxury projects costing upwards of $5 million. Flaskos notes that the design preferences among clients have evolved over recent years, shifting from traditional styles to contemporary influences such as Hamptons-style, Palm Springs-inspired, and Mediterranean designs with curved architectural elements.

The surge in knockdown rebuilds coincides with a dramatic increase in construction costs nationwide. Since the onset of the pandemic, the average cost to build a detached home in Queensland has risen by 40 percent. Additional pressures, such as the ongoing conflict in Iran leading to higher fuel prices, have further inflated expenses, with each new dwelling facing an estimated $20,000 increase in construction costs. Labor shortages and material delays have also contributed to soaring prices, pushing the cost of a custom-built house in Brisbane to as high as $4,650 per square meter.

Urban planner Dr. Rachel Gallagher from Griffith University acknowledges the motivations behind the trend, noting that many homeowners wish to remain in their communities while upgrading their living conditions. She points out that postwar houses, though functional, often require extensive renovations or reinforcements, making knockdown rebuilds a practical solution. However, she raises concerns about the inefficiency of replacing a single home with a larger structure that locks up valuable land for decades.

Gallagher criticizes the current planning regulations in Brisbane, which restrict the development of multi-unit dwellings such as duplexes or triplexes in low-density neighborhoods. She questions why it is permissible to replace a modest home with a sprawling McMansion featuring multiple garage spaces, yet not possible to construct smaller, more efficient housing options that could better serve the city’s growing population. Her argument underscores the need for policy reforms that encourage denser, more sustainable housing solutions without compromising the quality of life for residents.

As the debate continues, local authorities and urban planners face increasing pressure to balance the interests of homeowners seeking to maximize property values with the broader goal of addressing Brisbane’s housing crisis. With the city’s population set to grow substantially over the coming decades, the choices made today regarding housing development will have lasting implications for both the environment and the social fabric of the region.