How Much Does Landscape Design Cost in Melbourne? 2026 Pricing Guide

How Much Does Landscape Design Cost in Melbourne? 2026 Pricing Guide

“How much does landscape design cost?” It’s the question every homeowner asks first, and honestly, it is the hardest one to answer without seeing your site.

We know that vague estimates are frustrating when you are trying to budget for a significant renovation. You need real numbers to make informed decisions about your property.

Understanding Design vs. Construction Costs

First, let’s clarify the difference between the two main expenses you will face. Landscape projects split into two distinct categories that are often confused.

Design Fees

This covers the professional services required to get your vision on paper and approved. It includes consultations, site analysis, concept plans, and the technical construction documentation needed for permits. We will focus primarily on these fees in this guide.

Construction Costs

This is the price of the physical build, including materials, labour, plants, and machinery. From our data in 2026, construction typically costs 10 to 30 times the initial design fee.

Many homeowners focus entirely on the build price, but that is a mistake. Quality landscape design is the only way to control those construction costs and avoid expensive variations later.

Typical Design Fee Ranges (Melbourne 2026)

The following ranges reflect current market rates for qualified landscape designers and architects in Melbourne’s inner suburbs.

Initial Consultation

$200 - $500

Most professional designers charge for the initial on-site meeting to cover their time and expertise. This fee typically includes:

• 60-90 minutes on site
• Detailed site assessment (sun, soil, levels)
• Initial design recommendations
• Explanation of the design and permit process

Some firms offer free consultations, but we find that paid sessions deliver far more value. A paid consultation guarantees you receive tailored, actionable advice rather than just a sales pitch.

Concept Design Only

$1,500 - $4,000

A concept plan gives you the “big picture” vision without the technical details needed for construction. This stage generally includes:

• Scaled concept layout (usually 1:100)
• Material palette suggestions (e.g., Bluestone vs. Travertine)
• Planting themes and key species
• Basic lighting concepts

This option works best if you are a skilled DIYer or plan to engage a builder who does not need detailed plans.

Full Design Package (Small-Medium Properties)

$3,000 - $8,000

For properties under 500m², you need more than just a pretty picture to get an accurate quote. This package includes:

• Refined concept design
• Comprehensive construction drawings (sections and elevations)
• Detailed planting plans with species and pot sizes
• Material schedules for accurate quoting
• Permit documentation (essential for Boroondara and Banyule)

Full Design Package (Large/Complex Properties)

$8,000 - $15,000+

Larger estates and complex blocks require significantly more technical work. These comprehensive packages cover:

• Master planning for the entire site
• Multiple design presentations and revisions
• Coordination with engineers and pool builders
• Town planning submissions (VPOs and SBOs)
• Detailed technical specifications

Design-Build Packages

When you hire a firm that handles both design and construction, the fees are sometimes structured differently. Some companies may absorb a portion of the design fee into the build cost, but transparency is key here.

Factors That Affect Design Costs

Site Complexity and Topography

Simple sites (flat, rectangular, easy access):

• Lower design hours required
• Standard engineering solutions
• Fewer technical challenges

Complex sites (steep slopes, irregular shapes, battle-axe blocks):

• Higher design time for retaining and drainage
• Structural engineering coordination
• Strict council planning overlays
• Creative problem-solving for access

Steep blocks in areas like Eltham or Ivanhoe often require complex retaining wall designs that can double the documentation time compared to a flat block in Brighton.

Town Planning and Council Overlays

The “hidden” cost in Melbourne landscape design is often the planning permit process.

• Vegetation Protection Overlays (VPO): Common in Nillumbik and Banyule, these require an arborist report and specific landscape plans to remove or prune trees.
• Heritage Overlays: Properties in Boroondara often face strict controls on front fences and hard surfaces, requiring extra negotiation time.
• Metropolitan Planning Levy: For projects with development costs over $1.31 million (2025-26 threshold), you must pay this state levy before even lodging a planning application.

We find that navigating these statutory requirements is where an experienced designer saves you the most time and stress.

Scope of Work and Features

More features equal more detailing.

• Pools & Spas: Requires safety barrier compliance and integration with fencing.
• Outdoor Kitchens: Involves plumbing, gas, and electrical schematics.
• Structures: Pergolas and decks over 20m² usually trigger building permits.

Level of Documentation

A sketch is cheap, but a construction drawing is valuable.

• Concept Only: Quick to produce but leaves room for builder error.
• Full Documentation: Includes every dimension, material finish, and fixing detail.
• Tender Documentation: The highest level, allowing you to get “apples-for-apples” quotes from multiple builders.

Designer Experience and Reputation

You pay for experience because it prevents costly errors.

• Junior Designers: Lower fees but may miss technical drainage or structural issues.
• Senior Landscape Architects: Higher hourly rates ($150 - $300+) but bring decades of construction knowledge.
• Registered Architects: often required for major structural works.

Geographic Location

Fees vary across Melbourne.

• Inner East/South East: Higher demand and heritage complexities often drive fees up.
• Outer Suburbs: Fees can be lower, but travel time charges may apply.

Design Fee as Percentage of Project

A useful industry standard helps you check if a quote is realistic. Design fees typically represent 3-8% of the total project cost.

Project Scale	Est. Construction Cost	Typical Design Fee Range
Small Garden	$30,000 - $60,000	$2,000 - $4,000
Medium Reno	$60,000 - $150,000	$4,000 - $8,000
Large Estate	$150,000 - $300,000	$8,000 - $15,000
Major Transformation	$300,000+	$15,000+

This percentage decreases as projects get larger. For example, a $500,000 project does not strictly require twice the design hours of a $250,000 project.

Why Quality Design Is Worth It

Avoid Expensive Construction Mistakes

Fixing a mistake on paper costs nothing, but fixing it on site costs thousands. A $5,000 design fee is a small price to pay to avoid moving a retaining wall or ripping up concrete because the levels were wrong.

Maximise Your Budget

Professional designers know where to spend and where to save. We can often achieve a high-end look using smart material substitutions, like using Bluestone pavers in key areas and complementary concrete elsewhere.

Better Lifestyle Outcomes

A good design considers how you actually live. It ensures the afternoon sun hits your entertaining area, the flow from indoors to outdoors is seamless, and the plants thrive in your specific soil conditions.

Smoother Build Process

Detailed plans reduce arguments. When every level and material is specified, your builder has no room to guess, which significantly reduces variations and disputes during construction.

How to Budget for Your Project

Step 1: Define Your “All-In” Number

Decide what you can realistically invest in your outdoor space. Be honest with yourself about this figure, as it dictates everything else.

Step 2: Allocate the Design Portion

Set aside 5-10% of that total budget for professional fees. This ensures you get the documentation needed to get accurate quotes for the build.

Step 3: Prioritise Value Engineering

If your budget is tight, do not cut the design quality. Instead, consider:

• Phasing the Build: Design the master plan now, but build it in stages over a few years.
• Material Choices: Swap expensive natural stone for high-quality porcelain or concrete.
• Plant Sizes: Install smaller plants (tubestock or 140mm pots) and let them grow, rather than buying mature trees.

Getting Value from Design Fees

Select the Right Partner

Choose a designer based on their portfolio and built work, not just their fee. Look for experience with projects similar to yours, specifically in your council area.

Come Prepared

You can save time by bringing clear information to the initial consultation. Have your site plan, sewer layout, and a Pinterest board of inspiration images ready to go.

Provide Honest Feedback

Efficient design relies on clear communication. If you dislike a suggestion, say so early.

Trust the Expertise

You are hiring a professional for their vision. Be open to ideas you hadn’t considered, as these often solve the trickiest site problems.

Questions to Ask Designers

• What is specifically included in your fee proposal?
• Do you handle the council planning permit process?
• How many revisions are included in the concept stage?
• Do you provide a detailed material schedule for quoting?
• Can you recommend trusted landscape builders?
• Is the fee a fixed sum or an hourly estimate?

Ready to Invest in Design?

Quality landscape design is an investment that pays dividends throughout your project and for years to come. Contact us to discuss your project and receive a tailored design proposal.