News3 November 2026
Knockdown Rebuild in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast: Where Do I Start?
By Kirsty & Brett Paterson, KIBA Built. Building custom homes across Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay since 2018.
Start with your block and your builder, not the demolisher. Knowing what your block allows, and designing your new home first, sets up everything else, from your finance to the knockdown itself.
Is a knockdown rebuild worth it?
If you love where you live but your home no longer suits you, it often is. You keep your street, your neighbours and your schools, and get a brand-new home designed around how you live now. For downsizers, it’s a way to go single-level and easy-care without leaving the neighbourhood.
What should I check about my block first?
Check what your block allows before anything else. Its size, slope and orientation, any easements, and council zoning and overlays (like flood, bushfire or character) all shape what you can build. Your council’s online mapping is a good first look, and we’ll help you work through what it means for your new home.
When should I talk to a builder?
Before you talk to a demolisher. We can design and develop your new home while you’re still living in the old one, so you know exactly what you’re building, and roughly what it costs, before anything comes down.
How does finance work for a knockdown rebuild?
Building loans work a little differently to a standard home loan, with payments made in stages as your home is built. Talk to your broker or lender early, and remember to plan and budget for where you’ll live during the build.
Who organises the demolition?
Your demolition contractor takes care of the house removal. We don’t do demolition ourselves, but we’ll point you in the right direction and guide you through getting your block ready. Older homes can contain asbestos, which needs a licensed removalist, and services like power, water and gas need to be disconnected before work starts.
What happens once the block is clear?
We take care of the rest: building your new home, start to finish.
The best time to start is before you’ve made any big decisions. Bring your own plans, design from scratch, or start with one of ours and make it yours. Every plan is a starting point.