It’s one of the first questions homeowners ask, and understandably so — a rebuild usually means living somewhere else while it happens. The honest answer is that most Melbourne knockdown rebuilds run from around 9 to 18 months from start to finish, depending on your block, your design and how smoothly approvals go.

Here’s a realistic look at where the time actually goes.

The two halves of a rebuild

People tend to picture construction when they think about timelines. But a rebuild has two distinct halves: everything that happens before a brick is laid, and the build itself. The pre-construction half is often the part that stretches, because it depends on design decisions, approvals and council.

Stage by stage

Feasibility and design (roughly 1–3 months)

You assess the block, choose a floor plan and facade, and work through your selections. The pace here is largely set by you — the more decisive you are, the faster it moves. Taking time to get the design right is time well spent.

Permits and approvals (roughly 2–4 months, sometimes longer)

Your new home needs the right approvals before work begins. A straightforward block needing only a building permit moves faster. If a planning permit is required — for example, where an overlay applies — this stage can take considerably longer. Heritage overlays in particular can add months, as we explain in our guide to heritage overlays and knockdown rebuilds.

This stage also includes your soil test, engineering and the energy rating assessment now required on every new Victorian home.

Demolition and site preparation (roughly 2–4 weeks)

Once approvals are in place and services are disconnected, the existing home comes down. Demolition itself is quick — it’s the coordination beforehand that takes the time.

Construction (roughly 5–9 months)

Your new home is built in clear stages:

• Slab — the foundation is laid.

• Frame — the structure goes up and the shape of your home appears.

• Lock-up — roof, windows and external walls are in, and the home becomes weathertight.

• Fixing — internal work begins: cabinetry, doors, fixtures and finishes.

• Completion — final touches, cleaning and quality checks.

A single-storey home is generally quicker than a double-storey, and the complexity of your design and finishes plays a part too.

Handover (the final step)

A final inspection, then the keys are yours. With a turnkey build, the home is finished and ready to move into — driveway, floor coverings and all.

What can affect your timeline

A few things commonly add time, and it helps to plan for them:

• Planning permits and overlays — the single biggest variable for many rebuilds.

• Weather — extended wet periods can slow site work.

• Variations — changing your mind mid-build adds time as well as cost.

• Trades and materials — availability can shift the schedule.

• Your decisions — selections made promptly keep things moving.

Planning around the build

Because your existing home comes down at the start, you’ll need somewhere to live for the full build period. Budget realistically for 12–18 months of temporary accommodation, plus the cost of moving and storage. It’s one of the most commonly underestimated parts of a rebuild, so build it into your plan early.

A builder who keeps things moving

A clear timeline depends on a builder who plans well, communicates honestly and keeps the project on track — rather than leaving you guessing.

That’s how we work at Vero Living — you can see exactly how we build your home, stage by stage. For the full picture of what a rebuild involves, see our complete knockdown rebuild guide, or get in touch and we’ll talk through a realistic timeline for your block.