How Much Does Landscape Design Cost in Melbourne? 2026 Guide
One of the most common questions we hear from Melbourne homeowners is “How much does landscape design cost?” It’s a fair question, and unfortunately, one without a simple answer.
Landscape design costs vary enormously based on project scope, site complexity, and the level of service required. This guide provides a transparent breakdown of what you can expect to invest in professional landscape design in Melbourne.
Design Fees vs Construction Costs
Before we look at the numbers, it is helpful to distinguish between design fees and construction costs. You should view these as separate investments in your property.
Design Fees - This is what you pay the designer for planning, drawing, and documenting your garden. Current industry standards in Melbourne typically place this at 5-15% of the total project budget.
Construction Costs - This figure covers what you pay contractors to build the garden. It represents the bulk of your landscaping investment and includes materials, labour, and machinery.
This guide focuses primarily on design fees, though we’ll touch on overall project costs as well.
Design Fee Structures
Melbourne landscape designers typically charge using one of three structures.
Fixed Fee
A set price for the entire design project is agreed upon upfront. We find this provides the most budget certainty for residential projects with a clear scope.
Typical ranges for 2026:
- Simple concept plan: $1,200 - $2,000
- Standard residential design: $3,000 - $6,000
- Comprehensive design package: $6,000 - $15,000
- Large or complex properties: $15,000 - $30,000+
Hourly Rate
Charging by the hour suits projects where the scope is unclear or likely to evolve. In 2026, experienced landscape architects and senior designers in Melbourne generally charge between $150 and $300 per hour. Junior designers or draftspersons may charge less, typically around $80 to $120 per hour.
Percentage of Construction
Some designers charge a percentage of the construction budget, typically 8-15%. This method aligns the designer’s compensation with the scale of the project but requires highly accurate construction estimates early in the process.
What Affects Design Fees?
Several factors influence how much you will pay for landscape design, especially in Melbourne’s unique terrain.
Property Size
Larger properties require more analysis, more detailed drawings, and more plant selections. A design for a 30m² courtyard in Richmond will naturally cost less than one for a 2,000m² estate in Warrandyte.
Site Complexity & Terrain
Challenging sites are the single biggest driver of design costs. If you live in suburbs like Ivanhoe, Doncaster, or Eltham, you likely have slopes that require specialized engineering.
Factors that increase complexity include:
- Steep or sloping terrain: This triggers the need for retaining wall engineering and slope stability reports.
- Poor drainage: Heavy clay soils common in the north-east often require complex sub-surface drainage systems.
- Access issues: Limited side access for machinery complicates both the design and the eventual build.
- Existing structures: Working around pools or heritage-listed trees requires careful preservation planning.
Council Planning & Overlays
Many eastern suburbs fall under strict planning overlays that increase design time. We frequently handle applications involving Significant Landscape Overlays (SLO) or Vegetation Protection Overlays (VPO), which require council permits before you can even prune a tree.
The “Hidden” Pre-Design Costs
Before a designer can draw a single line, you may need specific site data.
- Feature Survey: A licensed land surveyor maps your levels and boundaries (Approx. $1,800 - $2,800).
- Geotechnical Report: A soil engineer tests stability, which is mandatory for many retaining walls (Approx. $800 - $1,500).
- Arborist Report: Required if you are building near significant trees ($600 - $1,200).
What’s Included in Design Fees?
Understanding what you are paying for helps you compare quotes and assess value.
Basic Concept Design (typically $1,200-3,000)
- Initial site visit and consultation
- One concept plan showing overall layout
- General plant recommendations
- Basic material suggestions
- Note: These are usually not sufficient for builders to quote from accurately.
Standard Residential Design (typically $3,000-6,000)
Everything in the basic concept, plus:
- Detailed site analysis including level changes
- 2-3 concept options to explore different layouts
- Development of the chosen concept into a master plan
- Planting plan with species, pot sizes, and quantities
- Hardscape specifications (paving, decking, wall finishes)
- One round of revisions
Comprehensive Design Package (typically $6,000-15,000+)
Everything in the standard design, plus:
- Construction Documentation: Detailed cross-sections and technical drawings for builders.
- Lighting Design: A dedicated plan for low-voltage garden lighting.
- Engineering Coordination: Liaising with structural engineers for permits.
- Scope of Works: A written document outlining quality standards for the tender process.
- Site Visits: Scheduled inspections during the build to ensure design intent is met.
Design Fees in Context
To put design fees in perspective, consider these typical total project costs for Melbourne gardens in 2026. A good rule of thumb for structural landscaping is $400 to $1,000 per square metre.
| Project Type | Garden Size | Design Fees | Est. Construction Cost | Total Project Est. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Courtyard Makeover | 30-60m² | $1,500 - $3,000 | $25,000 - $50,000 | $26,500 - $53,000 |
| Standard Renovation | 100-200m² | $3,000 - $6,000 | $50,000 - $120,000 | $53,000 - $126,000 |
| Full Transformation | 200-400m² | $6,000 - $12,000 | $100,000 - $250,000 | $106,000 - $262,000 |
| Luxury / Estate | 500m²+ | $15,000 - $30,000 | $200,000 - $600,000+ | $215,000 - $630,000+ |
Free Design: Too Good to Be True?
Some landscaping companies offer “free design” as part of their service. While this might seem attractive, it is vital to understand the trade-offs involved.
Free designs typically:
- Lack Detail: They are often simple sketches rather than buildable plans.
- Limit Your Choice: They push you toward materials and plants the company stocks or prefers to install.
- Hidden Costs: The cost of the design is often absorbed into inflated construction margins.
- Ownership Issues: The design usually belongs to the company, meaning you cannot take it to other builders for competitive quotes.
Independent design gives you:
- Unbiased Recommendations: Material choices are based on your needs, not supplier deals.
- Competitive Tendering: You own the plans and can get quotes from three different landscape constructors.
- Legal Clarity: You have a documented plan that holds the builder accountable to a standard.
The few thousand dollars saved on free design often costs far more in the long run through suboptimal solutions and inflated construction variations.
Getting Value for Your Investment
Be Clear About Budget
Tell your designer your budget upfront. We can design a $50,000 garden or a $150,000 garden for the same space, but the materials and structural elements will differ significantly.
Define Scope Clearly
Ambiguity costs money. The clearer you are about your “must-haves” versus “nice-to-haves,” the more accurate the quote will be.
Don’t Skip Stages
It is tempting to jump straight from concept to construction, but detailed documentation prevents costly mistakes. A set of clear construction drawings resolves arguments with builders before they happen.
Ask What’s Included
Get a clear breakdown of what covers the fee. Does it include the lighting plan? Will they select furniture for you?
Consider the Long Term
A well-designed garden matures and adds value over decades. The difference between a standard paver and a premium natural stone might seem high now, but the longevity and aesthetic appeal often justify the initial outlay.
Questions to Ask About Pricing
When getting quotes from designers, ask these specific questions to uncover hidden costs:
- Who owns the copyright? Can I take these plans to another contractor if I choose not to build with you?
- Do you handle council permits? Is the time spent lodging planning permits included in the fee or charged hourly?
- How many revision rounds are included? What is the cost if I want to make changes after the second draft?
- Are site visits included during the build? Or is project management a separate percentage fee?
- Do you provide a plant maintenance schedule? Will I receive instructions on how to care for the new garden?
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Ready to Invest in Your Garden?
Quality landscape design is one of the best investments you can make in your home. The design fee is typically 5-15% of your total landscape investment, a small price for solutions that will bring pleasure for decades.
Contact us to discuss your project and receive a transparent quote for professional landscape design.
