Understanding Landscape Design Costs in Melbourne
You know how everyone warns you about the “hidden costs” of building a house? From what we’ve seen in Melbourne’s north-eastern and inner-eastern suburbs, the landscape budget is often the biggest surprise of all. Most homeowners look at their steep driveway or overgrown backyard and guess a figure, only to find out that earthworks alone might eat up half that amount.
We find that realistic budgeting is the only way to avoid that shock. Instead of just throwing out a number, this guide breaks down exactly where your money goes in 2026, from the mandatory council fees in Boroondara or Manningham to the real cost of retaining a sloping block.
Let’s look at the data, what it’s actually telling us, and then explore a few practical ways to respond.
What Are You Actually Paying For?
Professional landscape design fees cover several key deliverables that go far beyond a simple sketch.
Site Analysis and Assessment
Before we draw a single line, we need to understand the constraints of your land.
- Feature and Level Survey: You cannot design accurately on a slope without this. It typically costs between $1,800 and $4,500 depending on block size and tree density.
- Soil and Drainage Assessment: Melbourne’s reactive clay soils require specific engineering. A geotechnical report usually adds $600 to $1,200.
- Vegetation Assessment: If you have large gum trees or protected species, an arborist report may be required for council, costing $500 to $1,500.
Design Development
- Concept exploration and refinement
- Client meetings and consultations
- Material and plant research (finding the right Lomandra or Correa for your soil)
- Multiple revision rounds
Documentation
- Scaled drawings for construction
- Planting plans with species schedules
- Material specifications (e.g., specifying “Endicott” vs. “Bluestone” pavers)
- Cost estimates
Project Coordination
- Council application assistance (handling the VPO or SLO paperwork)
- Contractor briefings
- Construction support
Typical Fee Structures in Melbourne
Melbourne landscape designers typically use one of these fee structures.
Percentage of Construction Cost
This model is standard for comprehensive projects because it scales with complexity.
- Fees: Usually 8-15% of the estimated construction budget.
- Example: For a $150,000 project involving retaining walls and a pool surround, the fee would range from $12,000 to $22,500.
- Benefit: This aligns the designer’s effort with the project’s scale.
Fixed Fee Packages
These are excellent for budget certainty, especially for straightforward blocks.
- Concept Design: $2,500 - $6,000 (Good for a front garden or flat backyard).
- Detailed Design: $5,000 - $15,000 (Includes lighting and material plans).
- Full Documentation: $10,000 - $25,000+ (Required for tendering to multiple builders).
Hourly Rates
We often use this for consulting on specific issues, like drainage problems or plant health.
- Junior Designer: $80 - $120 per hour.
- Senior Landscape Architect: $150 - $250 per hour.
- Usage: Best for site consultations or small revisions.
Factors That Influence Cost
The “Sloping Block” Factor
If you live in Doncaster, Templestowe, or the Dandenongs, your topography is the single biggest cost driver. Steeper blocks require engineered retaining walls, which significantly increase both design and construction fees.
| Retaining Wall Type | Estimated Cost (Supply & Install) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Treated Pine Sleepers | $250 - $350 per m² | Budget-conscious, short-term solutions |
| Concrete Sleepers | $450 - $700 per m² | High durability, modern look, tight spaces |
| Rendered Blockwork | $400 - $680+ per m² | Premium finish, integrated seating, luxury aesthetic |
We also have to factor in access difficulties. If a machine cannot access your backyard, hand-excavation can double the labour cost for earthworks.
Level of Documentation
More detailed documentation costs more upfront but provides better outcomes during the build.
Basic Concept Only
- Simple layout plan
- General plant suggestions
- Basic material notes
- Fee range: $2,500 - $5,000
Standard Design Package
- Detailed master plan
- Planting plan with schedules
- Material specifications
- Fee range: $5,000 - $12,000
Comprehensive Documentation
- Full construction drawings
- Engineering coordination (structural engineering for walls >1m high)
- Council application support
- Fee range: $10,000 - $25,000+
Council Requirements
Projects in areas with a Vegetation Protection Overlay (VPO) or Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO)—common in Boroondara and Manningham—trigger additional costs.
- Planning Permit Fees: State government fees for 2025/26 set a Class 4 permit (works $100k-$500k) at approximately $1,462.50.
- VicSmart Applications: For minor tree removal or small works, fees are lower, around $226.90.
- Consultant Fees: You may need a dedicated town planner or arborist, adding $1,500 - $3,000 to the design phase.
Design Complexity
Some design elements require more expertise.
- Swimming Pools: Integrating a pool requires fencing compliance and coping details.
- Structures: Pergolas and decks over 25m² often need building permits.
- Drainage: Sub-surface drainage is critical for clay soils to prevent waterlogging.
Getting Value from Your Investment
Why Professional Design Is Worth It
The design fee typically represents 8-15% of your total project cost. We find that this investment prevents the expensive “redo” work that happens when site issues are ignored.
Avoided Mistakes
- Site problems identified early: We catch drainage issues before a paver is laid.
- Appropriate solutions designed: We specify plants that survive Melbourne’s erratic weather.
- Costly changes prevented: A paper revision costs nothing compared to moving a concrete wall.
- Better contractor quotes: Detailed plans allow builders to quote accurately, reducing “variations.”
Better Outcomes
- Professional expertise applied
- Cohesive design vision
- Appropriate plant selection
- Long-term success
Budget Control
- Accurate cost estimates
- Staging options identified
- Value engineering possible
- No surprise discoveries
What Happens Without Professional Design?
We regularly see gardens where owners tried to save on design.
- Inappropriate plant selections failing within years
- Drainage problems causing ongoing issues
- Poor spatial planning wasting potential
- Materials that don’t work together
- Costly reconstructions needed
The design fee typically saves multiples of its cost in avoided problems.
Budgeting for Your Project
Total Project Budget Planning
A useful framework for Melbourne projects in 2026 looks like this.
| Budget Range | Typical Scope |
|---|---|
| $40,000 - $60,000 | Courtyard refresh, small backyard with basic paving |
| $60,000 - $120,000 | Comprehensive backyard transformation with decking & planting |
| $120,000 - $250,000 | Large property, pool integration, retaining walls |
| $250,000+ | Estate-scale, luxury finishes, tennis court, major earthworks |
Within these budgets, allocate 10-15% for professional design fees if your block is sloping or complex.
When to Invest More in Design
Consider higher design investment when specific triggers exist.
- Your site has significant fall (more than 1 metre).
- The project involves multiple contractors (pool, landscape, builder).
- Council approvals are required (VPO, SLO, Heritage).
- You want exceptional outcomes.
- The construction budget is substantial.
When Basic Design Suffices
Simpler design packages may be appropriate in certain cases.
- The project is straightforward.
- You have building/design experience.
- You’ll manage contractors yourself.
- Budget is very constrained.
- The scope is limited (single garden bed, etc.).
Questions to Ask Designers
When obtaining quotes, you should dig deeper than just the price.
- What’s included in the fee? Does this include the feature survey or is that extra?
- How do you handle council overlays? Have you worked with the Boroondara or Manningham planning departments before?
- Do you manage the engineering? Who coordinates the structural engineer for retaining walls?
- How many revision rounds are included?
- What documentation will I receive?
- Do you provide cost estimates?
- How do you handle changes during design?
- What support do you provide during construction?
Our Approach to Fees
At David Claude Landscape Design, we structure fees based on project scope.
Initial Consultation: Complimentary for suitable projects.
Concept Design: Fixed fee based on property size and complexity.
Detailed Design: Fixed fee or percentage of construction budget.
Full Service: Design plus construction management for comprehensive support.
We provide detailed written proposals so you understand exactly what you’re getting and what it costs before committing.
Making Your Decision
Professional landscape design is an investment that protects and enhances your much larger construction investment. The right designer will save you money, time, and frustration while delivering outcomes you’ll enjoy for decades.
Contact us for a complimentary consultation to discuss your project and receive a tailored proposal.
