When building a home, there are several often overlooked or “hidden” costs that can catch people off guard beyond the more obvious bank fees, legal fees, and so on.  Here’s a more comprehensive list:

Site Preparation Soil testing, land clearing, demolition, retaining walls, cut and fill adjustments
Council & Regulatory Fees Development application fees, building permits, inspections, connection approvals
Service Connections Water, sewerage, electricity, gas, NBN installation or relocation fees
Design Changes Variations to plans, upgrades to materials or finishes, customisation charges
Construction Contingency Unforeseen structural issues, delays, weather-related extensions
Landscaping & Fencing Driveways, gardens, turfing, fencing, retaining walls not included in base contract
Temporary Services Site toilet, security fencing, temporary power or water
Builders’ Margins on Variations Added % markup when you make a variation after the contract is signed
Insurance Builders warranty insurance, construction insurance, contents insurance (mid-build)
Interim/Progress Interest Interest charged by the bank during the construction phase as the loan is progressively drawn
Stamp Duty (on land) Often overlooked when buying land separately from the house
Title Registration & Settlement Adjustments Council rates, water rates, and strata levies (if applicable)
Window Furnishings Curtains, blinds, shutters – usually excluded from the build contract
Appliances Fridges, washing machines, and sometimes ovens/dishwashers if not included
Post-handover Repairs Minor defects not covered by the builder, or maintenance costs