Building Where It Makes Sense: Affordability of Regional vs Metro Builds

Housing affordability is top of mind for just about everyone right now. Whether you’re a first home buyer dreaming of a space to make your own or a growing family looking for your forever home, the question is the same: Where can we afford to build the home we really want?

When it comes to getting more value for your dollar, think about areas outside the Sydney metro, such as the Hunter, Illawarra, Western Sydney fringe, North-West Sydney or South-West Sydney. Not only is it cheaper, but your new house build cost often stretches further, meaning more room, more upgrades and less compromise.

At Eden Brae, we’ve been building in these areas for years. Here’s what you need to know about the cost of building a new home in regional versus metro locations, and why “regional” might just be the key to unlocking your dream build.

What Do We Mean by “Regional”?

When we say regional, we’re not talking about remote paddocks or tiny country towns. We mean growing hubs on the outer edge of Sydney and beyond, including places like:

• The Hunter Region (Maitland, Thornton, Chisholm)
• Wollongong and the Illawarra
• Outer Western Sydney (like Oran Park, Marsden Park or Camden)

These areas still offer great access to schools, transport and shopping, while providing more space, less congestion and often a much friendlier price tag.

Land Prices: More Block for Your Buck

While materials and finishes affect your new house build cost, the location of your land can make a surprisingly big difference. Land in metro areas, especially closer to the Sydney CBD, often comes with a premium price tag. In these areas, you’ll often spend a large chunk of your budget just securing a small block before you’ve even started building.

In contrast, building in a regional growth area often means you can secure a larger block for a lower price, leaving more room in your budget for the things you care about, like a larger living space, a butler’s pantry or that outdoor alfresco you’ve always wanted.

Real-world example: A suburb such as Chisholm or North Rothbury could have a 600m² block at a significantly lower cost than a 300m² block in areas like Strathfield or Marrickville, while still being close enough to commute to the CBD without any hassle.

Build Costs: Similar Base, Smarter Choices

While the cost to physically build a home (bricks, mortar, timber, labour) remains relatively consistent regardless of the location, building in regional areas can sometimes offer savings through more flexible site conditions, lower council fees and simpler planning requirements.

In new land releases, especially in the Western Sydney or Hunter growth corridors, the land blocks are generally flatter, larger and easier to build on, which can avoid extra costs like:

• Retaining walls
• Complex piering
• Site cuts or fills

And because you're starting with a lower-cost land component, you're generally going to be in a better position to indulge in your finishes or choose a design with more room, without hurting your wallet.

Lifestyle Perks (That Cost Less)

Building further out doesn’t just save you money. It provides the kind of lifestyle that’s becoming harder to find in the inner city:

• Room for a proper backyard
• Space between neighbours
• Quieter streets and a sense of community

For young families, that could mean cycling down the footpath or barbecuing in the backyard at the weekend. For remote or downsizing employees, it's simply quiet solitude and the ability to access essential services without the chaos. 

With infrastructure investment continuing across regions like the Hunter and Illawarra, access to transport, healthcare and schooling is only improving.

Commute vs Comfort

Building in a regional area may result in a longer commute to the CBD, but hybrid work has transformed the landscape. More people are working from home at least part of the week, which means living further out doesn’t necessarily mean compromising your lifestyle.

Many of our clients say that having the space to work in a dedicated study has been a game-changer, and one they could only afford by building outside the metro core.

Eden Brae Builds Where You Want to Live

We’ve designed our home range to suit various block sizes and shapes, from urban narrow lots to generous regional blocks. That means wherever you choose to build, from the edge of Western Sydney to the Hunter Valley, we have a home design to match.

Our team knows the regional councils, land estates and building conditions like the back of our hand. So whether you’re dreaming of acreage near the Hawkesbury or a family haven in Newcastle, we’ll help you make the most of your land and budget.

It’s About Value, Not Just Price

Building your dream home isn’t just about finding the cheapest block or the lowest cost per square metre. It’s about getting the most value for your lifestyle, your family and your future.

For many Eden Brae families, that value lives just beyond the metro borders, offering places where the air is clearer, the blocks are bigger and the perfect home doesn’t feel so far out of reach. New house build costs in metro areas can limit your floor plan options, while in a regional estate, you might be able to build a larger home for less money.

Thinking About Building Further Out?

If you’re weighing up a city block versus a regional one, comparing the total new house build cost is a smart place to start, especially when every dollar counts.