How Much Does New-Build Landscaping Cost in South West WA?
Finishing a new home is exciting, but landscaping is often one of the last major costs homeowners need to plan for. It can also be difficult to estimate because every block is different.
A smaller project may include turf, a few garden beds and basic reticulation. A more complete landscape could include extensive site preparation, a larger turfed area, planting, steel edging, stone footpaths and a dedicated fire pit area.
As a broad guide, a smaller landscaping project may cost between $5,000 and $15,000, while a more complete front or backyard transformation may fall between $15,000 and $50,000 or more.
These figures are only a starting point. The final price will depend on the size and condition of the property, access, material choices and the amount of preparation required.
What Can You Achieve With Different Landscaping Budgets?
No two projects are the same, but the following ranges can help homeowners understand what may be realistic. For an exact quote, get in touch with us today, and we will get back to you within 1 business day to discuss your project.
Under $10,000
A budget below $10,000 may suit a smaller area or a project with a limited scope.
Depending on the site, this could include:
A modest area of turf
Simple garden beds
A smaller selection of plants
Mulch
Steel garden edging
Minor soil preparation
A simple reticulation system
This budget is more achievable when access is straightforward, the existing levels are suitable, and the site does not require extensive excavation or soil removal.
For a full front-and-back landscape, completing the work in stages may be more practical.
$10,000 to $25,000
This range may allow for a more complete landscape around a smaller new home.
It could include a combination of:
Premium buffalo turf
Reticulation for turf and garden beds
Improved soil
Planted and mulched garden beds
Steel garden edging
A compacted stone footpath
A simple fire pit area
Site preparation and levelling
How much can be included will still depend heavily on the size of the property and the condition in which the builder leaves the site.
$25,000 to $50,000+ (exc GST)
A larger budget may be required when landscaping both the front and rear of the property or creating a more detailed outdoor space.
This could include:
Larger turf and garden areas
Multiple reticulation zones
Extensive planting
Advanced plants or trees
Steel edging throughout the garden
Compacted stone footpaths
Stepping stones
A larger fire pit and entertaining area
Considerable excavation or soil removal
Difficult site access
Premium materials, larger areas and extensive preparation can quickly increase the overall cost.
What Affects the Cost of New-Build Landscaping?
The size of the garden matters, but it is only one part of the price. The condition of the site and the preparation required can have an equally significant effect.
1. The Condition of the Site
New-build blocks are not always left ready for landscaping.
The site may contain:
Compacted builder’s sand or fill
Buried rubble and construction waste
Concrete residue
Poor or uneven levels
Weeds
Soil that does not retain moisture
Areas that become wet during winter
Limited clearance below paving, doors or weep holes
Before turf, paths or garden beds can be installed, the site may need to be cleared, excavated, levelled or improved with suitable soil.
A yard that looks like an empty area of sand may still require considerable preparation before landscaping can begin.
2. Access to the Property
Good access can make landscaping faster and more cost-effective.
Wide side access or rear-lane access may allow machinery to enter the property and materials to be delivered closer to where they are needed.
Narrow side gates, completed fencing, air-conditioning units and neighbouring structures can mean that soil, turf, plants, mulch and stone need to be moved by hand.
Restricted access increases labour and can limit the type of machinery used on the project.
3. Turf Area and Turf Variety
Turf is generally priced by the square metre, but the turf itself is only one part of the installation cost.
A complete turf installation may require:
Removal of unsuitable material
New turf soil
Soil amendments and wetting agent
Levelling and preparation
Reticulation
Turf supply and delivery
Laying and rolling
Establishment watering
At Karri Coast Landscaping, we generally install a premium buffalo turf variety. It creates an attractive, soft lawn and is a practical option for many South West homes, including gardens with a combination of sun and partial shade.
The most suitable turf will still depend on the amount of sunlight, how the lawn will be used, the soil conditions and the homeowner’s maintenance preferences.
4. Reticulation
Reticulation is an important part of the landscaping budget, particularly when installing new turf and plants.
A small garden may only need one or two zones. A larger property with turf, garden beds and different watering requirements may require several separate zones.
The cost will depend on:
The size and layout of the property
The number of zones
Available water pressure and flow
The location of the water connection
Whether sprinklers or dripline are required
The amount of trenching involved
Although reticulation adds to the initial cost, it is usually easier to install while the property is still bare rather than adding it after the turf, planting and paths have been completed.
At Karri Coast Landscaping, we install reticulation systems using Bluetooth‑compatible Hunter controllers as standard, allowing you to manage watering schedules conveniently from your smartphone.
5. Plant Quantities and Sizes
The cost of planting depends on more than the total number of plants.
Smaller plants cost less initially but take longer to fill the garden. More advanced plants create a stronger immediate result but can increase the material and installation cost considerably.
The final planting budget will be influenced by:
Plant pot sizes
Total quantities
The species selected
Mature plant spacing
Screening and privacy requirements
Whether trees are included
Soil preparation
Stakes and guards
Mulch
Irrigation
Correct spacing is important. Installing too many plants may make the garden look full immediately, but it can lead to overcrowding as the plants mature.
We consider each plant’s mature height and width rather than choosing quantities based only on how the garden will look on installation day.
6. Steel Garden Edging
At Karri Coast Landscaping, we use Corten Steel Edging to create clean separation between turf, garden beds, paths and stone areas.
Steel edging can be used to form:
Straight garden borders
Curved garden beds
Defined turf edges
Footpaths
Tree rings
Fire pit areas
The amount of edging required and the complexity of the layout will affect the cost. The steel product is available in multiple heights to achieve different effects. Taller profiles can be used to create raised beds, but they will increase the overall project cost.
7. Footpath Material
The type of stone selected for a footpath can make a noticeable difference to the overall landscaping price.
A recycled concrete rubble or limestone rubble path is a practical, budget-friendly option. It can suit relaxed, natural-looking gardens while providing a defined and usable walkway.
At the other end of the scale, riverstone is a premium product. The material is generally more expensive, and its rounded shape can require additional care during preparation and installation.
Other stone choices may sit between these two options. When comparing materials, it is important to consider:
The purchase price
Delivery costs
The depth required
Base preparation
Compaction
Whether stepping stones will be included
How comfortable the surface will be to walk on
How the colour works with the home and the surrounding garden
Choosing a budget stone for larger areas and reserving a premium product for a smaller feature area can help control costs.
8. Fire Pit Areas
Fire pit areas are a particularly popular addition to South West gardens.
They provide a defined place to gather outdoors and can help turn an unused section of the backyard into a practical entertaining space.
A landscaped fire pit area may include:
Excavation and levelling
A compacted stone surface
Steel edging
Stepping-stone access
Surrounding garden beds
Screening plants
Mulch and irrigation
The cost will depend on the size of the area, the stone selected and the amount of preparation required.
Recycled concrete rubble can provide a more affordable surface, while riverstone creates a more premium finish. The shape of the area and the amount of steel edging required will also affect the price.
The location should be planned carefully, taking into account nearby structures, fencing, vegetation and applicable fire restrictions. The fire pit appliance itself should always be installed and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions and local requirements.
Is It Cheaper to Landscape Everything at Once?
Completing the landscape as one coordinated project can be more efficient because labour, machinery and materials are already being organised for the site.
It also allows the work to be completed in a practical order:
Site clearing and preparation
Levels and excavation
Reticulation
Steel edging and paths
Soil preparation
Planting and mulching
Turf installation
Completing the work in stages can still be a sensible option when the full project is outside the current budget.
The important thing is to plan the finished layout before beginning. This helps avoid installing turf where a future path or fire pit area will go or disturbing established garden beds to install reticulation later.
How Can You Keep Landscaping Costs Under Control?
Reducing costs does not have to mean compromising on the important groundwork.
It is usually best to prioritise the elements that are difficult to change later, such as:
Correct levels
Site preparation
Soil improvement
Reticulation
Main paths
Steel edging
Costs may then be managed by:
Choosing smaller plants
Keeping the plant selection simple
Reducing the initial turf area
Using recycled concrete rubble instead of premium riverstone
Completing secondary garden areas later
Concentrating the budget on the most frequently used spaces
It is generally better to complete a smaller area properly than to spread the budget across the entire property without adequate preparation.
What Information Should You Provide When Requesting a Quote?
To help us understand your project, it is useful to provide:
The property address
A description of what you would like completed
Photos of the current site
A site or house plan, when available
Your preferred timeframe
Any estate landscaping requirements
Information about side or rear access
An approximate budget or budget range
Providing a budget does not mean the quote will automatically increase to match it. It allows us to recommend a realistic scope and suggest materials that suit the amount you are comfortable spending.
Request a New-Build Landscaping Quote
Karri Coast Landscaping provides practical landscaping solutions for new homes throughout Margaret River and surrounding South West areas.
Our services include turf installation, reticulation, soil preparation, planting, mulching, steel garden edging, stone footpaths and fire pit areas.
Every property is different, so the most accurate way to understand the cost is through a site assessment and detailed quote. Contact us with some information about your new home, and we will arrange a time to discuss your project.
