What Does It Cost to Build a House in Dunedin in 2025?

Written By Koren Panirau

🏡 What Does It Cost to Build a House in Dunedin in 2025?

Thinking of building a new home in Dunedin this year? You’re not alone — and one of the most common questions we get asked is: “How much will it cost?”

Here’s what to expect in 2025 based on real-world figures, local experience, and what’s driving prices.

🧮 The Short Answer

For a standard 3-bedroom home in Dunedin, build costs generally range from $2,800 to $3,500+ per square metre, depending on your section, finishes, and layout.

🏗 Key Factors That Influence Price

  • Site conditions – Sloping sites, poor soil, and limited access will all increase site prep costs.

  • Design type – A standard gable-roof house will be far more affordable than a complex architectural build.

  • Size & layout – Open-plan kitchens, multiple bathrooms, and higher ceilings all affect cost per m².

  • Finish level – Things like timber flooring, custom kitchens, and upgraded cladding (e.g. Cedar, Abodo) add up.

đź“Š Real-World Example from Next Level

One of our recent new builds in Dunedin is 166 m² and is priced at $515,000 incl. GST (excluding land, services outside of house & earthworks maximum of 500mm deep for ribraft slab). It features:

  • Plaster & Cedar cladding

  • Coloursteel® roof

  • Mid-spec kitchen and bathrooms

đź’¸ Hidden Costs You Might Overlook

  • Consent fees and professional reports (e.g. Geotech)

  • Retaining walls or building on sloped sections

  • Driveway, landscaping, fences, decks

  • Construction finance interest or holding costs

  • Utility connections (power, water, fibre)

âś… How to Get an Accurate Estimate

Getting a price per square metre is a great start — but every site and project is different. That’s why we recommend talking to a builder early.

At Next Level Building & Construction, we help you:

  • Assess land options and build placement

  • Recommend plan layouts that suit your goals

  • Estimate build costs based on real trades pricing — not guesses

  • Manage everything from building consent through to final inspection

đź“ž Ready to Talk?

We’re based right here in Dunedin and help clients from Mosgiel to Brighton.

Call us on 027 216 0664
Email: manu@nextlevelbuild.co.nz
Or get in touch here

Koren Panirau