Understanding Landscape Design Costs in Regional Victoria: What Homeowners Need to Know
If you're living in Regional Victoria and planning to transform your outdoor space, you've likely asked yourself, “How much does landscape design cost?” It’s a fair question—and an important one. Whether you're starting with a blank canvas or updating an existing garden, understanding the cost of landscape design helps you make informed decisions, avoid nasty surprises, and ensure a result that aligns with your vision and lifestyle.
At JFK Garden Designs, we specialise in turning outdoor spaces into functional, beautiful environments that feel like an extension of your home. And part of delivering that experience is making sure you understand what goes into your investment.
In this article, we’ll break down the cost of landscape design in Regional Victoria, what factors influence pricing, the differences between design and construction costs, and how to get the most value from your project.
Why Smart Homeowners Invest in Landscape Design? And how a design first approached can save you thousands of dollars.
Before diving into the numbers, it’s worth addressing why hiring a professional landscape designer like Julius from JFK Garden Designs is one of the smartest investments you can make.
Clarity and Vision: A good design brings your ideas to life in a practical way.
Efficiency: Avoid costly mistakes during construction with proper planning.
Increased Property Value: Professionally landscaped homes can increase value by 5–15%. And adding a landscaped pool area can add up to 11.5% in value to a home.
Liveability: A well-designed garden isn’t just beautiful—it’s usable, sustainable, and enhances your lifestyle.
What Influences Landscape Design Cost in Regional Victoria?
Unlike metro areas like Melbourne, landscape design costs in Regional Victoria are influenced by several unique factors:
1. Size and Scope of Your Project
Naturally, a larger or more complex garden will cost more to design. A simple planting plan for a front yard refresh will cost substantially less than a full-scale backyard transformation involving retaining walls, a pool, and custom paving.
2. Property Access and Site Conditions
Sloped blocks, poor soil conditions, or limited access for machinery can all impact the overall cost—not just of construction, but of the design process itself. Designs for challenging blocks require more detail and planning.
3. Your Vision and Preferences
Do you want a modern, minimalist space with clean lines? Or a lush, resort-style garden with multiple zones? The complexity of the style you want (and the features involved) will influence the design hours required—and therefore, the price.
4. Council Regulations and Permits
In many areas of Regional Victoria, especially in bushfire-prone zones or heritage areas, designs need to comply with local overlays and planning regulations. This adds time and complexity to the design process.
5. Experience of the Designer
Like any professional service, you’re not just paying for time—you’re paying for expertise. Julius brings personal, local experience to each project, ensuring the design is both beautiful and functional, tailored to the climatic requirements of central Victoria. Julius takes time to understand both you and your vision, so that the landscape design reflects your personality as well as your lifestyle.
Landscape Design Cost in Regional Victoria (2025 Guide)
Let’s talk about real-world expectations—not just numbers.
While every landscape project is unique, the cost of design typically scales with the scope, complexity, and overall construction budget of your project. Instead of fixed price brackets, it’s more helpful to think about your design investment as a proportion of your total landscape and outdoor spaces spent.
Here’s a general guide to how that plays out:
Design is typically 5–10% of your total construction budget. For example, investing $3K–$6K in landscape design for a $60K+ project isn’t just practical—it’s how you ensure your garden and outdoor spaces feels cohesive, stunning, and truly reflects your lifestyle.
What's Included in a Landscape Design Package?
At JFK Garden Designs, a typical design process includes:
Initial Consultation:
We visit your site, discuss your goals, and understand your lifestyle and how you use your space.
Site Analysis: Measurements, photos, notes on soil, sun, drainage, and existing features.
Concept Plan: A preliminary layout showing zones, pathways, planting areas, and key features.
Revisions and Refinement: We work with you to fine-tune the plan until you’re thrilled with the direction.
Final Master Plan: A detailed drawing ready for quoting or construction, often including planting schedules, materials, lighting, and irrigation.
Optional 3D Visualisation or Walkthroughs: For larger projects or visual clients, we offer optional 3D renders or walkthroughs to bring the design to life before a shovel hits the ground.
Landscape Design vs Construction Costs
It’s important to distinguish between the design cost and the build cost.
Design cost is your planning phase—this is where vision, creativity, and feasibility come together.
Construction cost covers everything from excavation to planting and finishing details.
As a general guide, landscape construction can range from $300 to $1,200+ per square metre, depending on materials and complexity. For a complete backyard transformation in Regional Victoria, a $50,000–$150,000+ budget is not uncommon.
That’s why investing in proper design upfront is essential—it ensures every dollar of your construction budget is spent wisely.
Budgeting Tips for Regional Homeowners
Julius has worked with many homeowners across Regional Victoria, from Rutherglen to Echuca and everywhere in between. Here are a few tips to help you budget wisely:
Be Clear on Priorities
Think about how you’ll use the space—entertaining, relaxing, kids play, pets? Prioritise these elements in the design.
Phase Your Project
Can’t afford to do it all at once? A master plan allows you to stage the build over time, without wasting money on temporary fixes.
Invest in the Right Areas
Things like good drainage, soil prep, and layout might not be sexy—but they’re crucial for long-term success and low maintenance.
Choose the Right Designer
Someone who understands Regional Victorian conditions—climate, soil, local regulations—will save you time and money in the long run. Someone who takes the time to visit your home, wherever you are in Central Victoria, not just look at satellite images. And someone who designs bespoke outdoor spaces tailored to your lifestyle and budget.
Why Work with JFK Garden Designs?
JFK Garden Designs is proudly based in Regional Victoria, and we understand the local context like the back of our hand. Julius brings years of experience designing outdoor spaces that don’t just look great, but feel right for the climate, the architecture, and most importantly—you.
Our designs combine aesthetic beauty with function, sustainability, and longevity. We don’t just draw pretty plans—we create outdoor spaces that elevate your lifestyle.
Here’s what sets us apart:
Deep local knowledge of Regional Victoria’s climate, soil, and plant life
Personalised service, from concept to final plan
Design-led thinking with practical construction experience
Clear, honest pricing with no surprise fees
Final Thoughts: Your Dream Garden Starts with the Right Plan
Designing a garden isn’t just about plants and paving—it’s about creating a space that brings joy every time you step outside. Whether you’re building a new home or upgrading your current garden, a smart, well-thought-out design is the best investment you can make.
So, if you're curious about landscape design cost in Regional Victoria, the best place to start is with a chat.
At JFK Garden Designs, we’d love to hear your ideas and show you how JFK Garden Designs can bring them to life—beautifully, practically, and within your budget.
Ready to Transform Your Outdoor Space?
Contact Julius at JFK Garden Designs today to book your initial consultation and get a custom quote tailored to your home, goals, and budget.
