Common questions.
Everything you need to know about Bonsai homes — pricing, permits, materials, and the build process.
How much does a Bonsai home cost?
The Bonsai Studio starts from $99,000 and the One Bedroom from $169,900. These are ex-factory prices excluding GST. Final cost depends on your chosen interior style, fitout tier, site preparation, transport, and installation.
What's included in the price?
The ex-factory price includes the complete home structure with engineered steel framing, interior fitout to your chosen tier (Essential, Signature, or Premium), all fixtures and fittings, and quality assurance. Transport, site preparation, foundations, and utility connections are additional.
Are there any hidden costs?
No hidden costs. We provide a clear breakdown upfront. Additional costs beyond the ex-factory price typically include transport to your site, foundation works, utility connections (water, sewer, electrical), and any site-specific requirements like retaining walls or landscaping.
Do I need a planning permit for a granny flat in Victoria?
It depends on when you build and what type of dwelling. Victoria’s Dependent Person’s Unit (DPU) provisions expire on 28 March 2026 and are being replaced by new Small Secondary Dwelling (SSD) rules, which cap secondary dwellings at 60 square metres. Under the new SSD framework, a planning permit may not be required if your dwelling meets certain size and setback criteria — but a building permit is always required. Both Bonsai models (Studio at 31 m² and One Bedroom at 60 m²) fall within the new 60 m² cap. We recommend checking with your local council for site-specific requirements, and our team can guide you through the process.
What is a Class 1a dwelling?
Class 1a is the highest residential building classification under the National Construction Code (NCC). It applies to standalone houses and means the building must meet full compliance standards for structural integrity, fire safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility. Bonsai homes are designed to achieve Class 1a compliance.
Can I put a Bonsai home on my existing property?
In most cases, yes. Many Victorian properties can accommodate a secondary dwelling. Key factors include your block size, setback requirements, easements, and local planning overlays. Our team can do a preliminary site assessment to help you understand your options.
Why steel framing instead of timber?
Engineered steel framing offers several advantages: it doesn’t warp, twist, or shrink like timber; it’s termite-proof; it’s non-combustible (important for bushfire zones); and it allows for precision manufacturing with tolerances under 1mm. This means straighter walls, better-fitting finishes, and a longer-lasting structure.
What energy rating can a Bonsai home achieve?
Bonsai homes are designed to achieve up to 7-star energy ratings under the NatHERS scheme. This is accomplished through high-performance insulation, double-glazed windows, and careful thermal envelope design. The exact rating depends on your site orientation and location.
How long does a Bonsai home last?
Bonsai homes are built with engineered steel framing designed for a 50+ year structural lifespan. The steel frame carries manufacturer warranties, and the overall build quality is designed to meet or exceed standard residential construction longevity.
How long does it take from order to move-in?
The typical timeline is 12 to 16 weeks from confirmed order to delivery. This includes factory build time, transport, and on-site installation. Site preparation (foundations, utilities) should ideally be completed in parallel. Overall move-in ready timeline depends on site-specific factors.
Where are Bonsai homes built?
All Bonsai homes are built in our factory in Gisborne, Victoria. Factory construction means consistent quality control, weather-independent build schedules, and minimal waste. You’re welcome to visit the factory to see the build process firsthand.
Do you deliver outside Melbourne?
Yes. While we’re based in Melbourne, we deliver throughout Victoria and can arrange transport to other states. Transport costs vary by distance. Contact us for a delivery quote to your specific location.
Let's talk.
Our team is happy to answer any questions about your project, site, or the build process.