How Much Does a Landscape Design Cost in Sydney

A well-designed garden has a quiet magic. It lifts the look of your home, creates spaces that feel inviting, and makes everyday living a little easier. Good design solves problems. It improves how you move around your yard, how you entertain, and how you relax. It also increases the value of your property. When clients ask how much does a landscape design cost, they are really asking what they can expect in return. The answer is an outdoor space that is thoughtful, practical, and ready to be installed with confidence.

What Services We Provide

Our design process is built around understanding your needs and giving you a clear path forward. Every project begins with a design consultation to understand your requirements, challenges and the opportunities hidden in the site. This session is also where we collaborate on ideas to bring your outdoor vision to life. Along the way we research plants and materials that fit your budget and are available in the current market.

We prepare a scaled plan for installation so you know exactly how the garden will come together. You will receive an early ballpark estimate of installation costs to help you set a realistic budget. When you are ready to build, we can refer trusted trades who specialise in landscape installation. After the garden is complete, we provide maintenance notes and follow up to help you settle into your new space with ease.

What Influences the Cost of a Landscape Design

Landscape design is a service built around clarity and planning. It starts with a design consultation. This is where we walk through the site, talk about your goals, understand the challenges, and explore ideas. A consultation usually costs between $250 to $500 depending on the size and complexity of the property.

After this stage comes the full design. This is where after site measurement and through research of the property we draw up the plan you will use for installation. You will receive a scaled drawing that shows layout, planting, and key features. Smaller properties usually start from $1200. For larger blocks over six hundred square metres, pricing begins at $1600. If your project covers the whole residential property including front, back and sides, you can expect design fees to start from $2000 depending on the size and complexity of the property. For commercial sites, we prepare a proposal after the consultation because the needs vary from business to business.

Why Prices Differ Between Designers

You may notice a wide range of prices across the industry. Designers and architects charge based on their style, experience, and the market they work in. If a designer has a strong personal brand or is seen as a leader in the field, their pricing often reflects that. Some specialise in high end work while others focus on quick concept plans. The value lies in how well their approach aligns with your vision.

Alternative Design Options

Some experienced landscapers offer hand drawn sketches. If this suits your project and you feel confident with the level of detail, they can be a good option. Many landscape construction companies also offer design services. Some have in-house designers while others outsource to specialists. Pricing will vary depending on who prepares the drawings and the level of detail included.

A landscape design is more than a pretty picture. It is the roadmap for your outdoor space and sets up the entire project for success. Understanding how pricing works helps you choose the right designer and invest in a plan that supports the garden you want to build.

Conclusion

How much does a landscape design cost depends on several factors, including the size of your garden, design complexity, material choices, and whether you want basic planning or a fully detailed design package. While simple designs can be budget-friendly, more customised plans with 3D visuals and plant schedules may cost more but offer better long-term value. Investing in professional landscape design helps avoid costly mistakes, improves functionality, and enhances property value—making it a smart choice for achieving a beautiful, well-planned outdoor space.

Frequently Asked Questions

In Sydney, landscape architects usually charge based on project scope and expertise. Concept-only designs may start from a few thousand dollars, while detailed plans with construction drawings, drainage layouts, and plant schedules can cost significantly more. Larger residential or commercial projects require more site analysis and council compliance, increasing fees. Some professionals charge hourly, while others offer fixed packages. Overall, Sydney’s higher labour and business costs contribute to higher design pricing compared to regional areas.

Landscaping costs in Australia depend on site size, soil condition, access, and materials used. Basic garden upgrades like turf, plants, and mulch are more affordable, while retaining walls, paving, irrigation, and decking increase expenses. Labour is a major factor, especially for excavation and structural work. Climate also affects plant selection and soil preparation needs. Because each property is different, final pricing varies greatly between small cosmetic upgrades and full outdoor transformations.

A good landscaping budget should reflect your goals, property size, and long-term maintenance plans. Simple improvements may focus on plants and lawn, while complete makeovers include paths, seating areas, and lighting. It is smart to prioritise functional zones first, such as drainage and access, before decorative features. Allowing extra funds for unexpected site issues like poor soil or slope corrections helps prevent project delays and ensures better-quality, longer-lasting results.

Landscape designer salaries in Australia vary by experience, qualifications, and employer type. Entry-level designers typically earn less while gaining technical and plant knowledge. Mid-level professionals working with residential or commercial firms earn more as they manage projects and client communication. Senior designers or those running their own studios can earn higher incomes depending on workload and reputation. Earnings also differ between major cities and regional locations due to demand and cost of living.