Should You Wait to Build? The Truth About Construction Prices

If you’ve been thinking about building your dream home, but you’re waiting for construction prices to drop—you’re not alone. It's a common question we hear:

“Should I hold off in case building gets cheaper?”

It’s a fair question. But here’s the truth: waiting might cost you far more than you realise.

Let’s unpack why.

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The Myth of the “Perfect Time”

Many people are hoping for prices to drop, just like they might with petrol or produce. But building a home isn’t like waiting for a sale at the supermarket.

**Construction prices are influenced by many moving parts—**material costs, labour shortages, interest rates, supply chain delays, council regulations, and more. Even if one cost drops, another often rises.

In fact, over the last few years, we’ve seen price dips followed by sharp increases. Trying to time the market perfectly is a gamble that can leave you stuck in place.

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Inflation Doesn’t Sleep

Let’s say you wait 12 months. Even if the cost of timber or plasterboard drops slightly, inflation is still ticking away in the background. That means the general cost of living—and building—goes up.

What costs $1 million today might cost $1.05 million next year. And that’s without any surprises. By waiting, you’re not saving—you’re often just shifting your spending into a more expensive future.

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The Price of Popularity

There’s something else most people don’t think about.

The best time to build is often when others aren’t.
Why? Because when the market gets flooded—when everyone decides “now’s the time”—demand skyrockets. And when demand goes up, so do prices.

We’ve seen this time and time again: when building booms, prices follow.

But when things are quieter—like right now—builders have better availability, materials flow more smoothly, and you’re not competing for attention or resources. You also get more time and care during your design phase.

In short: building during quieter periods can give you more control, more value, and a better experience.

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Lost Time = Lost Lifestyle

When you delay building, you're not just postponing a project—you’re delaying your lifestyle.

You’re waiting to enjoy the kitchen you’ve dreamed of, the outdoor area perfect for family gatherings, or the retreat that finally feels like yours.

Think about it this way: if you wait another 12 months hoping for a price drop, that’s another 12 months in a home that doesn’t fit your lifestyle. Another summer without that outdoor space. Another winter in a home that’s hard to heat. Another year without the comfort, space, and layout you’ve been dreaming about.

The longer you wait, the longer you go without the home that truly works for you.

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Fixed Prices Offer Certainty—Right Now

At Marsden Homes, we offer fixed-price contracts. That means the price we agree on at the start is the price you pay—no nasty surprises.

This matters because while prices out there may fluctuate, your price doesn’t have to. When you lock in your build, you also lock in your peace of mind.

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So, Should You Wait?

There’s no crystal ball. But what we can tell you is this:

• Waiting rarely brings the big savings people hope for
• Inflation and demand usually push costs up, not down
• The longer you wait, the longer it is until you’re living in the home you want
• Fixed-price contracts mean you can plan with confidence—today
• Quieter seasons bring more choice, better value, and a calmer experience

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Let’s Talk About Your Plans

If you’re still weighing it up, we’re here to help. We can talk you through the numbers, the timing, and what makes the most sense for your situation.

Whether you’re ready to move forward or just want clarity, a quick chat could save you months—or even years—of second-guessing.

Your dream home doesn’t have to wait.
Let’s make it happen—on your terms, with total transparency, and a team you can trust.