What is a Square Metre Rate?

A square metre rate is a cost expressed per square metre of area, used in construction and property to provide quick, early-stage estimates before detailed design is known. It gives a broad indication of how much a building element or project will cost based on its size, allowing contractors, consultants, and clients to compare options and plan budgets efficiently. While useful for preliminary pricing, square metre rates are approximations and typically don’t account for project-specific factors such as complexity, access, materials, finishes, or services requirements.

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