How much does it cost to build a house in Malibu?

A new 1,800 sq ft, 3-bedroom home costs about $873,000 to build, all in, including building, site work, city fees and design. Land is extra: about $1,560,000 for a typical lot in areas like Malibu.

What is a new home worth in Malibu?

About $3,600,000 for a new 1,800 sq ft home in an area like Malibu.

What a new home costs in Malibu (2026)

Building a new custom home, tearing down and rebuilding, or rebuilding after a fire in Malibu? Hemisphere A&E is an architecture and design-build firm: one team for design, permits and construction. Here are typical numbers, the local rules, and your next step.

Typical new home numbers in Malibu

A new 1,800 sq ft, 3-bedroom home costs about $873,000 to build, all in: building, site work, city fees and design. Land is extra.
Typical land value for a lot in areas like Malibu: about $1,560,000.
Finished value: about $3,600,000 (about $1,600 per sq ft plus a new-home premium).
A new home like this could rent for about $10,080 a month.

Run the free new home cost calculator for Malibu

Building permits and local rules in Malibu

Who runs permits

City of Malibu Planning Department, and Building Safety in the Environmental Sustainability Department.

Fire rebuild help

Fire rebuilds follow the city's rebuild steps and deadlines. Ask us where your lot stands.

What can slow you down

Most lots use septic, which must be checked or upgraded.
Fire rebuilds after Woolsey, Franklin and Palisades fires have their own steps and deadlines.

Free lot check in Malibu

Send Hemisphere A&E your address. We look up your zoning and lot size, what fits (ADU, junior ADU, SB 9, new home, apartments, remodel or business space), red flags like fire zones or hillside rules, and a rough cost range. No cost, no pressure. Email info@hemisphereae.com or call (619) 762-7144.