Hunting for second hand sheds for sale, 2nd hand garden sheds, or a dismantled shed for sale in Victoria, NSW, QLD, or WA? You’re in the right place. Below you’ll find an expert, Australia-specific roadmap covering inspection, wind ratings, corrosion, transport, re-erection, and approvals—plus when a new Colorbond steel shed, custom carport, or double garage might be the smarter buy.
We draw on Australian Standards (AS/NZS), NCC 2022, and industry best practice (ShedSafe, Australian Steel Institute) to help you avoid costly mistakes and get a long-lasting, council-approved outcome.
Why Buy a Second-Hand Shed? Pros and Cons for Australian Conditions
- Pros
- Cost-effective: used sheds for sale can be 25–50% cheaper than new (frame-only bargains are common at rural clearing sales).
- Speed: a dismantled shed for sale can be re-erected quickly if you have existing slab/footings and paperwork.
- Sustainability: reuse high-quality BlueScope steel, reduce embodied carbon.
- Cons
- Compliance risk: not all second hand sheds meet current wind ratings (AS/NZS 1170.2) or NCC 2022 provisions.
- Hidden corrosion or fatigue in base plates, purlins/girts, and fasteners—especially in coastal C3–C5 zones.
- Transport and re-engineering costs can erase savings if the shed isn’t the right size or design for your site.
Where to Find Second Hand Sheds for Sale Near You
Best places to search
- Online marketplaces: Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace, and Grays for “garden shed 2nd hand,” “2nd hand sheds for sale,” and “dismantled shed for sale.”
- Rural clearing sales and farm auctions: ideal for rural sheds NSW, farm machinery storage sheds, and larger portal frames.
- Specialist dealers: some ShedSafe-aligned retailers take trade-ins and resell used steel sheds Perth, Brisbane, and regional VIC.
Regional watchlist
- VIC: Search “dismantled shed for sale Victoria” and “second hand sheds for sale Melbourne.” Check siting and stormwater under the Building Regulations 2018 (VIC).
- NSW: “used sheds for sale nsw” and “second hand sheds for sale nsw” often include ex-farm portal frames. Verify Complying Development pathways.
- QLD: For cyclone-rated sheds QLD (Region C/D), confirm engineering for wind-rated sheds for cyclonic areas.
- WA: “steel sheds Perth” and Geraldton/Karratha listings may require higher cyclonic design and corrosion allowance.
How to Inspect a Used Shed Before You Buy
Structural checklist
- Frame: Inspect columns/rafters (often C-sections, RHS/SHS). Look for distortion, creases, elongation at bolt holes.
- Connections: Check base plates, knee/haunch plates, and M12–M20 bolts for corrosion or ovalised holes.
- Bracing: Cross-bracing must be present and not overstretched. Missing bracing is a red flag.
Cladding and fasteners
- Colorbond vs Zincalume: Look for chalking, paint fade, and surface rust at cut edges. Replace corroded Tek screws with Class 4 fasteners.
- Roofing: Check for hail dents, loose sheets, failed sealants, and daylight at laps (water ingress).
Dimensions and compliance
- Confirm eave height, span, bay spacing, and total footprint align with your site plan and setbacks.
- For compact backyard layouts, a 9×12 storage shed (≈3.0 × 3.6 m) can be a tidy fit—check metric equivalents and approvals.
- Obtain original engineering or request a re-certification to current AS/NZS 1170.2 wind classification (N1–N4, C, D as applicable).
- Prefer ShedSafe-documented origins for easier approvals.
Quick pass/fail
- More than 10% of members visibly corroded? Walk away.
- No documentation and cyclone region required? Budget for a re-engineer or choose a different frame.
What Are the Best Shed Materials for Perth’s Climate?
Perth’s hot summers and coastal air challenge shed cladding and fasteners. Inland (Region A) areas prioritise heat reflectance and insulation. Coastal (C3–C4) sites need enhanced corrosion protection.
Colorbond vs Zincalume — Which Is Better for WA Conditions?
| Feature | Colorbond (incl. Ultra/Steel) | Zincalume |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance (coastal) | Strong; use Colorbond Ultra near marine exposure | Good, but edges and fasteners need extra care |
| Heat performance | Thermatech colours reflect heat; cooler interiors | Reflective initially; heats up without insulation |
| Aesthetics and fade | Wide colour range with durable paint system | Metallic grey; can show patina over time |
| Cost | Higher upfront | Generally cheaper |
| Resale appeal | High for custom Colorbond garages Perth | Moderate |
For WA homeowners, Colorbond Ultra cladding, Class 4 fasteners, and hot-dip galvanised base plates are smart upgrades, especially within a few kilometres of the coast.
Moving a Dismantled Shed: Transport and Re‑erection Across VIC, NSW, and QLD
Safe dismantling sequence
- Document the structure (photos, mark members by bay).
- Remove doors, gutters, and flashing; stack cladding on timber dunnage.
- Strip roof/wall sheets, then purlins/girts; brace frames before unbolting.
- Lower portal frames with mechanical assistance; protect base plates.
Transport
- Bundle members; label per bay. Check oversize rules for rafters longer than 12.5 m.
- Use tie-downs with edge protectors to avoid coating damage.
Footings and slab
- Engineer checks capacity of existing slab-on-ground or bored piers. Upgrade hold-downs to meet current uplift forces (AS/NZS 1170.2).
- Install vermin flashing and damp-proof course at base rails.
Council and documentation
- Obtain site plan, engineering certification (Form/Certificate varies by state), and manufacturer’s specs. For older frames, an engineer can issue a re-certification with bracing/hold-down upgrades.
How to Get Council Approval for Your Custom or Second-Hand Shed
WA approvals
- Building permit via BA forms, site plan, and certified engineering. Wind region varies across WA; many Perth suburbs are Region A (non-cyclonic), coastal north shifts to B/C/D.
- Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes: Local governments now routinely request wind region map confirmation, terrain category, topographic multiplier, and tie-down schedule on certified plans.
- Seek council-approved sheds WA from ShedSafe suppliers for smoother sign-off.
NSW approvals
- Pathways: Development Application (DA) or Complying Development Certificate (CDC). Check setbacks, height, and lot coverage.
- Consider BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) requirements for sheds near bushland.
QLD approvals
- Cyclonic regions (C/D) need cyclone-rated sheds QLD with compliant cladding, bracing, and hold-downs.
- Documentation typically includes Form 15 (design) and Form 16 (inspection). Verify QBCC-licensed installer if required.
VIC approvals
- Apply via a Registered Building Surveyor (VBA). Check ResCode siting, easements, maximum site coverage, and stormwater discharge.
- For “dismantled shed for sale Victoria,” ensure re-erected dimensions match your permit plans.
Cost Breakdown: Is a Second-Hand Shed Actually Cheaper?
- Purchase: Frame and cladding (used) vs new kit price.
- Transport and handling: Tilt tray or semi, labour to load/unload.
- Engineering and permits: Re-certification, drawings, council fees.
- Upgrades: New fasteners, extra bracing, roller doors, insulation, gutters/downpipes.
- Install: Slab/footings, erection labour, crane hire.
Rule of thumb: savings are greatest when the frame is sound and the size matches your site. Compare against the full cost of building a shed.
DIY Shed Kits vs Custom-Built vs Second-Hand
| Option | Best for | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY shed kits (e.g., Brisbane kits) | Small workshops, second hand garden sheds alternative | Affordable, quick delivery, plans supplied | Limited customisation; still need approvals |
| Custom-built (Colorbond) | Custom Colorbond garages Perth, double garage in Melbourne | Tailored to wind rating, terrain, and use; best long-term value | Higher upfront cost |
| Second-hand (relocated) | Farm machinery storage, rural sheds NSW | Lower cost materials; fast if slab exists | Engineering rework; potential corrosion/fit issues |
Roof Styles: Flat vs Gable for Australian Homes
| Feature | Flat (skillion) | Gable |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Often cheaper | Moderate |
| Water runoff | Single pitch; ensure gutter capacity | Excellent; symmetrical flow |
| Headroom | Good on high side | Great central clearance (hoists, mezzanine) |
| Aesthetics | Modern, suits custom carports Melbourne | Classic “shed look” |
Real Build Examples from Around Australia
- Geelong, VIC: 6×9 m dismantled shed re-erected on new slab with upgraded hold-downs and Class 4 screws. Added whirlybirds and insulation for summer comfort.
- Toowoomba, QLD: 7.5×12 m rural shed moved from N3 to Region C location; engineer added extra cross-bracing and thicker door jambs for cyclone resilience.
- Perth Hills, WA: Custom Colorbond double garage replaced a corroded second hand unit; council-approved sheds WA pathway shaved weeks off approval due to compliant engineering.
5-Step Buying Guide for Custom Sheds in Australia
- Define use and size: Workshop shed, affordable carports for Australian homes, or farm machinery storage? List door openings and clear heights.
- Confirm site constraints: Wind region (N1–N4/C/D), terrain category, BAL, setbacks, easements.
- Choose material spec: Colorbond vs Zincalume comparison, fastener class, ventilation, insulation.
- Check documentation: Seek ShedSafe provenance, engineering, and component list before purchase.
- Plan install: Slab/footings, crane/erection crew, council paperwork, final inspection.
FAQs: Second Hand Sheds, Approvals, and Performance
Where can I find second hand sheds for free?
Occasionally on local Facebook groups and Gumtree when owners need rapid removal. Budget for transport and new fasteners even if the shed is free.
Can I extend a used shed?
Yes, with engineering. Additional bay(s) may require stronger bracing and new footings. Update plans for council sign-off.
Do I need approval to relocate a shed on my property?
Usually yes. Most councils treat relocation as a new building application with current codes applied.
Do I need cyclone-rated design in SEQ?
Parts of coastal QLD fall in Region C/D. Use cyclone-rated sheds QLD with compliant hold-downs, cladding, and doors.
Is Colorbond worth it over Zincalume?
For coastal or high-visibility sites, Colorbond (often Ultra) is preferred thanks to corrosion resistance and colour stability. Zincalume is fine inland with correct fasteners.
Can a shed be used as a habitable room?
Not without significant upgrades. Habitable spaces are not Class 10a and must meet thermal, fire, and sanitary requirements under the NCC.
When a New Shed Beats Second-Hand
- High wind/cyclonic areas where re-engineering costs exceed savings.
- Custom openings (car hoist, caravan height) or complex sites.
- Premium look: custom Colorbond garages Perth or designer custom carports Melbourne.
New custom builds can outperform used frames in cyclonic or bespoke situations. If you’re comparing with renting, see the real cost of storage units.
Helpful Australian Resources
- ShedSafe (Australian Steel Institute) — check supplier accreditation.
- Housing Industry Association (HIA) — industry updates and homeowner guides.
- Bureau of Meteorology — local wind and rainfall data to inform design.
- CSIRO — corrosion and materials research.
- Energy.gov.au — advice on insulation and heat management.
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