Has anyone used and can recommend a builder that can create a custom home that is contemporary designed and not going to cost over $500,000 (incl site costs and decent interior upgrades) in Melbourne?

What size house? Single/double story?

Looking at Double Storey around 50sqm

Do you mean 500?

If you mean you would like a 50 square double story custom designed house all inclusive for $500k, my thoughts would be no. More like 35 square.

Well i guess we could look at something between 40 to 45 square in that case. Any recommendations?

which area of melbourne?

South East / Bayside of Melbourne

Have you tried Inform homes ?

PS. Not endorsing them.. but worth asking since they cover that area.

We are building with Inform and would recommend them so far but you will not be able to build with them for under $500,000. Especially not 50 squares.

Yep, the budget was the one doubt. Hard to imagine they would turn away a client with $500k.

Yes Inform looks spectacular and i was worried they would be way out of our budget.

Long island homes, Ashford and Nava are anothers 3 you can investigate.

I'm currently building with LIH (Long island homes) and would easly recommend them.

Destination Living and Comdain Homes were a couple that might suit

You can also check out Latitude 37 Homes.

Darmon homes - we are building with them, fantastic so far

Thanks for the great recommendations everyone! Greatly appreciated.

I have recently inspected Comdain home and although there were some issues during the build the finished product was good. It's on my blog but to find it you have read between the lines.
Irrespective of which builder you choose, ensure you stay in control with independent inspections

Currently building with Comdain, and can recommend them on quality and build experience, but your budget is likely to be an issue.

Building with Bafto Homes, unsure if the budget would work. You would have to call and ask I would assume...