Second Hand Sheds for Sale in Australia: Expert Buyer’s Guide (2025)

25 Oct Shed Prices

Hunting for second hand sheds for sale, 2nd hand garden sheds, or a dismantled shed for sale in Victoria, NSW, or QLD? This guide is tailored for Australian homeowners, renovators and property investors who want premium results on a sensible budget. We cover inspections, engineering, wind ratings, council approvals, and how to choose between Colorbond and Zincalume for conditions from Perth’s heat to Queensland’s cyclonic zones.

Primary search intents we satisfy:

Find and assess used sheds for sale (garden, rural, double garages, carports)
Understand engineering, wind ratings and council permits across WA, QLD, NSW and Victoria
Compare materials (Colorbond vs Zincalume) and roof forms (gable vs skillion)
Budgeting, dismantling, transport and re-erection best practice

Why Buy a Second Hand Shed?

Cost savings: Frames, doors and purlins/girts are reusable; perfect when the frame is straight and corrosion-free.
Faster lead times: Avoid new-kit manufacturing queues; great for temporary farm machinery storage or fast backyard upgrades.
Upsizing on a budget: Pick up bigger footprints (e.g., 9×6) affordably for a custom-built double garage in Perth or a rural shed in NSW.

Watch-outs:

Compliance gap: Older kits may not meet current AS/NZS requirements or local wind ratings for cyclonic areas.
Hidden costs: Transport, new slab, new fasteners (class 4/5), replacement cladding, and engineering certification.
Corrosion and fatigue: Coastal C3–C4 zones accelerate rust in base rails and sheet laps; check for fatigue at bolted connections.

What Are the Best Shed Materials for Perth’s Climate?

Perth’s hot summers and coastal air call for heat-reflective, corrosion-resistant materials. Many premium steel sheds Perth-wide use Colorbond or Zincalume skins on galvanised frames. Here’s a comparison focused on WA conditions:

Colorbond vs Zincalume — Which Is Better for WA Conditions?

Factor	Colorbond	Zincalume
Corrosion resistance (coastal)	Excellent with correct grade; painted finish helps in C2–C3. Close coastal splash zones still need care.	Very good; reflective; may show white rust if poorly stored/ventilated.
Heat performance	Lighter colours reflect heat; stable paint system reduces thermal stress.	Highly reflective when clean; can warm as surface dulls over time.
Aesthetics	Wide palette; matches custom Colorbond garages Perth and modern homes.	Classic metallic; suits rural or utilitarian looks.
Maintenance	Low, if washed; choose class 4/5 screws in coastal areas.	Low, but watch for edge creep/corrosion at overlaps.
Cost	Generally higher upfront.	Typically cheaper.

Pro Tip: Did you know using insulated roof panels or an anticon blanket can reduce internal shed temperatures by up to 10°C in summer, especially on gable or skillion roof sheds with good ventilation?

How to Inspect a Used Shed Before You Buy

Use this pre-purchase checklist whether you’re looking at second hand garden sheds, a dismantled shed for sale, or a 2nd hand steel garage:

Frame: Check galvanised RHS/SHS or C-section columns and rafters for rust, twists or bends. Inspect purlins/girts for bolt-hole elongation.
Cladding: Look for red rust, hail dents, edge creep, or fastener pull-through. Confirm profile availability if replacing sheets.
Connections: Verify M12/M16 anchor bolts, bracket condition, and presence of wind locks on roller doors (vital for wind-rated sheds for cyclonic areas).
Paperwork: Ask for original plans, engineering certificates, and site-specific engineering (especially for council-approved sheds WA or NSW/VIC approvals).
Roof form: Skillion roof shed vs gable roof shed—ensure fall, gutter capacity, and headroom suit your site and carport/garage use.
Compliance plates: Some kit brands label wind region and importance level—match to your region (A/B/C/D) under AS/NZS 1170.2.
Age & environment: Coastal installs or manure-rich farm zones may have accelerated corrosion at base rails and sheet laps.
Safety: If cladding looks like old fibro, seek an asbestos assessment before dismantling.

Local Compliance, Wind Ratings and Council Approvals

Even if you “buy used shed,” you still need to meet current codes. Key standards include AS/NZS 1170.2 (wind actions), AS/NZS 4600 (cold-formed steel), NCC/BCA, and local planning rules.

Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes

Large parts of WA are Wind Region A or B, with some coastal pockets needing higher tie-downs. Check terrain category and shielding on your exact site.
For council-approved sheds WA, obtain updated engineering and slab/footing details (e.g., 100 mm slab with thickened edge beams or screw piers where specified).

Cyclone-Rated Sheds QLD: What to Know

North and coastal QLD often sit in Region C/D—cyclone-rated sheds QLD require enhanced hold-downs, wind locks on doors, and upgraded purlin spacing.
Transplanting a Region A shed to Region C/D usually requires re-engineering and often new components. Sometimes a new DIY shed kit rated for your site is more economical.

How to Get Council Approval for Your Custom Shed in WA

Confirm planning rules: setbacks, maximum height, and site coverage with your local council.
Get site-specific engineering for your exact wind region, terrain and shielding.
Prepare drawings: plan, elevations, slab/footings, rainwater disposal (gutters/downpipes to soakwells).
Apply for a Building Permit (and planning approval if required). Provide energy and BAL notes where applicable.
Book inspections as required; finalise with a Certificate of Compliance.

Second-Hand Shed Types and Use-Cases

Garden Shed 2nd Hand and Backyard Storage

Great for lawn gear, bikes and DIY benches. Look for second hand garden sheds with vermin flashing, skylight panels, and whirlybirds for ventilation. Smaller units often avoid permits but always check local rules.

Custom Colorbond Garages and Carports

Upcycling a 6×6 or 7×7 frame is common for custom Colorbond garages Perth-wide. In Melbourne, many homeowners prefer custom carports Melbourne with matching roof pitch and gutters for street appeal. Ensure roller door wind locks for coastal or exposed sites.

Rural Sheds NSW and Farm Machinery Storage

Rural sheds NSW buyers often chase wider bays, American barn layouts, or open-front hay sheds. Check girt/purlin sizes, bracing, and post embedment or pier design for long spans. Consider mezzanine floors or storage lofts if headroom allows.

Second Hand Huts for Sale and Site Offices

Demountable huts and site offices are popular for farms and renovations. Verify insulation R-values, wiring compliance, and tie-downs to your wind region.

Where to Find Second Hand Sheds for Sale (Australia-Wide)

NSW: Search “used sheds for sale NSW” or “second hand sheds for sale nsw” for rural and suburban options. Check council setbacks and flood overlays.
Victoria: “Dismantled shed for sale Victoria” and “garden shed 2nd hand” listings appear with removal included—verify transport access and crane needs.
Queensland: Look for “second hand sheds for sale QLD” but confirm Region C/D compliance. Sometimes a new cyclone-rated kit is the smarter buy.
Melbourne: “Second hand sheds for sale Melbourne” can yield premium Colorbond stock from knockdowns or display yards.

You’ll also find deals via local shed installers (clearing display models), demolition contractors, farm auctions, and online marketplaces. Occasionally you’ll see “second hand sheds for free” if you manage dismantle and removal—budget for fasteners, transport, and new sheeting.

Costs and Budgeting

Purchase: 20–60% of new-kit price depending on condition, size and inclusions.
Transport: Based on volume/weight and distance; long rafters and roller doors may need specialist handling.
Footings/slab: Many garages use a 100 mm slab with thickened edges; some rural sheds use piers or screw piles per engineering.
Upgrades: New class 4/5 tek screws, flashing, gutters/downpipes, insulation (anticon blanket), and door hardware.
Engineering and approvals: Factor in site-specific engineering and permit fees (state and council vary).

Dismantling, Transport and Re‑Erection

Record and label: Photograph connections; label parts (bays, rafters, purlins) to speed re-assembly.
Safety: Use fall protection; treat suspect cladding as asbestos until cleared. Engage licensed removalists if required.
Fastener strategy: Replace old tek screws and corroded brackets. Use correct class and length for new substrate.
Foundations: Don’t reuse slab/footing sizes blindly—get updated engineering for your soil and wind region.
Install: Consider professional shed installation Brisbane/Perth/Melbourne/ Sydney teams for warranty-backed work.

DIY Shed Kits vs Second Hand vs Custom-Built

DIY shed kits: New, engineer-certified, sized for your wind/BAL rating. Great for certainty and speed.
Second hand: Best value if the frame is sound and re-engineering is straightforward.
Custom-built: Tailored spans, openings, and finishes to match premium homes; ideal for double garages Sydney or architect-led projects.

5-Step Buying Guide for Custom Sheds in Australia

Define use: Car storage, farm machinery storage, or workshop? This drives bay spacing, height, and door selection.
Check site constraints: Setbacks, easements, slopes, overheads, stormwater connection and power trenching.
Pick materials: Colorbond vs Zincalume comparison; class 4/5 fasteners in coastal or corrosive zones.
Engineer first: Site-specific engineering to AS/NZS 1170.2; confirm Region C/D if in northern QLD.
Apply and install: Council approvals, order, slab/pier works, then accredited install with QA sign-off.

Mini Case Studies

Perth Coastal Garden Upgrade

A homeowner bought a 3×3 second hand garden shed. The galvanised frame was sound but sheets were pitted. They reskinned in light Colorbond with anticon blanket, added vermin flashing and new gutters to soakwells. Result: cooler interior and better coastal durability.

North QLD Decision: New vs Used

A buyer found a used 6×6 garage from Region A. Re-engineering for Region C plus upgrades (wind-locked roller doors, extra bracing, new fixings) approached the cost of a new cyclone-rated kit. They chose a new kit for certainty and faster approval.

Victorian Farm Relocation (9×6)

A dismantled shed for sale in Victoria was relocated 80 km. The frame passed inspection; new Zincalume sheets and class 4 screws were used. Site-specific footings with piers handled reactive soil. Completed with whirlybirds and LED lighting.

FAQs

Are second hand sheds worth it?

Yes—if the frame is straight, corrosion is minor, and re-engineering to your wind region is practical. Budget carefully for hidden costs.

Do I need council approval?

Often yes. Small garden sheds may be exempt, but garages, carports and rural sheds typically need approval. Always confirm with your council.

Can I get second hand sheds for free?

Occasionally, if you handle dismantle and removal. Factor in transport, new fasteners, and potential resheeting.

What about bushfire areas?

Check your BAL rating. You may need specific materials and ember protection details per NCC and local requirements.

Will an older shed meet today’s codes?

Not automatically. You’ll likely need site-specific engineering and may need to upgrade bracing, fixings, doors and footings.

Targeted Search Phrases to Use

To find the best deals and advice, try: second hand sheds, 2nd hand sheds for sale, used sheds for sale nsw, second hand sheds for sale melbourne, second hand sheds for sale qld, buy second hand shed, buy used shed, second hand huts for sale, 2nd hand garden sheds for sale, dismantled shed for sale.

Final Word

Second hand sheds can deliver premium outcomes at a sharp price—provided you tick off engineering, wind ratings and approvals. Whether you’re chasing council-approved sheds WA, cyclone-rated sheds QLD, or custom Colorbond garages Perth, follow the checks in this guide to buy once and buy right.