Second Hand Sheds for Sale in Australia: Expert Buyer’s Guide, Pricing, and Compliance
Whether you’re hunting a dismantled shed for sale in Victoria, used sheds for sale NSW, or cyclone-rated sheds in QLD, buying used can be a smart move—if you know what to look for. Below is the same diligence we apply when we refurbish or build custom Colorbond steel sheds, carports, and garages nationwide.
Where to Find Quality Second Hand Sheds for Sale in Australia
State-by-state quick pointers
- NSW: Search “used sheds for sale nsw” or “rural sheds NSW” for barn relocations and farm machinery storage units. Regional auctions can be goldmines.
- VIC: “Dismantled shed for sale Victoria” and “second hand garden sheds for sale” around Geelong, Bendigo, and Gippsland. Melbourne buyers often find near-new backyard sheds.
- QLD: Focus on “second hand sheds for sale qld” and “cyclone-rated sheds QLD”. Check wind classification and fastener upgrades in coastal North QLD.
- WA: Look for “steel sheds Perth” and “council-approved sheds WA” in the listing. Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes below.
Best places to look
- Local classifieds and marketplace platforms for 2nd hand sheds and garden sheds.
- Specialist shed resellers and refurbishers who re-engineer and certify used sheds.
- Farm clearance auctions for larger rural sheds and American barns.
- Demolition yards for “2nd hand garden shed” panels, trims, and doors.
Use these search variants to expand options: used storage sheds for sale, used garden sheds for sale, 2nd hand sheds for sale, second hand huts for sale, second hand sheds for sale Melbourne.
What Are the Best Shed Materials for Perth’s Climate?
Perth heat, coastal air, and Fremantle Doctor breezes are tough on steelwork. Most premium second hand sheds use Colorbond or Zincalume. Here’s how they stack up.
| Feature | Colorbond (painted steel) | Zincalume (aluminium/zinc coated) |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | Excellent in urban/coastal fringe when edges are sealed and washes occur | Very good inland; needs more vigilance near salt air |
| Heat reflectivity | High with lighter colours; reduces internal temps | High when new; can dull over time |
| Aesthetics | Wide Colorbond palette incl. Matt finishes | Industrial metallic look only |
| Scratch/fade visibility | Low to moderate (depends on colour) | Scratches can expose coating; patina develops |
| Resale appeal | High for homes and custom Colorbond garages Perth | Moderate; great for rural/utility applications |
| Best fit (WA) | Perth metro and coastal fringe | Regional WA inland and farm sheds |
For technical background, see Australian Steel Institute and CSIRO general guidance on material performance and corrosion (external resources):
Australian Steel Institute,
CSIRO,
Energy.gov.au.
Buying Used: How to Assess a 2nd Hand Shed Before You Commit
Use this checklist when inspecting any second hand sheds, from a 2nd hand garden shed to a double garage.
- Frame: Check for surface rust, pitting, twists, or bent columns/rafters. Prefer RHS or UB frames with intact galvanising.
- Cladding: Confirm Colorbond or Zincalume grade, look for chalking, corrosion at cut edges, and hail dents.
- Fasteners: Roofing screws should be class 4 in coastal zones. Replace mixed or rusted fasteners.
- Doors/Windows: Rollers, tracks, seals, and locking hardware. Tilt or sectional garage doors should be square and balanced.
- Engineering: Ask for original plans, engineering certificate, and wind rating classification. Vital for council approvals.
- Dimensions & layout: Confirm beam spans, bay widths, eave height, and door clearances for your vehicles or farm machinery storage.
- Roof style: Gable vs skillion/flat; ensure fall and guttering suit your site water management.
- Relocation condition: Prefer a dismantled shed for sale with labelled parts and full fixings list.
- Transport: Check palletisation and access for a HIAB or tilt-tray if buying interstate.
- Corrosion category: Consider site category (C2–C4) and specify protective coatings accordingly.
What paperwork to collect when you buy a used shed
- Original drawings and engineering certificate.
- Bill of materials and piece-mark list for reassembly.
- Proof of steel grade and coating type (Colorbond/Zincalume spec).
- Any prior council approvals and site drainage details.
Authorities: HIA, Master Builders Australia.
How to Get Council Approval for Your Custom Shed in WA (and Other States)
Rules vary by council. Many small second hand garden sheds are exempt or require simple permits, but larger garages and rural sheds often need full engineering and site plans.
Western Australia
- Confirm local planning overlay and setbacks, especially in coastal and bushfire-prone zones.
- Provide engineering to AS/NZS 1170.2 for your wind region and terrain. Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes
- Supply slab design or footing details, stormwater plan, and boundary clearances.
Queensland
- For cyclone-rated sheds QLD (Regions C/D), ensure upgraded connections, hold-downs, and sheeting. Ask for cyclonic details in the engineering pack.
- Coastal councils may require corrosion-resistant fixings and specific gutters/downpipes.
New South Wales
- Check exempt development criteria for small used garden sheds for sale. Larger builds go via DA/CDC.
- Rural sheds NSW: confirm bushfire (BAL) and flood overlays if applicable.
Victoria
- Common for a dismantled shed for sale Victoria to be reassembled on a new slab—ensure soil report and footing design align with the new site.
- Melbourne metro may have stricter setback and stormwater requirements.
Wind region maps and cyclone info: Bureau of Meteorology. Applicable standards include AS/NZS 1170.2 (wind actions) and NCC (Building Code of Australia).
DIY Shed Kits vs Relocating a Dismantled Shed
When a used shed is the smarter move
- Tight budgets and quick lead times.
- Finding near-new Colorbond in the right size (e.g., 6×6 double garage).
- You’re happy to arrange transport and re-labelling during reassembly.
When a new kit or custom is better
- Site-specific engineering for cyclonic or high wind regions.
- Custom door openings for boats, caravans, or farm machinery storage.
- Integrated carports or garaports, mezzanines, or insulation package.
Popular Sizes and Use-Cases in Australia
- Second hand garden sheds: 3×3 m to 3×6 m for lawn gear and bikes.
- Double garages: 6×6 m custom Colorbond garages Perth and Melbourne suburbs.
- Rural sheds: 9×18 m to 12×24 m for tractors and hay (rural sheds NSW, regional QLD).
- Custom carports Melbourne: Affordable carports for Australian homes with skillion roofs to maximise driveway clearance.
- American barns: Multi-bay storage with central high clearance for boats or horse floats.
Other LSI essentials: DIY shed kits, wind-rated sheds for cyclonic areas, Colorbond vs Zincalume comparison, steel sheds Perth, industrial sheds Brisbane.
Pricing Guide 2025: What Does a Used Shed Cost?
Indicative listing ranges only. Final cost depends on condition, steel grade, wind rating, and transport.
- Second hand garden sheds: $200–$1,200 depending on size and cladding type.
- Single/Double garages (Colorbond): $2,500–$12,000 for frames and sheets; add slab, doors, install.
- Rural/Industrial sheds: $8,000–$40,000 for frames, cladding, and purlins; transport and cranage extra.
Budget for: slab or footings, new fasteners and flashings, doors/locks, insulation, gutters/downpipes, and council fees.
Real-World Examples
Case Study 1 — Dismantled Shed for Sale Victoria (Melton)
6×3 m second hand garden shed, Colorbond Surfmist cladding. Seller supplied labelled panels and original fasteners. Buyer upgraded to Class 4 screws and added sarking. Permit obtained with existing engineering and a new slab design.
Case Study 2 — Cyclone-Rated Shed QLD (Rockhampton)
9×12 m farm machinery storage shed, Region C. Original engineering verified, hold-downs upgraded, roller doors replaced with wind-locked units. Passed local certification post-install.
Case Study 3 — Custom-Built Double Garage in Perth
Owner compared used 6×6 vs new. Selected custom design to match house facade, added insulation and Colorbond Matt roof. Gains: better heat performance and guaranteed compliance for the local wind region.
5-Step Buying Guide for Custom Sheds in Australia
- Define use-case: Garden storage, workshop, farm machinery storage, or carport/garaport.
- Confirm site constraints: Setbacks, easements, bushfire/flood overlays, driveway access.
- Select materials: Colorbond grade and colour, or Zincalume for rural value. Consider insulation.
- Get engineering: Ensure wind region and terrain category are correct. Aim for ShedSafe-compliant suppliers.
- Plan install: Slab or footings, certified installers, and post-install inspections for council sign-off.
FAQ: Second Hand Sheds for Sale
Are second hand sheds council-approved?
Approval is tied to the site and engineering, not just the shed. Reused sheds typically need fresh approval for the new address.
Can I move a shed interstate?
Yes. Dismantle, label, and palletise. Check transport width rules and arrange a HIAB or tilt-tray. Recheck wind classification at the new site.
What about termites and moisture?
Steel sheds aren’t termite food, but timber elements and plaster linings can be. Ensure slab damp-proofing and adequate drainage to prevent corrosion and mould.
Will insurance cover a used shed?
Most insurers will cover if the shed is legally installed to code with documented engineering. Always inform your insurer.
Prefer a Hassle-Free Option?
We source premium used sheds, refurbish to spec, and can also design new council-approved sheds WA, custom Colorbond garages Perth, and wind-rated sheds for cyclonic areas. Ask about site-specific engineering, insulation packages, skylights, and roller door upgrades.