How Much Does a Renovation Cost in Australia?

A mid-range kitchen renovation costs about $25,000 to $45,000 in Australia, and a standard bathroom $15,000 to $22,000. Smaller jobs cost far less: painting a room is around $1,300 to $1,800, and a bedroom refresh $1,000 to $2,000. Whatever the quote, add 10% to 15% for surprises.

Renovation costs by room

• Kitchen: Budget: $12,000 to $18,000. Mid-range: $25,000 to $45,000. Premium: $60,000+
• Bathroom: Budget: $8,000 to $15,000. Mid-range: $15,000 to $22,000. Premium: $25,000 to $40,000+
• Laundry: $10,000 to $19,000 (standard fit-out)
• Living room refresh: $7,000 to $15,000+
• Bedroom refresh (paint, carpet, lighting): $1,000 to $2,000 per room
• Painting one room: $1,320 to $1,810

Metro Australia, including GST, as at September 2026. Source: Your Property Guide renovation cost guide, which draws on Archicentre, Canstar and Three Birds figures, among others. These are budgeting starting points, not quotes.

Flooring and painting costs

• Interior painting: $20 to $40 per m²
• Carpet (plus underlay): $45 to $165 per m²
• Vinyl flooring: $70 to $120 per m²
• Timber floor polishing: $75 to $120 per m²
• Floor tiling (tiles up to $30 per m²): about $135 per m²
• Bathroom waterproofing: $1,500 to $3,000

Whole-house renovations

A cosmetic renovation of a whole home costs about $2,000 to $2,500 per square metre. Mid-range work runs $2,800 to $4,500 per square metre, which puts a three-bedroom house at roughly $200,000 to $500,000. Extensions cost more again, at around $3,500 to $5,500 per square metre for a ground-floor addition.

How to budget for a renovation

1. Get three itemised quotes for each trade, and check each covers the same scope.
2. Add a 10% to 15% buffer to every quote, or 15% to 20% for older homes and structural work.
3. Allow about 5% for "while we're at it" extras, because they almost always happen.
4. Budget for living costs during the work, like takeaway meals during a kitchen reno or a short stay elsewhere.
5. If the top of your range isn't comfortable, cut the scope before you sign, not halfway through.

For example, a $30,000 kitchen quote becomes a realistic budget of about $34,500 to $36,000 once you add a 10% to 15% buffer and 5% for extras.

Ways to cut renovation costs

• Keep the layout. Moving plumbing and gas is one of the biggest cost drivers in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Choose flat-pack or semi-custom joinery instead of fully custom.
• Do the prep and painting yourself, but leave electrical, plumbing and waterproofing to licensed trades.
• Stage the work. Do one room at a time and pay as you go.
• Buy fixtures in the sales, but only for items on your plan.

Paying for a renovation

Larger renovations are usually paid for with savings or by refinancing a home loan. For smaller jobs, like a bathroom refresh, new flooring or painting, a personal loan can help if the repayments fit your budget.

Jingle's home improvement loans range from $500 to $10,000 with fixed repayments and no early repayment fees. You'll see every fee before you sign. Approval is not guaranteed.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Australia?

About $12,000 to $18,000 for a budget kitchen, $25,000 to $45,000 for mid-range and $60,000 or more for premium.

How much does a bathroom renovation cost?

Around $8,000 to $15,000 for a cosmetic refresh, $15,000 to $22,000 for a standard renovation and $25,000 to $40,000 or more for premium.

How much should I add for unexpected costs?

10% to 15% of the quote, or 15% to 20% for older homes and structural work.

What's the cheapest way to renovate?

Keep the existing layout, stage the work room by room, and do prep and painting yourself where it's safe and legal.

Can I get a loan for a renovation?

Yes. Large renovations are often funded through a home loan. Smaller jobs can be funded with a personal loan if the repayments fit your budget.

Sources

• Your Property Guide: Renovation cost Australia 2026 (figures as at September 2026)