Planning a full home renovation in Sydney requires a clear understanding of costs, timelines, and hidden expenses. With rising labour rates and material costs in 2026, homeowners must budget accurately before starting.
Complete home renovations significantly boost both comfort and resale value, but costs vary depending on size, finishes, and structural changes.
Average Full Home Renovation Cost Sydney (2026)
- Entry-level renovation: $2,000–$3,000/m²
- Standard renovation: $3,000–$5,000/m²
- High-end renovation: $5,000 – $8,000+ per m²
Average full renovation budget: $150k–$500k+
Premium renovations often go beyond $800k in Sydney
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Real Sydney Cost Examples
- Small home (100m²): $200,000 – $400,000
- Medium home (150m²): $300,000 – $750,000
- 250m² renovation: $600k–$1.2M+
Costs increase significantly with structural changes and premium finishes
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Cost Breakdown (Where Your Money Goes)
Labour Costs (35%–50%)
- Trades in Sydney charge premium rates
- Specialist trades increase cost further
Kitchen Renovation
- Kitchen renovation: $25k–$65k+
Bathroom Renovation
- Bathroom cost: $15k–$35k each
Flooring
- Flooring costs: $80–$250/m²
Painting
- Full house painting: $15k–$40k
Electrical & Plumbing
- $20,000 – $80,000+
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Biggest Cost Drivers
- Structural changes (removing walls, extensions)
- Wet areas drive costs
- Premium selections increase budget
- Outdated wiring and plumbing
Renovating older properties usually adds unexpected expenses
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Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
- Asbestos removal cost: $10k–$30k
- Council approvals and permits
- Living elsewhere during renovation
- Unexpected structural repairs
Unexpected expenses can significantly increase overall cost
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Timeline for Full Home Renovation
- Small renovation: 2–4 months
- Standard renovation: 4–8 months
- Major projects: 6–12+ months
Delays are common due to approvals, materials, and labour complete home renovation cost per m2 availability
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Apartment vs House Renovation Cost
Apartment
- Higher compliance and strata restrictions
- Tight spaces add difficulty
House
- Greater renovation freedom
- Lower restrictions compared to apartments
Units can be more expensive per square metre
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Cost Saving Tips
- Avoid moving plumbing and walls
- Mix budget and premium finishes
- Plan everything before starting
- Avoid costly mistakes
Good planning leads to major savings
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ROI & Property Value in Sydney
- Full renovations can increase property value significantly
- Wet areas provide best returns
- Modern layouts attract higher buyers
Quality renovations improve long-term investment returns
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Final Verdict (Sydney 2026)
Expect to pay $2k–$8k+ per square metre in Sydney
- Entry-level renovations from $150k
- Mid-range renovations: $300,000 – $600,000
- Luxury renovations exceed $800,000+
Overall price varies based on scope and finishes
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