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
- Luxury renovation: $5,000+/m²
Typical full home renovation cost: $150,000 – $500,000+
Premium renovations often go beyond $800k in Sydney
---
Real Sydney Cost Examples
- 100m² renovation: $200k–$400k
- 150m² renovation: $300k–$750k
- Large home (250m²): $600,000 – $1,200,000+
Costs increase significantly with structural changes and premium finishes
---
Cost Breakdown (Where Your Money Goes)
Labour Costs (35%–50%)
- Sydney labour is among the highest in Australia
- Skilled labour adds to budget
Kitchen Renovation
- $25,000 – $65,000+
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+
---
Biggest Cost Drivers
- Major structural work
- Kitchen and bathroom upgrades
- High-end materials and finishes
- Older homes needing upgrades
Older Sydney homes often require additional compliance work which increases cost significantly
---
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
- Asbestos removal: $10,000 – $30,000
- Council approvals and permits
- Living elsewhere during renovation
- Unexpected structural repairs
These hidden costs can add 10%–25% to your total budget
---
Timeline for Full Home Renovation
- Minor projects: 2–4 months
- Standard renovation: 4–8 months
- Major projects: 6–12+ months
Delays are common due to approvals, materials, and labour availability
---
Apartment vs House Renovation Cost
Apartment
- Higher compliance and strata restrictions
- Limited access increases labour cost
House
- Greater renovation freedom
- Fewer compliance issues
Apartment renovations often cost more per m² despite smaller size
---
Cost Saving Tips
- Keep existing layout where possible
- Balance materials strategically
- Reduce changes during construction
- Avoid costly mistakes
Good planning leads to major savings
---
ROI & Property Value in Sydney
- Renovations boost resale value
- Wet areas provide best returns
- Open-plan homes sell faster
Quality renovations improve long-term investment returns
---
Final Verdict (Sydney 2026)
Expect to pay $2k–$8k+ per square metre in Sydney
- Entry-level renovations from $150k
- Typical projects: $300k–$600k
- Luxury renovations exceed $800,000+
Overall price varies based on scope and finishes
Highly Searched Keywords
full home renovation cost sydney, house renovation cost per square metre nsw, cost to renovate entire house australia, full house renovation price guide sydney, home renovation budget sydney 2026, cost of renovating old cost to renovate whole house NSW house sydney, renovation cost per m2 australia, full home remodel cost nsw, how much does full renovation cost sydney, property renovation cost australia