If you’re thinking about giving your Sydney apartment a facelift, you’re in good company. Whether it’s a sleek kitchen upgrade, a bathroom transformation, or an all-out apartment revamp, the potential is huge. But before you start scrolling through Pinterest, let’s take a hard look at what an apartment renovation in Sydney might actually cost. With over 25 years of hands-on experience in this industry, we’re here to walk you through everything you need to know – minus the fluff and with all the essential details.
How Much Does It Really Cost to Renovate an Apartment in Sydney?
We all know that Sydney isn’t cheap. Whether you’re dealing with a smaller unit in the Inner West or an upscale pad in the Eastern Suburbs, apartment renovation costs will vary depending on several key factors. So, let’s break it down with some real-world figures. Check out our handy bite size infographic for apartment renovations costs in Sydney.
The Basics of Renovation Pricing
Renovation costs in Sydney range widely depending on what you’re renovating, the materials you choose, and the quality of work you’re after. So whether you’re just looking for a budget-friendly touch-up or a five-star renovation worthy of a Pinterest board, here’s what you can expect in this easy to read infographic, dissected by what you can expect to pay by room.
But don’t stop here.. there’s more!
Here is a breakdown in a table format:
| Renovation Type | Basic ($) | Mid-Range ($$) | Premium ($$$) |
| Kitchen | $25,000 – $30,000 | $35,000 – $50,000 | $50,000+ |
| Bathroom | $18,000 – $25,000 | $25,000 – $36,000 | $40,000+ |
| Living / Bedroom Room | $8,000 – $12,000 | $12,000 – $15,000 | $15,000+ |
| Flooring | $3,000 – $5,000 | $5,000 – $10,000 | $15,000+ |
| Painting | $5,000 – $12,000 | $15,000 – $25,000 | $30,000+ |
| Electrical | $3,000 – $5,000 | $5,000 – $10,000 | $15,000+ |
| Plumbing | $5,000 – $9,000 | $12,000 – $16,000 | $20,000+ |
| Structural Changes | $15,000 – $30,000 | $40,000 – $80,000 | $100,000+ |
| Demolition & Rubbish Removal | $2,000 – $5,000 | $2,000 – $5,000 | $5,000+ |
As you can see, prices can quickly skyrocket for high-end renovations, especially if you’re making significant structural changes or splashing out on premium finishes. But no need to panic – we can explain the key factors that will influence your final cost.
Apartment Kitchen Renovation Cost: From “Basic” to “Gourmet Chef’s Dream”
The kitchen is the heart of any home (or at least, it’s where all the good snacks are). If you’re aiming for a functional but stylish kitchen without breaking the bank, you could be looking at anywhere between $25,000 and $30,000 for a basic kitchen reno. But, if you’re more of the “wow factor” type and want marble bench-tops, high-end appliances, and a custom design, prepare to fork out $50,000+ for that gourmet kitchen experience.
What Will That Get You?
Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’re getting for different levels of an apartment kitchen renovation:
- Budget-Friendly Kitchen ($25,000 – $30,000): Think laminate cabinets, a basic cooktop, and a functional but simple design.
- Mid-Range Kitchen ($35,000 – $50,000): Polyurethane cabinets, engineered stone benchtops, and a sleek, modern look.
- Premium Kitchen ($50,000+): Custom cabinetry, premium stone benchtops, high-end and integrated appliances (hello, Gaggenau), and everything else you could possibly dream of. Your guests will feel like they’ve stepped into a luxury hotel kitchen.
Kitchen Cost Influencing Factors
| Factor | Economical Kitchen | Mid-Range Kitchen | Premium Kitchen |
| Cabinet Finish | Laminate | Laminate/Polyurethane | Laminate/Polyurethane/Timber Veneer/Porcelain |
| Cabinet Style | Plain with Basic Handles | Plain with or without Handles inc push to open | Shaker, Heritage, Glass insert or Custom Designs |
| Bench-top | Laminate | Engineered Stone (Standard) | Engineered Stone/Natural Stone (Premium) |
| Splash-back | Tiled | Glass | Engineered Stone/Natural Stone |
| Total Estimated Cost | $25,000 – $30,000 | $35,000 – $50,000 | $50,000+ |
And when it comes to appliances? Well, it’s all about balancing cost and quality. A budget oven could cost as little as $370, but for a high-end model, you might be shelling out upwards of $2,200. Same goes for fridges, dishwashers, and other essentials.
Our recommendation for high-quality kitchen surfaces, check out Laminex for stylish and durable materials, and Caesarstone or WK Stone for premium stone bench-tops.
Apartment Bathroom Renovation Cost: From Basic to Wow-Factor
Let’s talk bathrooms – because who doesn’t want a sanctuary to relax in after a long day? A simple apartment bathroom renovation makeover will cost you around $18,000 to $25,000, but if you want to upgrade to a luxurious, spa-like retreat, be prepared to spend over $40,000.
What Are You Paying For?
- Budget-Friendly Bathroom ($18,000 – $25,000): Think standard tiles, simple fixtures, and a fresh coat of paint.
- Mid-Range Bathroom ($25,000 – $36,000): Premium tiles, modern fixtures, and possibly a freestanding bathtub (because why not?).
- Luxury Bathroom ($40,000+): Custom vanities, high-end taps, heated flooring, and everything else to make you feel like you’re at a five-star resort.
You can see how quickly costs can swerve depending on the type of finish you’re after. Because of this we like to assist our clients in the buying process for bathroom wares which will ultimately save you money for the supply. With the money you save here, you can splash back into a more premium finish toward your renovation – its a win win! Our recommended local bathroom ware supplier is Bathroom Sales Direct.
We have provided some rough costs on bathroom wares so there’s no hidden surprises when it comes to shopping. Psst – don’t forget that when you shop with us, we will get you the best possible price.
Bathroom Ware Costs
| Item | Budget-Friendly ($) | Mid-Range ($$) | Premium ($$$) |
| Toilet Pan | $250 | $360 | $610+ |
| Vanity (600-700mm) | $290 | $390 | $500+ |
| Vanity (1200mm) | $390 | $510 | $600+ |
| Freestanding Bathtub | $640 | $820 | $1000+ |
| Shower Head | $110 | $150 | $300+ |
| Shower Taps | $60 | $100 | $150+ |
| Vanity Taps | $60 | $90 | $150+ |
| Towel Rail | $50 | $90 | $120+ |
| Toilet Roll Holder | $30 | $50 | $60+ |
| Total | $1,880 | $2,560 | $3,490+ |
For fixtures, you might spend around $250 for a basic toilet, but if you want a top notch model, that could jump to $600 or more. And the same goes for vanities, bathtubs, and showerheads – the sky’s the limit!
For moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, using Dulux moisture-resistant paint can help prevent mould and extend the longevity of your renovation.
What You Need to Know Before You Renovate
Renovating an apartment in Sydney isn’t just about picking out tiles and paint. There are a few ground rules you need to follow before you hire a tradie. For one, you’ll need approval for structural changes, electrical work, or plumbing modifications. And if you live in a strata building, you’ll need to get the green light from the committee before making any significant changes.
So, before you start knocking down walls, get familiar with the strata bylaws and consult with one of our renovation experts to ensure you’re not about to cause a headache with your neighbours (or the building manager).
Conclusion
Renovating an apartment in Sydney can be a rewarding investment, but understanding the costs and factors involved is crucial to getting the best value for your money. Whether you’re refreshing your kitchen, creating a dream bathroom, or tackling an entire unit renovation, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The costs depend on your vision, materials, and the level of craftsmanship you’re after.
Now that you’re armed with this expert guide, go ahead and start planning – contact us today. Just don’t forget to factor in those unexpected costs (because let’s be honest, there will be some). Happy renovating!