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How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Australia?

February 29, 2024
by
Samantha Thorne

A kitchen renovation is an exciting endeavour that holds the promise of transforming one of the heartbeats of your home.

People choose to renovate their kitchens for various reasons. It could be as simple as making cooking and daily activities easier or updating the look and feel of the space to boost the value of the home.

Whether for personal comfort or attracting potential buyers, kitchen renovations offer a way to refresh and improve one of the most important areas of a home.

The investment for a kitchen renovation in Australia can fluctuate widely, influenced by a multitude of factors that shape the final cost. Whether you're seeking a minor facelift or a complete overhaul, understanding the potential expenses can empower you to approach your project with clarity and confidence. 

Average kitchen renovation costs

Just as each kitchen is unique, so too are the costs associated with bringing your vision to life. From subtle upgrades that add a fresh touch to complete overhauls that transform the heart of your home, the expenditure can vary significantly.

According to OpenAgent, a kitchen renovation can cost anywhere from $5000 to $45,000+, depending on the kind of renovation you have in mind and a multitude of other factors. Here’s a rough price guide below:

  • Small or budget renovation: This can cost anywhere from $5000 to $15,000 
  • Standard renovation: This can cost anywhere from $15000 to $40,000 
  • Premium renovation: This can typically exceed the amount of $40,000

On an average level however, people tend to spend roughly $20,000 on their kitchen renovation.

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Other factors that affect how much a kitchen renovation costs

  • Materials: The type and quality of materials you choose, such as cabinets, countertops, flooring, and appliances, can greatly impact the overall cost. Premium materials tend to come with a higher price tag.
  • Renovation scope: The extent of the renovation also affects costs. Are you planning a complete overhaul that involves structural changes, or are you focusing on cosmetic updates like painting and new hardware?
  • Design complexity: Intricate designs and custom features may require more time and skill to execute, which can increase labour costs.
  • Labour costs: Hiring professionals for design, construction, plumbing, electrical work, and other tasks contributes to the overall cost. Labour rates vary based on location and the complexity of the job.

Remodelling or replacing a kitchen before you sell

Remodelling or replacing a kitchen before selling a home is a strategic move aimed at maximising market appeal and potential selling price. 

Homeowners often opt for this approach to create a lasting impression on potential buyers. A modern, updated kitchen is a major selling point, as it offers both functional and aesthetic advantages. 

By investing in a kitchen renovation, sellers can present a turnkey solution to buyers, minimising the need for immediate upgrades and reducing the negotiation room for lowering the asking price. 

If a kitchen renovation is something that’s on your mind either before selling or after buying, it might be worth talking about it with a real estate agent. A good agent can potentially offer valuable advice that gets you your desired outcome that best suits your unique situation.

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Examples of kitchen renovation costs 

So you might be wondering where exactly the majority of renovation costs are coming from and which expenses are taking up the bulk of the final price. Whether you're aiming for a subtle refresh or a comprehensive overhaul, understanding these cost components can help you make informed decisions.

We elaborate on some typical examples of kitchen renovation costs below:

  • Countertop upgrade: The cost of installing new countertops can greatly vary depending on used materials as well as the kitchen's dimensions. You can expect to pay roughly $120 per square metre for a laminate benchtop while paying roughly $950 per square metre for something like stainless steel. 
    Find the full cost breakdown of kitchen tops here
  • Appliance updates: Upgrading appliances can vary widely in cost. For instance, a basic refrigerator might cost around $500 to $1,500, while a high-end refrigerator can be over $5,000.
  • Labour costs: Labor charges for hiring professionals like contractors, electricians, and plumbers can vary based on your location and the scope of the work.

How much value does a kitchen renovation add

On average, the ROI of a kitchen renovation comes in at roughly 62%. This means that for every dollar you invest in the renovation, you can expect to recoup roughly 62 cents in increased property value.

So if your kitchen cost $50,000 to renovate, it would result in the property’s value increasing by an additional $31,000 (0.62 x $50,000). 

However, this assumes that this money has been spent on worthwhile renovations of your kitchens that buyers actually sought after.

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Best kitchen renovations to consider 

Let’s now take a look at some kitchen renovations that are typically highly sought by potential buyers.

  • A walk-in pantry: buyers are typically willing to pay more for homes that offer convenient and functional storage solutions.
  • Quality countertops: investing in durable and visually appealing countertops, such as granite or quartz, can enhance the kitchen's aesthetic and functionality.
  • Island addition: if space allows, adding an island can be a valuable investment. Islands provide extra countertop space, storage, and can serve as a focal point for socialising and meal preparation.
  • Neutral colour palette: Opt for neutral colours in the kitchen design. This allows buyers to envision their own style and decor in the space.

If you’re looking to sell your house, you can use this cost of selling property calculator by OpenAgent to help you budget accordingly.

Blogs are written expressly for education purposes and content is based on the opinions of the authors or as otherwise cited. All information is current as at publication release and we take no responsibility for any factors that may change thereafter. Doorsteps Finance Pty Ltd and Doorsteps Solutions Pty Ltd do not accept any liability or responsibility whatsoever to any error or omission or any loss or damage of any kind sustained by a person or entity arising from the use of this information. It does not constitute legal, tax or financial advice and you should always seek professional advice in relation to your individual circumstances.

Doorsteps Finance Pty Ltd ACN 648 541 879 (Doorsteps Finance) is a credit representative of Australian Finance Group Ltd ABN 11 066 385 822, the holder of Australian Credit Licence 389087. Doorsteps Finance is authorised under credit representative number 531036.

‍Doorsteps Solutions Pty Ltd ABN 60 654 334 246 and Australian Credit Licence 537369 (Doorsteps Solutions).

Doorsteps Finance and Doorsteps Solutions are wholly owned by SBDO PM Holdings Pty Ltd ABN 96 610 330 240. 

Disclaimer: Property reports contain property estimate data and information provided by RP Data Pty Ltd trading as CoreLogic Asia Pacific ABN 57 087 759 171 (CoreLogic) and OpenAgent Pty Ltd, which is general in nature. It is not a professional property valuation or advice to be relied upon. The actual market value of the subject property may differ. We and CoreLogic do not warrant the accuracy, currency or completeness of the data and information to the full extent permitted by law, each excludes all loss or damage howsoever arising (including through negligence) in connection with the information. You rely on the property estimate at your own risk.

Disclaimer: Doorsteps Finance Pty Ltd ACN 648 541 879 (credit representative no.531036) is authorised under Doorsteps Solutions Pty Ltd ACN 654 334 246, Australian Credit Licence 537369. Any credit application made through Doorsteps Finance Pty Ltd is subject to approval, terms and conditions, fees and charges.

The calculator output is only an estimate based on the information provided. It is not meant to be a substitute for professional financial advice. While Doorsteps has based the information on sources that we believe are reliable and accurate, the actual commission payable may differ depending on a range of factors outside of our control. For this reason, you should consider the appropriateness of the information and, if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.

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