Bathroom Renovation Costs Australia 2025 | Price Guide

What Does a Bathroom Renovation Really Cost?

A bathroom renovation can transform your home—and potentially add tens of thousands of dollars to your property's value. But before you start selecting tiles and fixtures, it's essential to understand what you'll spend and whether the investment makes financial sense.

The smartest first step? Get a property appraisal before you renovate. Knowing your home's current value—and what buyers in your area expect—helps you avoid overcapitalising and ensures your renovation delivers a genuine return.

Factors That Affect Bathroom Renovation Costs

Every bathroom renovation is different. Your final cost will depend on:

• Bathroom size – Larger spaces require more materials and labour
• Materials – Tiles, paint, benchtops, and finishes
• Fixtures and fittings – Tapware, bathtubs, toilets, vanities
• Tradespeople – Plumbers, tilers, electricians, painters
• Structural work – Moving walls, windows, or doorways
• Plumbing changes – Relocating pipes, drains, or fixtures
• Permits – Required for some structural or plumbing work

The biggest cost driver? Moving plumbing and electrical points. Keeping fixtures in their current locations can save thousands.

Bathroom Renovation Cost Guide (2025)

Budget Renovation: $5,000 – $15,000

A budget renovation focuses on cosmetic updates without major structural changes. This tier works well for small bathrooms or when you want a refresh without a complete overhaul.

What's typically included:

• New tapware and fixtures
• Fresh paint
• Updated mirrors and accessories
• Basic tile refresh or resurfacing
• Keeping existing plumbing in place

Budget fixture costs (approx.):

• Towel rack: from $35
• Bathroom mirror: from $35
• Vanity door knobs: from $20
• Basic tapware: from $150

Space-saving ideas for small bathrooms:

• Remove the bathtub or combine bath and shower
• Wall-mount the vanity to create floor space
• Add built-in storage within mirrors or walls
• Tile to the ceiling to create height
• Use white or light colours to open up the space
• Install additional lighting above mirrors

Standard Renovation: $15,000 – $25,000

A standard renovation suits medium-sized bathrooms and mid-range homes. You can achieve a complete new look with quality fixtures—without going overboard.

What's typically included:

• New tiles (floor and walls)
• Updated vanity and basin
• New toilet and tapware
• Improved lighting
• Minor plumbing adjustments
• Professional waterproofing

Important note: If you're renovating to sell a medium-value property, buyers expect a functional, quality bathroom—not necessarily a luxury one. Overspending on premium features may not deliver the return you expect.

Premium/Luxury Renovation: $25,000 – $35,000+

A luxury renovation transforms your bathroom into a high-end retreat. This tier suits larger bathrooms and premium properties where buyers expect top-quality finishes.

Luxury features to consider:

• Freestanding bathtub
• Underfloor heating
• Heated towel rails
• Frameless shower screens
• Premium natural stone tiles
• Elaborate lighting design
• Wall-hung vanities and in-wall cisterns

Per square metre rate: $2,300 – $4,600 for a complete renovation

Breakdown of Individual Costs

Waterproofing and Tiling

Waterproofing is essential before tiling to prevent future water damage. Most tilers include waterproofing in their quote.

• Waterproofing: $750 – $1,000 (average bathroom)
• Tiling labour: $30 – $120 per square metre (average $60/sqm)
• Floor tiles: $35 – $130 per square metre
• Wall tiles: $20 – $160 per square metre

Note: Asymmetrical patterns, contrasting designs, or tiles requiring many cut-outs will cost more due to the detailed work involved.

Plumbing Costs

• Hourly rate: $70 – $150 per hour
• Call-out fee: $60 – $100
• Toilet installation: approximately $1,200
• Tap installation: approximately $300
• Bath fitting: from $350

Other Tradespeople

• Electricians – Required for new lighting, power points, exhaust fans, heated towel rails, or hot water systems
• Tilers – Required for waterproofing and tile installation (you cannot legally DIY waterproofing)
• Painters – Optional, but recommended for a professional finish

What Can You DIY?

If you're handy, you can reduce costs by handling some tasks yourself:

DIY-friendly tasks:

• Replacing vanity/door handles
• Installing mirrors
• Fitting towel racks and accessories
• Painting (if you're confident)

Tasks requiring licensed professionals:

• Waterproofing and tiling (legally required)
• Electrical work (legally required)
• Plumbing connections

Does a Bathroom Renovation Add Value?

Yes—bathrooms are one of the best rooms to renovate for profit, especially in older properties.

According to industry data:

• A $5,000 – $10,000 renovation can increase property value by tens of thousands of dollars
• Estimated ROI: 60–80% return on cost in metro markets
• Buyers often prioritise updated bathrooms and kitchens over bedrooms and living areas
• A renovated bathroom creates a "move-in ready" perception, leading to faster sales

Why Buyers Value Renovated Bathrooms

• First impressions matter – Bathrooms are one of the first spaces buyers inspect
• Functionality – Modern fixtures and smart storage appeal to buyers
• Reduced work – Buyers prefer not to renovate wet areas themselves
• Competitive edge – A quality bathroom helps your property stand out

The Risk of Overcapitalising

Spending too much on a bathroom renovation can backfire. If your property is in a mid-range suburb, fitting a luxury bathroom may not deliver the return you expect—buyers in that price bracket aren't looking for premium finishes.

How to avoid overcapitalising:

1. Get a property appraisal first – Understand your home's current value and ceiling price
2. Talk to a local real estate agent – They know what buyers in your area expect
3. Match the renovation to your property's value – Don't install a $35,000 bathroom in a $500,000 home
4. Focus on quality over luxury – Functional, well-finished bathrooms appeal to most buyers

Get an Appraisal Before You Renovate

Before committing to a bathroom renovation, the smartest move is to get a professional property appraisal. A local real estate agent can tell you:

• Your property's current market value
• What similar renovated properties are selling for
• What buyers in your area prioritise
• Whether your planned renovation will deliver a return

This insight helps you set the right budget and avoid spending more than you'll recoup.

Know Your Property's Value First

Before you start your renovation, find out what your home is worth—and what buyers expect. Compare local agents and book a free appraisal.

Compare Agents & Get an Appraisal

Compare Real Estate Agents at LocalAgentFinder

LocalAgentFinder helps you find agents with local expertise who can advise on renovation ROI and property value.

What you can compare:

• Agent fees and commission rates
• Sales history and recent results
• Marketing strategies
• Homeowner reviews and ratings

Whether you're renovating to sell or simply want to understand your property's potential, an experienced agent provides the insight you need.

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Key Takeaways

• Budget renovation: $5,000 – $15,000 (cosmetic updates, keep existing plumbing)
• Standard renovation: $15,000 – $25,000 (complete refresh, quality fixtures)
• Premium renovation: $25,000 – $35,000+ (luxury finishes, layout changes)
• National average: $26,000 (HIA data)
• ROI: 60–80% return; $5K–$10K spend can add tens of thousands in value
• Avoid overcapitalising – Match your renovation to your property's value
• Get an appraisal first – Know your home's worth before you spend

Costs in this article are based on 2025 research and should be used as a guide only. Actual costs may vary based on location, materials, and scope of work.