Full Home Renovation Cost Per sqm in Melbourne (2025–2026 Guide – No Structural Work)

Planning a full home renovation and still wondering how much a home renovation costs in Melbourne

If you’re upgrading your entire house — kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, paint, lighting and finishes — but not changing structure or extensions, pricing is usually calculated per sqm.

Full Home Renovation Cost Melbourne

Based on current builder rates across Melbourne, most full home renovations fall between:

$1,400 – $2,800 per sqm

Premium homes can reach $3,500+ per sqm

Here’s a realistic cost breakdown to help you budget confidently.

Full Home Renovation Cost Per sqm (Melbourne Average)

• Budget / Light Refresh

$1,000 – $1,400 per sqm

Best for cosmetic upgrades or investment properties.

Includes:

• Painting

• New flooring

• Minor updates

• Basic lighting

• Small repairs only

Example:

• 150sqm home × $1,200 = $180,000

Ideal if you just want a fresh, clean look without replacing kitchens or bathrooms.

• Standard Cosmetic Renovation (Most common)

$1,400 – $2,000 per sqm

This is where most Melbourne homeowners sit.

Includes:

• New kitchen

• 1–2 bathrooms

• Flooring throughout

• Painting

• Lighting upgrades

• Minor plumbing/electrical works

Examples:

• 150sqm × $1,600 = $240,000

• 160sqm townhouse × $1,600 = $256,000

Perfect for families modernising older homes.

• Mid–High Finish

$2,000 – $2,800 per sqm

For homeowners wanting premium finishes and better detailing.

Includes:

• Custom joinery

• Stone benchtops

• Premium tapware

• Feature lighting

• High-quality flooring

• Full internal upgrades

• Designer finishes

Examples:

• 180sqm × $2,000 = $360,000

• 200sqm double storey × $2,000 = $400,000

Great for long-term homes and lifestyle upgrades.

• Premium / Design-Led Renovation

$2,800 – $3,500+ per sqm

Architectural, high-end homes.

Includes:

• Bespoke cabinetry

• Luxury bathrooms

• Marble or natural stone

• Designer kitchens

• Custom lighting

• Premium finishes throughout

Example:

• 220sqm × $3,000 = $660,000

Common in suburbs like Balwyn, Glen Waverley, Camberwell and Doncaster.

Where does the budget go?

Typical full-home renovation cost split:

• Kitchen → 25–30%

• Bathrooms → 20–25%

• Joinery & cabinetry → 15–20%

• Flooring → 10–15%

• Painting → 5–10%

• Electrical/plumbing → 10–15%

• Labour & project management → 15–20%

Kitchens and bathrooms drive most of the cost.

What increases renovation costs?

These items push pricing higher:

• Moving walls

• Structural work

• Extensions

• Custom cabinetry everywhere

• Natural stone

• Premium appliances

• Older homes needing upgrades

• Complex layouts

Tip: keeping the layout similar can save $50k–$100k+

How to keep your renovation within budget

Smart strategies we recommend:

• Keep plumbing in the same locations

• Limit structural changes

• Choose engineered stone over marble

• Use a design-build builder

• Plan materials before construction

Good planning prevents expensive variations.

Why choose Smarter Renovations?

We specialize in full home renovations across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, delivering design, build and project management under one team.

Our service includes:

• Design + build

• Licensed trades

• Fixed-price contracts

• Material selections

• Clear scopes

• End-to-end project management

So you get predictable costs and a stress-free renovation.

Ready to renovate your whole home?

If you’re planning a full house upgrade and want a realistic budget estimate, our team can assess your property and provide tailored advice.

👉 Book a free consultation today.