How Much Does a Kitchen Renovation Cost in Australia? (2026 )

Sep 9

8 min read

Kitchen renovation is one of the most popular and highest-return home improvements in Australia. Whether you're living in a growing suburb of South East Melbourne, a coastal town on the Bass Coast, or anywhere in between, chances are the question has crossed your mind: how much is this actually going to cost?

The honest answer is that kitchen renovation costs in Australia vary enormously — from $15,000 for a modest refresh to well over $100,000 for a high-end custom build. What you pay depends on the size of your kitchen, the quality of materials you choose, whether you're changing the layout, and who you hire to do the work.

This guide breaks it all down clearly — no vague estimates, no marketing fluff. Just a practical, honest look at what kitchen renovations cost in Australia in 2026, what drives those costs, and how to get the best result for your budget.

Kitchen Renovation Cost Breakdown — By Scope

The best way to understand kitchen renovation costs in Australia is to break them down by scope. Here are the four main tiers:

1. Basic Kitchen Refresh — $10,000 to $20,000

A kitchen refresh involves updating the look of your existing kitchen without structural changes. This typically includes new cabinet doors and drawer fronts (keeping the existing cabinet boxes), new benchtops, a new splashback, updated tapware and sink, and new handles and fixtures.

This is the most cost-effective option and works well when your kitchen layout is functional but the aesthetics are dated. The results can be dramatic — a well-executed refresh can make a 2005 kitchen look entirely contemporary. The key limitation is that you're working with the existing layout, so if your kitchen doesn't flow well or is too small, a refresh won't solve that.

2. Mid-Range Full Kitchen Renovation — $20,000 to $45,000

This is the most common tier for Australian homeowners in 2026. A mid-range full renovation involves a complete strip-out and rebuild — new cabinetry, new benchtops, new splashback, new appliances, new lighting, and updated plumbing and electrical. The layout may stay the same or be modified slightly.

At this price point you can expect quality mid-range cabinetry (think Polytec, Laminex or similar), stone benchtops such as reconstituted stone or engineered quartz, tiled or glass splashback, and a good quality appliance package. Most Australian families doing a renovation of their family home will land somewhere in this range.

3. Premium Kitchen Renovation — $45,000 to $80,000

A premium renovation involves higher-end materials and more complex work — custom cabinetry with soft-close fittings, engineered stone or marble benchtops, a full appliance package from brands like Miele, Fisher & Paykel or Smeg, integrated lighting design, a butler's pantry, and a polished finish throughout.

At this level you're also likely to see structural changes — walls removed, ceilings raised, kitchen extended into adjacent spaces — which adds complexity and cost. This tier suits homeowners who are planning to stay in their home long term and want a kitchen that reflects a luxury lifestyle.

4. High-End Custom Kitchen — $80,000 to $150,000+

The top tier covers fully bespoke kitchens designed and built to specification. Custom joinery, marble or stone benchtops, imported fixtures, fully integrated appliances, bespoke island benches, wine fridges, integrated coffee machines, and architectural lighting. These are the kitchens you see in home design magazines.

This level is typically reserved for high-value properties where the kitchen investment is proportionate to the overall property value and intended for long-term ownership. In regional areas like the Bass Coast or even outer South East Melbourne, spending $120,000 on a kitchen rarely makes financial sense unless the rest of the home justifies it.

What Drives the Cost of a Kitchen Renovation in Australia?

Understanding what actually moves the needle on cost helps you make smarter decisions about where to spend and where to save.

Cabinetry

Cabinetry is consistently the single biggest cost in a kitchen renovation, typically representing 30 to 40 percent of the total budget. The price range is wide — from flatpack Ikea-style cabinets at the budget end ($3,000 to $6,000 supply only) to custom-built timber joinery at the premium end ($25,000 to $60,000+).

For most Australian homeowners, semi-custom cabinetry from a quality manufacturer sits in the sweet spot — better quality and finish than flatpack, without the cost of full custom. Expect to pay $8,000 to $20,000 for supply and installation of mid-range cabinetry in a standard-sized kitchen.

Benchtops

Benchtops are highly visible and have a significant impact on the overall feel of the kitchen. The main options and approximate costs per lineal metre for supply and installation:

Laminate — $200 to $500/lm. Budget-friendly and durable. Has improved significantly in quality and appearance in recent years. Not as prestigious as stone but perfectly functional.

Reconstituted stone (e.g. Caesarstone, Silestone) — $500 to $1,200/lm. The most popular choice for mid-range renovations. Durable, low maintenance, wide range of colours and finishes.

Engineered marble / premium stone — $1,000 to $2,500+/lm. Luxury appearance, requires more care, premium pricing. Popular in high-end renovations.

Natural stone (marble, granite) — $800 to $3,000+/lm. Unique and beautiful, but porous and requires sealing. Each slab is different.

Timber — $600 to $1,500/lm. Warm and natural, particularly popular in Australian homes. Requires oiling and maintenance.

Appliances

Appliances are where costs can escalate quickly if you're not careful. A basic appliance package (oven, cooktop, rangehood, dishwasher) from a mid-range brand like Westinghouse or Bosch might cost $3,000 to $6,000. A premium package from Miele, Fisher & Paykel or Smeg can easily reach $15,000 to $30,000.

Our advice: don't overcapitalise on appliances relative to your overall budget. A $5,000 appliance package in a $25,000 kitchen makes sense. A $25,000 appliance package in a $30,000 kitchen doesn't.

Plumbing and Electrical

If you're keeping your kitchen layout the same, plumbing and electrical costs are relatively contained — typically $2,000 to $5,000 for a standard renovation. Moving your sink, adding a dishwasher connection, or relocating plumbing waste points adds cost.

Electrical work typically includes new power points, under-cabinet lighting, rangehood connections, and oven connections. If you're upgrading to a high-powered induction cooktop, you may need a dedicated circuit installed by an electrician.

Structural Changes and Open-Plan Conversions

This is where costs can jump significantly. Removing a wall to create an open-plan kitchen and living area is one of the most popular renovations in Australia — and one of the most impactful. But it's also one of the most expensive, because it involves:

Structural engineering assessment to determine if the wall is load-bearing. If it is, an engineer must design the replacement beam. The beam itself (often a steel flitch beam or LVL) must be installed correctly. A building permit is required for structural changes. The ceiling, floor, and walls must be made good after the wall comes out.

Budget $15,000 to $35,000 for an open-plan conversion depending on the wall type, span, and finish quality. It's expensive — but the result typically adds more value than it costs, and transforms how the entire home feels.

Labour and Project Management

Labour costs for a kitchen renovation in Australia typically represent 30 to 40 percent of the total budget. A well-run renovation has a builder coordinating cabinet makers, plumbers, electricians, tilers, and plasterers in the right sequence. Poor coordination is the number one cause of delays and cost blowouts.

Hiring a licensed builder who manages the whole project — rather than coordinating tradespeople yourself — adds a margin but typically saves money overall through better scheduling, fewer mistakes, and a single point of accountability.

Kitchen Renovation Costs by State — Does Location Matter?

Yes — labour rates, trade availability, and material costs vary across Australia. Here's a general guide:

Sydney and Melbourne (inner suburbs): Highest costs. Trade rates are higher, and demand drives up prices. Expect to add 15 to 25 percent to national averages.

Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide: Generally 10 to 20 percent lower than Sydney/Melbourne for equivalent work.

Regional Victoria (including South East Melbourne fringe and Bass Coast): Typically 10 to 20 percent lower than inner Melbourne, but trade availability can be a factor — quality trades in regional areas book out quickly.

Rural and remote areas: Trade availability is the primary challenge. Expect higher costs due to travel and limited competition.

What's the Return on Investment for a Kitchen Renovation in Australia?

Kitchen renovations consistently deliver one of the highest returns on investment of any home improvement in Australia. Industry research and real estate data suggest that a well-executed kitchen renovation can return $1.50 to $2.00 in property value for every dollar spent — particularly at the mid-range tier.

The caveat is proportionality. A $60,000 kitchen renovation in a $400,000 home in regional Victoria is unlikely to deliver a strong return. The same renovation in a $1.2 million home in South East Melbourne is a very sound investment. Match the kitchen budget to the property value and the local market.

The open-plan conversion is particularly valued by Australian buyers. Real estate agents consistently report that open-plan living and dining is one of the top features buyers look for — and homes that have it sell faster and for more than comparable homes that don't.

How Long Does a Kitchen Renovation Take in Australia?

Timeline depends heavily on scope and how well the project is managed. Here are realistic timeframes for 2026:

Kitchen refresh (new doors, benchtops, splashback): 1 to 2 weeks on-site, plus 2 to 4 weeks lead time for cabinet doors and benchtop templating.

Mid-range full renovation: 4 to 7 weeks from demolition to handover, plus 3 to 5 weeks lead time for cabinetry.

Premium renovation with structural changes: 8 to 16 weeks including permit approval time and lead times.

The most common causes of delays are late decision-making on materials (cabinetry must be ordered weeks before installation), permit approval times for structural work, and poor trade scheduling. A builder who manages the entire project significantly reduces the risk of delays.

How to Get the Best Value From Your Kitchen Renovation Budget

Spend where it shows. Cabinetry, benchtops, and splashback are the most visible elements of a kitchen. Spending slightly more here delivers a better visible result than spending it on things people can't see.

Save on appliances where you can. A mid-range oven and cooktop that work perfectly are better value than premium appliances that eat up your entire budget.

Don't change the layout unless you need to. Moving your sink, cooktop, or dishwasher adds plumbing costs. If the layout works, keep it.

Get multiple quotes. In Australia, it's standard to get 2 to 3 quotes for any significant renovation. Compare them carefully — make sure you're comparing like for like, because a lower quote often means lower quality materials or excluded scope.

Hire a licensed builder. In Victoria (and most Australian states), building work above a certain value threshold requires a licensed domestic builder. Using unlicensed trades is illegal, voids your insurance, and creates serious problems if something goes wrong.

Start planning early. In 2026, quality builders and cabinet makers in South East Melbourne and the Bass Coast are booking 2 to 4 months in advance. Starting your planning and quoting process early means you get the builder you want, not the one who's available.

Common Kitchen Renovation Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing the cheapest quote. The cheapest quote is almost always cheap for a reason — lower quality materials, unlicensed trades, excluded scope, or a builder who will add costs later. Get detailed written quotes and compare them properly.

Not getting a fixed-price contract. An open-ended or hourly rate arrangement puts all the cost risk on you. Insist on a fixed-price written contract that specifies exactly what's included.

Making decisions too late. Cabinet lead times in Australia are typically 4 to 6 weeks. Benchtops are templated after cabinets are installed and take 1 to 2 weeks. Appliance delivery needs to be coordinated. Late decisions cause delays that compound quickly.

Overcapitalising for your suburb. Research what similar homes in your area sell for. Your kitchen renovation should improve your property's value, not exceed what the market will support.

Ignoring ventilation. A rangehood that doesn't exhaust outside (or is undersized for your cooktop) will fill your home with cooking odours and grease. Get this right from the start.

Kitchen Renovations in South East Melbourne and Bass Coast

STP Quality Constructions is a licensed builder (CDB-U 100674) with over 15 years of experience delivering kitchen renovations across South East Melbourne and the Bass Coast. Sam Pyne manages every project personally — from the initial free quote through to final handover.

Whether you're in Pakenham, Berwick, Cranbourne, Wonthaggi, Inverloch or anywhere in between, we'll come out, look at your kitchen, and give you a detailed fixed-price quote with no obligation and no runaround.

📞 Call Sam on 0424 490 777

If you're in Pakenham or South East Melbourne, visit our Kitchen Renovation Pakenham page to learn more about what we do and see our recent work.

If you're on the Bass Coast, visit our Kitchen Renovation Bass Coast page for local pricing and information specific to Wonthaggi and surrounding areas.