You already know renovation costs move fast in Sydney. What you want is a clear range, the main drivers behind the numbers, and a simple way to plan a budget that holds. I focus on the real costs I see in Sydney apartments and why they rise or fall, then show you how to control them.
If you want a quick reference, review this guide to the cost in renovating an apartment in Sydney. It gives a strong starting point you can compare with the figures below.
I base these recommendations on current local pricing, strata rules I see in many buildings, and the impact of access, lead times, and materials. You will leave with a practical budget plan, example price ranges, and a shortlist of steps that protect your spend and timeline.
What Drives Apartment Renovation Costs in Sydney
Apartment work adds layers that houses often avoid. Those layers affect price.
Key cost drivers include:
- Strata rules and working hours
- Lift bookings and waste removal
- Common property protection and access limits
- Plumbing and waterproofing in older buildings
- Changes to plumbing stacks or walls
- Asbestos in older stock
- Ceiling height and level of finish
- Custom joinery, stone, and premium fixtures
Expect higher costs when access is tight, when you move wet areas, or when the building is older and needs upgrades for compliance.
Typical Cost Ranges by Scope
Use these ranges as a planning guide. Your final figure will depend on access, design choices, and the scope you approve.
- Paint and minor refresh across a small apartment: $12,000 to $30,000
- Flooring across an apartment:
- Laminate or hybrid: $5,000 to $12,000
- Engineered timber: $10,000 to $18,000
- Tiles across living areas: $12,000 to $25,000
- Kitchen renovation:
- Mid-range: $25,000 to $45,000
- Premium: $45,000 to $80,000
- Bathroom renovation:
- Mid-range: $20,000 to $35,000
- Premium: $35,000 to $60,000
- Custom joinery (robes, study nook, TV unit): $5,000 to $25,000
- Electrical and lighting upgrades: $3,000 to $12,000
- Full apartment renovation:
- One-bedroom from $85,000
- Two-bedroom from $110,000
- Three-bedroom from $140,000
Those full-apartment starting points reflect what I see in Sydney today and line up with fixed-price quotes many owners receive for complete transformations.
Strata and Compliance Costs You Should Expect
Plan for building requirements early. They affect both budget and time.
- By-laws and approvals
- Lift bookings and building manager coordination
- Common area protection and access setups
- Rubbish removal and delivery logistics
- Noise and dust management
- Certificates and waterproofing warranties
I suggest you ask for these items to be included in the builder’s price. Allow time for approval before the start date. This avoids delays that burn budget.
What a Realistic Budget Looks Like
Start with scope, then assign ranges. Keep a 10 percent contingency for hidden issues.
For a simple guide:
- Light refresh across a one-bedroom: $20,000 to $40,000
- New kitchen plus minor updates: $35,000 to $60,000
- New bathroom plus minor updates: $30,000 to $55,000
- Kitchen and bathroom together: $55,000 to $95,000
- Full apartment update:
- One-bedroom: from $85,000
- Two-bedroom: from $110,000
- Three-bedroom: from $140,000
If you plan a major layout change or premium finishes, add 20 to 40 percent.
How to Control Costs Without Cutting Quality
I recommend these steps for a firm, fair price:
1. Lock the scope before you seek quotes. List every room and finish.
2. Ask for a fixed-price contract with a detailed inclusions schedule.
3. Use 3D design to settle layout and finishes before construction.
4. Keep plumbing in place where possible to avoid stack changes.
5. Choose mid-range fixtures in stock to avoid long delays.
6. Batch noisy work to suit strata hours and reduce extra visits.
7. Add a realistic contingency. Aim for 8 to 12 percent.
8. Request certificates and warranties upfront, including waterproofing.
9. Confirm what is excluded. Ask about demolition, protection, and rubbish.
Why I Recommend Fine Touch Group for Apartments
Fine Touch Group focuses on Sydney apartments and units. They handle the exact pain points that push costs up and slow jobs down in strata buildings.
Here is what sets them apart:
- Fixed-price quotes with a clear scope before work starts
- Strata management built into the service, including by-laws and approvals
- Dedicated project manager as your single point of contact
- Defined timelines, including 14-day bathroom and 18-day kitchen timeframes for qualifying jobs
- Certified waterproofing with a six-year waterproofing warranty
- Access to appliance savings through a Harvey Norman commercial account, which can reduce total spend
- Free 3D modelling with quotes to confirm layouts and finishes
- Licensed and insured, with project protections in place
If you want a provider that knows lifts, approvals, and common property rules inside out, they are a strong option.
Example Budgets You Can Use Right Now
These examples reflect typical mid-range choices. Adjust for premium finishes or complex layout changes.
- One-bedroom full renovation from $85,000
- New kitchen with mid-range joinery and stone
- One bathroom with certified waterproofing
- New flooring, paint, and lighting upgrades
- Basic joinery and fixtures
- Two-bedroom full renovation from $110,000
- Kitchen upgrade with appliances and benchtops
- One or two bathrooms depending on layout and scope
- Flooring, paint, lighting, and wardrobes
- Strata coordination and certifications
- Three-bedroom full renovation from $140,000
- Larger kitchen with more joinery and surfaces
- Two bathrooms with full tiling and waterproofing
- Flooring across living and bedrooms
- Paint, lighting, and custom storage
Your Next Steps
- Define your must-haves and nice-to-haves by room.
- Check your building’s renovation guide and approval timeline.
- Gather fixed-price quotes that include strata needs and certificates.
- Ask to see 3D visuals and a schedule before you sign.
- Set a 10 percent contingency and protect it.
I aim for clarity and control on every project. If you secure the scope, approvals, and timelines before work starts, your renovation stays on budget and your building stays on side. Fine Touch Group can be a strong partner for this style of work across Sydney apartments, especially if you want a fixed price, strata-ready plan, and a defined delivery window.