A kitchen renovation in Australia in 2025 typically costs between $25,000 and $45,000 for a mid-range project. A basic cosmetic update can be as low as $15,000, while a high-end custom renovation in cities like Sydney can exceed $80,000. This guide provides detailed cost breakdowns for every budget, reveals the hidden costs to avoid, and gives you a checklist to plan your project with confidence.
Find Your Realistic Budget in 60 Seconds
Answer these three simple questions to estimate your kitchen renovation budget. For a complete home renovation, read our full guide on how to budget for a home renovation.
1. Kitchen Size
- Small (under 8m²)
- Medium (8-15m²)
- Large (15m²+)
2. Project Scope
- Cosmetic Refresh (paint, handles, new taps)
- Mid-Range (new cabinets, benchtops, appliances, same layout)
- High-End (new layout, premium materials)
3. DIY Level
- Mostly DIY
- Hiring a Builder
- Using a Designer
Your Budget Estimate
| Kitchen Size | Cosmetic Refresh | Mid-Range | High-End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | $10,000 – $15,000 | $20,000 – $30,000 | $40,000 – $55,000 |
| Medium | $15,000 – $20,000 | $30,000 – $45,000 | $50,000 – $70,000 |
| Large | $20,000 – $25,000 | $40,000 – $55,000 | $60,000 – $80,000+ |
Note: Add 15-20% for designer-led projects, subtract 20-30% for significant DIY work.
Action Plan: Your estimated range is based on the selections above. Use the detailed breakdowns below to see exactly what you can achieve within your budget.
What a $15k, $30k, and $60k+ Kitchen Renovation Looks Like
The Budget Revamp: $15,000 – $25,000
This budget is for a cosmetic refresh, focusing on updating surfaces without changing the kitchen’s layout. It’s ideal for a functional kitchen that needs a modern look.
What You Get:
- Cabinetry: Reface existing doors, paint carcasses, add new handles
- Benchtops: High-quality laminate or entry-level engineered stone
- Appliances: Keep existing functional appliances, replace one or two with budget-friendly models
- Splashback: Simple ceramic tiles or a new coat of tile paint
- Labour: Minimal electrical/plumbing; assumes significant DIY
The Mid-Range Remodel: $25,000 – $45,000
This is Australia’s most common renovation budget. It allows for all-new flat-pack or custom cabinetry, quality benchtops, and new appliances, while generally keeping the existing layout.
What You Get:
- Cabinetry: New flat-pack or standard custom-made joinery
- Benchtops: Mid-range engineered stone (e.g., Caesarstone standard range)
- Appliances: Full suite of mid-range appliances (e.g., Bosch, Fisher & Paykel)
- Splashback: Tiled or glass splashback
- Labour: Fully installed by licensed tradespeople (builder, plumber, electrician)
Common Mistake Alert: The number one mistake in this range is underestimating trade labour costs, which can be 30-40% of the total budget.
The High-End Transformation: $50,000 – $80,000+
This budget allows for a complete structural and aesthetic transformation, including layout changes, premium materials, high-end appliances, and custom joinery.
What You Get:
- Cabinetry: High-end custom joinery with premium finishes and hardware
- Benchtops: Premium natural stone (marble, quartzite) or high-end engineered stone
- Appliances: Premium and integrated appliances (e.g., Miele, Smeg)
- Layout: Moving walls, plumbing, and electrical points to optimise workflow
- Labour: Includes project management from a builder or designer
Success Metrics: A kitchen that is perfectly tailored to your workflow, with high-quality finishes that significantly increase your home’s value.
The 7 Hidden Costs That Will Blow Your Kitchen Budget
Hidden costs are expenses not included in initial quotes. As a rule, you must add a 15-20% contingency fund to your total budget to cover them.
The Hidden Cost Checklist:
- Demolition & Waste Removal ($1,000 – $2,500)
- Skip bin hire and labour for removing old kitchen
- Plumbing & Electrical Labour ($200+ per outlet moved)
- Moving a single power point or tap location adds up quickly
- Structural Repairs (Variable)
- Replacing water-damaged flooring or fixing wall issues discovered during demolition
- Flooring ($1,500 – $3,000)
- Often forgotten in kitchen-only quotes
- Plastering & Painting ($1,000+)
- Walls and ceilings adjacent to the kitchen need finishing
- Council/Strata Fees ($500 – $2,000)
- Required if you’re moving structural walls or windows
- Temporary Kitchen Costs ($500 – $2,000)
- Cost of eating out and setting up a temporary cooking station
Is a Kitchen Remodel Worth It? A 2025 ROI Analysis
Yes. A well-planned kitchen renovation provides one of the highest returns on investment of any home project. Most mid-range renovations can recoup 60-80% of their cost when the property is sold.
| Feature | Benefit for You | Benefit for Resale Value |
|---|---|---|
| Improved Layout | Better workflow, more enjoyable to use | Major selling point for buyers |
| More Storage | Reduced clutter, better organisation | Appeals to families and downsizers |
| Modern Appliances | Energy efficiency, better cooking results | Indicates a well-maintained home |
Best For Maximum ROI:
- Focus on a functional layout
- Invest in quality benchtops
- Maximise storage solutions
- Choose timeless colours and finishes
Lowest ROI:
- Over-investing in niche trends
- Installing appliances too high-end for the neighbourhood
- Highly personalised design choices that limit buyer appeal
Ready to Start Your Kitchen Renovation?
With this guide, you now have a realistic understanding of kitchen renovation costs in Australia for 2025. Remember to:
- Add 15-20% contingency to your budget
- Consider the long-term value, not just immediate costs
- Plan for temporary kitchen arrangements during the renovation
Whether you’re planning a $15,000 refresh or an $80,000 transformation, the key to success is understanding exactly what your budget can achieve and planning for those hidden costs that catch many renovators by surprise. Now that you have your budget estimate, the next step is to see how it applies to your unique space. Contact the team at Jonathan Homes for a kitchen renovation consultation, and we’ll help you turn your estimated budget into a concrete plan.
