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

Q: How much does a small bathroom renovation cost in Australia?

A small bathroom renovation under 4 square metres typically costs $15,000 to $28,000 for a mid-range finish. Costs remain high due to fixed expenses like waterproofing, plumbing, and electrical work.

Q: Do I need a permit for a bathroom renovation in Australia?

Cosmetic bathroom renovations usually do not require permits. However, relocating plumbing fixtures requires a plumbing permit, and structural changes may require a building permit. Always check with your local council.

Q: Is waterproofing required for a bathroom renovation in Australia?

Yes, waterproofing is legally required under Australian Standard AS 3740 and the National Construction Code. It must be completed by a licensed professional and certified.

Q: How much does bathroom tiling cost in Australia?

Budget tiles cost $20 to $40 per square metre with installation adding $50 to $70. Mid-range tiles cost $40 to $80 per square metre with installation at $60 to $90. Total tiling costs range from $1,400 to $8,000 depending on size and quality.

Q: What is the cheapest way to renovate a bathroom in Australia?

The cheapest way is to keep the existing plumbing layout, choose budget fixtures, compare multiple quotes, and handle minor preparation work yourself. A budget renovation can cost $15,000 to $18,000.

Q: Does a bathroom renovation add value to your home in Australia?

Yes, a mid-range renovation costing $22,000 to $35,000 can add $25,000 to $45,000 in property value. Budget renovations often provide the best return on investment.

Q: How much does it cost to retile a bathroom in Australia?

Retiling costs between $3,000 and $12,000 depending on size, tile choice, and labour. Replacing waterproofing adds an additional $1,500 to $3,500.

Q: How much does a new shower cost in Australia?

A new shower installation typically costs $1,500 to $5,000. Premium walk-in showers can cost $5,000 to $12,000, and relocating plumbing can add $2,000 to $5,000.

After the kitchen, the bathroom is the most renovated room in the Australian home – and one of the best investments you can make in your property. A well-done bathroom renovation improves your daily routine, prevents costly water damage, and adds real value when you sell.

But bathroom costs can vary enormously. A simple cosmetic update might cost $8,000. A full luxury renovation can run past $80,000. Knowing what is realistic for your budget before you start is the difference between a smooth project and a financial headache.

In this guide, we break down the real 2026 costs for bathroom renovations in Australia – by budget tier, by component, and by city – in plain, simple language.

Also planning to renovate your kitchen at the same time? Read our kitchen renovation cost guide for Australia (2026) and our full home improvement planning guides to help you budget across multiple renovation projects.

Bathroom Renovation Cost in Australia – Quick Price Snapshot (2026)

Bathroom renovations in Australia fall into four main price tiers. Here is a quick overview of what each level delivers:

Budget Tier	Total Cost Range	What You Get
Cosmetic Refresh	$8,000 – $15,000	New tapware, vanity mirror, paint, lighting, and accessories. No tiling or plumbing changes. Existing layout stays as is.
Budget Renovation	$15,000 – $22,000	New tiles, toilet, vanity, shower screen, and tapware. Waterproofing redone. No layout changes.
Mid-Range (Most Common)	$22,000 – $35,000	Full strip-out and rebuild. Quality tiles, frameless or semi-frameless shower, new vanity, quality tapware, exhaust fan, heated towel rail.
Premium / Luxury	$35,000 – $80,000+	Custom vanity, freestanding bath, fully frameless shower, floor-to-ceiling large-format tiles, underfloor heating, designer tapware and lighting.

💡 Quick Answer: The average bathroom renovation cost in Australia in 2026 is approximately $26,000 for a mid-range renovation, according to the Housing Industry Association (HIA). A basic renovation with new tiles, fixtures, and waterproofing typically costs $15,000 to $22,000. Premium renovations with custom vanities, freestanding baths, and high-end finishes start from $35,000 and can exceed $80,000.

Bathroom Renovation Cost Breakdown – What Each Component Costs

Understanding where your money goes helps you prioritise spending and avoid nasty surprises. Here is a detailed breakdown of individual costs for a standard mid-range bathroom renovation in Australia in 2026:

Labour – 40 to 45% of Your Total Budget

Labour is consistently the largest cost in an Australian bathroom renovation. A bathroom concentrates more trade work into a small space than almost any other room – plumber, tiler, waterproofer, electrician, and often a carpenter or painter are all required.

Trade	Typical Cost
Plumber (rough-in + fit-off – fixtures in same position)	$1,500 – $3,500
Plumber (relocating toilet, shower, or vanity)	Add $2,000 – $5,000+ per fixture moved
Waterproofer (licensed – legally required)	$1,500 – $5,000
Tiler (labour only)	$50 – $120 per m² depending on tile size and pattern
Electrician (lighting, exhaust fan, heated towel rail)	$800 – $2,500
Carpenter / bathroom installer	$80 – $130 per hour
Painter (if needed)	$500 – $1,500
Project manager or builder (if coordinating all trades)	10 – 20% of total project cost

Waterproofing – 5 to 10% of Your Total Budget

Waterproofing is the most important and most overlooked cost in a bathroom renovation. In Australia, waterproofing is legally required under Australian Standard AS 3740 and the National Construction Code. It must be done by a licensed waterproofer before any tiling begins.

Waterproofing Scope	Typical Cost
Full bathroom waterproofing (standard 4–6 m² bathroom)	$1,500 – $3,500
Large bathroom or ensuite waterproofing	$2,500 – $5,000
Shower recess only (partial waterproofing)	$800 – $1,500
Compliance certificate (required for all new waterproofing)	Included in most waterproofing quotes

⚠ Never Skip Waterproofing: Failed waterproofing is the most expensive bathroom repair an Australian homeowner can face. Water leaks behind tiles can cause structural damage, mould, and rot that costs $10,000 to $50,000 to repair. If your bathroom was built before 2005, the waterproofing membrane has likely degraded and must be completely redone during your renovation. This is non-negotiable.

Tiling – 15 to 20% of Your Total Budget

Tiles are the most visible design element in your bathroom and one of the most variable costs. The price depends on the tile material, size, pattern, and how much area you are tiling – walls, floor, or both.

Tile Type / Cost	Supply Cost per m²	Labour Cost per m²	Total Installed per m²
Budget ceramic tiles	$20 – $40/m²	$50 – $70/m²	$70 – $110/m²
Mid-range porcelain tiles	$40 – $80/m²	$60 – $90/m²	$100 – $170/m²
Large-format porcelain (600x600mm+)	$60 – $120/m²	$70 – $110/m²	$130 – $230/m²
Natural stone (marble, travertine)	$100 – $250/m²	$90 – $150/m²	$190 – $400/m²
Mosaic tiles (small format)	$80 – $200/m²	$100 – $180/m²	$180 – $380/m²

💡 Tiling Area Tip: A typical Australian bathroom of 4 to 6 square metres has 12 to 20 square metres of tile in total once you include the floor, shower walls, and feature walls to ceiling height. Do not budget just for the floor area – wall tiling is what drives the total tiling cost in most bathrooms.

Fixtures and Fittings – 15 to 22% of Your Total Budget

Fixtures are what you see and touch every day – toilet, vanity, shower screen, tapware, mirror, and accessories. Here is a realistic price guide for 2026:

Fixture	Budget	Mid-Range	Premium
Toilet	$300 – $600	$600 – $1,200	$1,200 – $3,000+
Vanity (with basin)	$400 – $800	$800 – $2,000	$2,000 – $5,000+
Shower screen (framed)	$400 – $700	–	–
Shower screen (semi-frameless)	–	$700 – $1,500	–
Shower screen (fully frameless)	–	–	$1,500 – $3,500+
Tapware set (shower + basin)	$200 – $500	$500 – $1,500	$1,500 – $4,000+
Bathtub (built-in)	$400 – $900	$900 – $2,500	$2,500 – $6,000+
Bathtub (freestanding)	–	$1,500 – $3,500	$3,500 – $10,000+
Mirror / mirror cabinet	$100 – $300	$300 – $800	$800 – $2,500+
Exhaust fan	$80 – $200	$200 – $500	$500 – $1,200
Heated towel rail	$150 – $400	$400 – $900	$900 – $2,500+

Other Costs to Include in Your Budget

Item	Typical Cost
Demolition and waste removal	$800 – $2,500
Plasterboard / wall repairs	$500 – $1,500
Flooring (if using vinyl outside shower area)	$500 – $2,000
Shower niche (recessed shelf in shower wall)	$300 – $800 per niche
Underfloor heating (electric mat)	$500 – $1,500 supply + install
Building and plumbing permits	$500 – $2,000 (if layout changes)
Contingency buffer (always include)	10 – 15% of total budget

Bathroom Renovation Cost by City in Australia (2026)

Where you live in Australia has a real impact on what you pay. Labour rates, material availability, and demand all vary across the country. Here is a realistic guide to what a standard mid-range bathroom renovation (full strip-out, new tiles, fixtures, and waterproofing) costs across major Australian cities in 2026:

City / State	Budget Refresh	Mid-Range Renovation	Premium Renovation
Sydney / NSW	$12,000 – $18,000	$28,000 – $45,000	$45,000 – $90,000+
Melbourne / VIC	$10,000 – $16,000	$25,000 – $40,000	$40,000 – $80,000+
Brisbane / QLD	$9,000 – $15,000	$22,000 – $38,000	$38,000 – $75,000+
Perth / WA	$9,000 – $15,000	$22,000 – $38,000	$38,000 – $75,000+
Adelaide / SA	$8,000 – $14,000	$20,000 – $35,000	$35,000 – $70,000+
Canberra / ACT	$11,000 – $17,000	$26,000 – $42,000	$42,000 – $80,000+
Hobart / TAS	$8,000 – $13,000	$19,000 – $33,000	$33,000 – $65,000+
Darwin / NT	$10,000 – $16,000	$23,000 – $39,000	$39,000 – $75,000+

💡 Sydney and Melbourne Note: Sydney consistently runs 15 to 25% above the national average for bathroom renovations due to higher labour rates, higher cost of living, and stronger demand for licensed trades. Melbourne is typically 10 to 15% above the national average. If you are in an inner-city suburb of either city, add at least 15% to any national average figure you read online.

What Affects Your Bathroom Renovation Cost?

Two bathrooms the same size in the same city can easily cost $15,000 apart. Here are the main factors that push the price up or down:

The Biggest Cost Driver – Moving the Plumbing

The single most expensive decision you can make in a bathroom renovation is moving the toilet, shower, or vanity to a different position. On a concrete slab – which is the most common floor type in Australian homes – relocating a single plumbing fixture can add $2,000 to $5,000 due to concrete cutting, new drainage runs, and replumbing.

If your current bathroom layout works reasonably well, designing around the existing plumbing positions is the single most effective way to control your renovation budget.

✅ Money-Saving Rule: Keep the toilet, shower, and vanity in the same positions. You can completely transform the look of your bathroom – with new tiles, fixtures, waterproofing, lighting, and a fresh vanity – while keeping all the plumbing exactly where it is. Most Australians cannot tell the layout has not changed when the renovation is done well.

Other Key Factors That Affect Cost

Bathroom size – Larger bathrooms cost more, but small bathrooms are not necessarily cheap. Waterproofing, plumbing fit-off, and electrical costs are largely fixed regardless of size.
Tile choice – The single biggest lever after plumbing. Budget tiles at $20 per m² versus natural stone at $200 per m² is a $3,600 to $7,200 difference on a typical bathroom.
Fixture quality – A basic Bunnings toilet is $300. A premium wall-hung toilet from Caroma or Parisi is $2,000 to $3,000. The same range exists for every fixture in the room.
Bathroom age – Homes built before 1990 often have old galvanised pipes, inadequate electrical wiring, and failed waterproofing that must be addressed before cosmetic work begins. Always get an inspection in older homes.
Asbestos – Homes built before 1990 may have asbestos-containing materials in the bathroom ceiling, walls, or floor. Asbestos removal by a licensed removalist adds $1,500 to $5,000 and is mandatory before demolition.
Property type – Apartments and multi-storey homes are more expensive to renovate due to access restrictions, body corporate requirements, and the need for noise protection during works.
City and suburb – As shown in the city table above, Sydney and Melbourne consistently run above the national average. Inner-city suburbs within those cities are more again.

Hidden Costs That Blow Out Bathroom Renovation Budgets

These are the costs that rarely appear in initial quotes but regularly push Australian bathroom renovations over budget:

Hidden Cost	Typical Price	Why It Happens
Asbestos removal	$1,500 – $5,000+	Very common in homes built before 1990 – must be done by a licensed removalist before demolition
Failed waterproofing behind old tiles	$1,500 – $4,000 extra	Only discovered once tiles are removed – if the membrane has failed, full re-waterproofing is required
Rotting timber framing	$500 – $3,000	Water has been leaking behind tiles for years – rotten frames need replacing before tiling can begin
Old galvanised pipes that need replacing	$800 – $3,000+	Galvanised pipes corrode and have reduced flow – often flagged by plumber once the wall is opened
Electrical upgrade (old or insufficient wiring)	$800 – $2,500	Older homes may not have a dedicated bathroom circuit or enough capacity for a heated towel rail
Extra plastering	$500 – $1,500	Walls are rarely perfectly flat once old tiles are removed – replastering is often needed before retiling
Skip bin / waste removal	$300 – $800	Frequently excluded from initial quotes – always ask if demolition waste disposal is included
Shower niche or storage installation	$300 – $800 per niche	Often added after the job starts when homeowners see the space – adds tiling and waterproofing cost

⚠ Always Budget a 15% Contingency : The Australian Institute of Architects and experienced builders consistently recommend a 10 to 15 percent contingency on all renovation projects – and for bathrooms specifically, 15 percent is the minimum. Bathrooms hide their problems behind tiles and walls. You do not know what is there until the old tiles come off. On a $25,000 bathroom renovation, that means keeping $3,750 in reserve. Homeowners who skip the contingency are the ones who end up choosing cheaper tiles mid-project because the money ran out.

Does a Bathroom Renovation Add Value to Your Home?

Yes – a well-done bathroom renovation consistently delivers strong returns for Australian homeowners, particularly in the entry-level to mid-range spend. Here is what the data shows:

Renovation Spend	Typical Value Added	Return on Investment
$8,000 – $15,000 (cosmetic)	$15,000 – $25,000 in property value	100 – 150% ROI
$15,000 – $22,000 (budget full renovation)	$22,000 – $35,000 in property value	80 – 120% ROI
$22,000 – $35,000 (mid-range)	$25,000 – $45,000 in property value	70 – 110% ROI
$35,000 – $60,000 (premium)	$35,000 – $55,000 in property value	55 – 80% ROI
$60,000+ (luxury)	$45,000 – $70,000+ in property value	50 – 70% ROI

The key insight is that budget and mid-range renovations often deliver the best return on investment. Buyers respond strongly to a clean, modern, waterproofed bathroom with quality tiles and fixtures. A $20,000 bathroom renovation that replaces outdated 1990s tiles with fresh large-format porcelain, a new frameless shower, and a floating vanity can add $30,000 to $40,000 to your property’s value.

For more on how renovation decisions affect property value, the Housing Industry Association (HIA) – Australia’s peak residential building industry body – publishes annual renovation data showing bathroom renovations consistently rank among the top three highest-return home improvement projects in Australia.

How to Save Money on Your Bathroom Renovation

Here are practical, proven ways to reduce your bathroom renovation cost without sacrificing quality:

Keep the layout – The single most effective budget decision. Keeping your toilet, shower, and vanity in the same position avoids expensive plumbing relocation. This alone can save $5,000 to $15,000.
Choose mid-range tiles strategically – Use premium feature tiles only on the shower wall or feature wall, and use a less expensive tile elsewhere. The visual impact is the same; the cost is much lower.
Buy fixtures directly from a supplier – Purchasing your toilet, vanity, and tapware directly from a bathroom warehouse or online retailer rather than through your builder can save 15 to 30 percent on fixture costs.
Get at least 3 written quotes – Bathroom renovation quotes can vary by $8,000 to $15,000 for the same scope of work. Never accept the first quote.
Avoid mid-project changes – Every change made after tiling has started costs more than it would have at the planning stage. Decide everything before any work begins.
Use a floating vanity – Wall-hung vanities look premium but are often similar in price to floor-mounted units. They also make the floor easier to clean, which buyers notice.
Renovate in quieter months – Tradies are less busy from May through August. Booking during this period can reduce labour costs by 5 to 15 percent.
Resurface rather than replace the bath – If your bathtub is in good structural condition, resurfacing (re-enamelling) costs $400 to $800 and makes it look brand new. A replacement bath costs $400 to $900 plus labour.
Check if you need a permit early – Permits for plumbing changes can take 1 to 3 weeks. Applying before you book trades avoids expensive delays.

If your bathroom renovation involves new plumbing connections or fixtures, make sure you understand what a licensed plumber will cost. Read our full plumber cost guide for Australia (2026) for a complete breakdown of hourly rates, call-out fees, and job-specific costs.

How Long Does a Bathroom Renovation Take?

Unlike kitchen renovations, bathroom renovations are typically faster because the room is smaller and there are fewer trades to coordinate. Here is a realistic guide:

Renovation Type	Typical Duration
Cosmetic refresh (tapware, paint, accessories – no tiles)	3 – 7 days
Budget renovation (new tiles, toilet, vanity – no layout changes)	2 – 3 weeks
Mid-range renovation (full strip-out, new tiles, fixtures, waterproofing)	3 – 4 weeks
Premium renovation (custom vanity, freestanding bath, layout changes)	5 – 8 weeks
Renovation with structural changes or permit requirements	6 – 12+ weeks

Want a full, detailed timeline breakdown? Read our dedicated guide: How Long Does a Bathroom Renovation Take in Australia?

How Much Does a Bathroom Renovation Cost in Australia (2026 Guide).

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most common questions Australian homeowners ask about bathroom renovation costs.

1. What is the average cost of a bathroom renovation in Australia in 2026?

The average bathroom renovation cost in Australia in 2026 is approximately $26,000 for a mid-range renovation, according to the Housing Industry Association. A basic budget renovation with new tiles, toilet, vanity, and waterproofing costs $15,000 to $22,000. A full premium renovation with custom finishes, freestanding bath, and layout changes starts at $35,000 and can exceed $80,000 in Sydney and Melbourne.

2. How much does a small bathroom renovation cost in Australia?

A small bathroom renovation (under 4 square metres) typically costs $15,000 to $28,000 for a mid-range finish. Small bathrooms are not necessarily cheap – waterproofing, plumbing fit-off, and electrical costs are largely the same regardless of size. The cost per square metre is often higher for small bathrooms because you are still paying the minimum charges for every trade.

3. What is the most expensive part of a bathroom renovation?

Labour accounts for 40 to 45 percent of the total cost and is consistently the largest expense. Within labour, the plumber is usually the single most expensive individual trade – particularly if any plumbing is being relocated. After labour, tiling (including the tiles themselves and installation) is typically the second largest cost, representing 15 to 20 percent of the total budget.

4. Do I need a permit for a bathroom renovation in Australia?

Most cosmetic bathroom renovations – where you are replacing tiles, fixtures, and fittings without moving plumbing – do not require a building permit. However, if your renovation involves relocating the toilet, shower, or vanity, you will need a plumbing permit. If you are removing or altering walls, a building permit may also be required. Always check with your local council and have your licensed plumber apply for any necessary permits before work begins.

5. Is waterproofing required for a bathroom renovation in Australia?

Yes – waterproofing is legally required under Australian Standard AS 3740 and the National Construction Code for all wet areas, including the shower recess, around the bath, and the bathroom floor. It must be done by a licensed waterproofer and a compliance certificate must be issued. Never allow a builder to skip waterproofing or use an unlicensed person to do it – the long-term cost of failed waterproofing is far greater than the waterproofing cost itself.

6. How much does bathroom tiling cost in Australia?

Tiling costs in Australia include both the tile supply and the labour to install them. Budget ceramic tiles cost $20 to $40 per square metre supply only, with installation adding $50 to $70 per square metre. Mid-range porcelain tiles cost $40 to $80 per square metre supply, with installation at $60 to $90 per square metre. For a typical Australian bathroom with 12 to 20 square metres of tiling, the total tiling cost ranges from $1,400 to $4,000 for budget tiles, and $3,000 to $8,000 for quality porcelain.

7. What is the cheapest way to renovate a bathroom in Australia?

The cheapest way to renovate a bathroom in Australia is to keep the existing plumbing layout, choose budget to mid-range tiles and fixtures, get at least three quotes, and do any preparation work yourself (such as removing mirrors, towel rails, and accessories before the tradesperson arrives). A full budget renovation keeping all plumbing in place, using standard tiles and fixtures from a bathroom warehouse, can be completed for $15,000 to $18,000 in most Australian states.

8. Does a bathroom renovation add value to your home in Australia?

Yes – a bathroom renovation consistently adds value to Australian properties. A well-done mid-range renovation costing $22,000 to $35,000 typically adds $25,000 to $45,000 in property value. Budget renovations in the $15,000 to $22,000 range often deliver the best percentage return. The key is ensuring the renovation includes proper waterproofing, quality tiles, and a clean modern finish – buyers notice and discount for outdated or poorly finished bathrooms immediately.

9. How much does it cost to retile a bathroom in Australia?

Retiling a bathroom in Australia costs between $3,000 and $12,000 depending on the size of the bathroom, the tile choice, and whether the old tiles need full removal. The cost includes tile supply, adhesive, grout, and tiler labour. Before retiling can begin, the waterproofing membrane must be replaced – which adds $1,500 to $3,500 to the total. You cannot legally tile over old waterproofing that has been disturbed or damaged.

10. How much does a new shower cost in Australia?

A new shower installation in Australia typically costs $1,500 to $5,000 for a standard shower in the same position, including waterproofing, tiling, screen, and tapware. A frameless shower screen alone costs $1,500 to $3,500 installed. If you are relocating the shower to a different position, add $2,000 to $5,000 for plumbing relocation. A premium walk-in shower with floor-to-ceiling tiles, frameless glass, and designer tapware can cost $5,000 to $12,000 as a standalone installation.

11. Can I renovate a bathroom myself in Australia?

Some tasks are DIY-friendly – painting, replacing mirror and towel rails, and installing accessories. However, any work involving plumbing connections, waterproofing, or electrical work must be carried out by a licensed tradesperson under Australian law. Waterproofing specifically must be done by a licensed waterproofer and certified. Attempting DIY plumbing or waterproofing can void your home insurance, fail a building inspection, and lead to costly water damage that far exceeds any money saved.

12. What should I spend most of my bathroom renovation budget on?

Spend most on the elements that protect the structure and improve daily use. In order of priority: first, waterproofing – this is non-negotiable and protects your home long-term; second, quality plumbing fit-off – cheap tapware fails and is expensive to replace once tiles are down; third, tiles – tiles last 15 to 20 years and set the entire feel of the room; fourth, the vanity and toilet – these are seen and used every day. Save money on accessories, mirrors, and non-structural items that are easy to upgrade later.

Final Thoughts

A bathroom renovation is one of the most rewarding home improvement projects you can do in Australia. It improves your daily life, protects your home from water damage, and adds real, measurable value to your property.

The key to getting it right comes down to four things: never skip the waterproofing, keep the plumbing in the same position wherever possible, always budget a 15 percent contingency, and get at least three written quotes before signing anything.

Whether you are spending $15,000 on a budget renovation or $50,000 on a luxury ensuite, a well-planned bathroom renovation will serve your household well for 15 to 20 years.

Explore more practical renovation guides at Home Improvement Australia – including our kitchen renovation cost guide, hot water system replacement guide, plumber cost guide, and all our home improvement articles.