Apartment renovations in Melbourne present unique challenges and opportunities. From navigating body corporate rules to maximising compact spaces, renovating an apartment requires a different approach compared to a standalone house. In this complete 2026 guide, we cover every cost you’ll face — whether you’re refreshing a studio in Southbank or completely overhauling a three-bedroom unit in Richmond.
At Your Story Property, we specialise in apartment renovations across Melbourne. We understand the specific regulations, logistics, and design strategies that make apartment projects successful. Here’s what you need to know about pricing.
Quick Comparison: Apartment Renovation Costs by Size
| Apartment Type | Typical Size | Partial Renovation | Full Renovation | Luxury/Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/1-Bedroom | 35–55 m² | $15,000 – $30,000 | $40,000 – $70,000 | $80,000 – $120,000 |
| 2-Bedroom | 55–85 m² | $25,000 – $50,000 | $60,000 – $110,000 | $120,000 – $200,000 |
| 3-Bedroom | 85–130 m² | $35,000 – $70,000 | $80,000 – $150,000 | $160,000 – $300,000+ |
| Penthouse/Large | 130–200+ m² | $50,000 – $100,000 | $120,000 – $250,000 | $250,000 – $500,000+ |
Note: Prices include GST and reflect Melbourne metro rates for 2026. Apartment renovations can be 10–20% more expensive per square metre than houses due to access restrictions, noise limitations, and body corporate requirements. Get a personalised quote for your specific apartment.
Why Do Apartment Renovations Cost More Per Square Metre?
If you’ve compared apartment renovation quotes to house renovation quotes, you’ve probably noticed apartment work costs more per square metre. Here’s why:
Body Corporate and Access Restrictions
Most Melbourne apartment buildings have strict renovation guidelines. Tradspeople may be limited to specific hours (typically 8am–5pm weekdays), required to use goods lifts, need to lay protective coverings in common areas, and submit detailed plans for approval. These restrictions slow progress and increase labour costs by 10–15%.
Body corporate approval can take 2–8 weeks depending on the complexity of works and the building’s committee schedule. Factor this into your timeline — and know that some buildings charge a renovation bond ($500–$5,000) that’s refunded once work is completed without damage to common areas.
Materials Transport and Logistics
Getting materials into a high-rise apartment is more complex than delivering to a house. Lift access must be booked, large items may need crane delivery, and there’s limited space for material storage on-site. These logistics can add $2,000–$8,000 to a project depending on the building’s floor level and access arrangements.
Noise and Working Hour Limitations
Apartments share walls, floors, and ceilings with neighbours. Noisy work like demolition, tiling, and power-tool use is typically restricted to shorter windows than house renovations. This extends project timelines by 20–30% compared to equivalent work on a standalone property.
Cost Breakdown by Room
Apartment Kitchen Renovation
The kitchen is typically the most expensive single room in an apartment renovation. Compact apartment kitchens require particularly clever design to maximise storage and functionality in limited space.
| Component | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinetry | $4,000 – $8,000 | $8,000 – $15,000 | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Benchtops | $1,500 – $3,000 | $3,000 – $6,000 | $6,000 – $12,000 |
| Appliances | $3,000 – $5,000 | $5,000 – $12,000 | $12,000 – $25,000 |
| Plumbing | $1,500 – $3,000 | $3,000 – $5,000 | $5,000 – $8,000 |
| Electrical | $800 – $1,500 | $1,500 – $3,000 | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Kitchen Total | $12,000 – $22,000 | $22,000 – $42,000 | $42,000 – $80,000 |
For more kitchen-specific guidance, see our kitchen renovation cost guide and small kitchen renovation ideas.
Apartment Bathroom Renovation
Apartment bathrooms require careful attention to waterproofing — any failure can cause damage to units below, leading to expensive insurance claims. Budget $15,000–$35,000 for a mid-range apartment bathroom renovation. Read our comprehensive bathroom renovation cost guide for detailed breakdowns.
Living Areas and Bedrooms
Living area renovations in apartments focus on flooring, painting, lighting, and built-in storage. These are generally the most cost-effective rooms to renovate, typically running $5,000–$15,000 per room depending on scope. New flooring throughout a 2-bedroom apartment costs $4,000–$12,000 including installation.
Apartment-Specific Considerations
Heritage vs Modern Buildings
Melbourne has two distinct apartment renovation markets. Heritage-listed buildings (art deco in St Kilda, Victorian conversions in Fairfield) require heritage-sensitive approaches that preserve original features while adding modern amenities. Modern towers (post-2000) offer more flexibility but may have specific finishes mandated by body corporate.
Heritage apartment renovations typically cost 15–25% more due to the need for period-appropriate materials, specialist tradework, and heritage consultant fees. However, they often deliver superior returns in terms of property value uplift.
Structural Limitations
Unlike houses, apartment renovations rarely allow you to move walls. Load-bearing columns, service risers, and concrete slabs are fixed constraints. This means the layout you have is largely the layout you’ll keep. Creative solutions like sliding doors, clever storage, and multi-functional furniture become essential design tools. Our design team specialises in maximising apartment spaces within these constraints.
Ventilation and Natural Light
Many apartment bathrooms and laundries lack windows. Upgrading ventilation during renovation is critical — and often required by building code. Budget $500–$2,000 for extraction fan upgrades. Consider light tunnels, mirrors, and LED lighting solutions to compensate for limited natural light.
How to Navigate Body Corporate Approval
The body corporate approval process varies by building but generally follows these steps:
- Review your building’s rules: Request the renovation policy from your owners’ corporation manager.
- Submit detailed plans: Include scope of work, materials, contractor details, insurance certificates, and timeline.
- Allow processing time: Standard approvals take 2–4 weeks; major structural works may need a general meeting (6–8 weeks).
- Pay bonds: Most buildings require a refundable bond ($500–$5,000).
- Comply with conditions: Working hours, noise restrictions, common area protection, waste removal schedules.
Pro tip: Start the body corporate approval process before finalising your renovation quote. Some buildings have restrictions that may change your plans — it’s better to know upfront.
Apartment Renovation Cost-Saving Strategies
Focus on High-Impact Areas
If budget is limited, prioritise the kitchen and bathroom. These rooms deliver the greatest visual impact and property value uplift. A fresh coat of paint throughout ($2,000–$4,000 for a 2-bed apartment) paired with new bathroom and kitchen finishes can transform an apartment for 40% less than a full renovation.
Retain Existing Plumbing Layout
In apartments, moving plumbing is particularly expensive because waste pipes often run through concrete slabs. Keeping fixtures in their current positions can save $5,000–$15,000 on a full renovation. This is one area where our renovation process really adds value — we design around existing services to minimise costs.
Bundle Rooms Together
Renovating multiple rooms simultaneously reduces the per-room cost by 10–20% through shared demolition, waste removal, and tradesperson mobilisation. If you’re renovating the bathroom, consider doing the laundry at the same time — especially if they share a wall.
Return on Investment for Apartment Renovations
| Renovation Type | Typical Cost | Value Added | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen Renovation | $20,000 – $40,000 | $30,000 – $60,000 | 80–150% |
| Bathroom Renovation | $15,000 – $35,000 | $20,000 – $50,000 | 70–140% |
| Full Apartment Renovation | $60,000 – $150,000 | $80,000 – $180,000 | 60–120% |
| Cosmetic Refresh Only | $10,000 – $25,000 | $15,000 – $40,000 | 100–160% |
For more on renovation ROI, see our guide on home improvements that add the most value before selling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a full apartment renovation cost in Melbourne?
A full apartment renovation in Melbourne costs between $40,000 and $300,000+ depending on the apartment size, scope of work, and quality of finishes. A typical 2-bedroom apartment full renovation runs $60,000–$110,000 for mid-range finishes.
Do I need body corporate approval to renovate my apartment?
Yes, in virtually all cases. Even cosmetic changes like replacing flooring may require approval if they affect noise levels for neighbours. Structural, plumbing, and electrical works always require formal approval. Start the approval process 6–8 weeks before your planned start date.
How long does an apartment renovation take?
A partial renovation (kitchen or bathroom) takes 3–6 weeks. A full apartment renovation typically takes 8–16 weeks depending on scope. Add 2–8 weeks for body corporate approval before work begins. See our renovation timeline guide for more detail.
Can I live in my apartment during renovation?
For partial renovations (one room at a time), yes — though expect noise and dust disruption. For full renovations, most residents choose to move out for 2–3 months. If staying, ensure your contractor sets up proper dust barriers and maintains one functional bathroom at all times.
What’s the biggest hidden cost in apartment renovations?
Body corporate compliance costs are the most commonly underestimated expense. Renovation bonds, protective coverings for common areas, after-hours goods lift hire, and building-specific insurance requirements can add $3,000–$10,000 to your budget. Always factor these in when comparing quotes.
Is it worth renovating an older apartment or should I buy new?
In Melbourne, renovating an older apartment in a desirable suburb (like Melbourne CBD, Port Melbourne, or Carlton) often delivers better value than buying a new build. Older apartments in prime locations typically have larger rooms, better natural light, and stronger capital growth potential. A $100,000 renovation on a well-located older apartment frequently adds $120,000–$180,000 in value.
Start Your Apartment Renovation Today
Whether you’re preparing to sell, just moved in, or simply ready for a change, renovating your apartment is one of the best investments you can make. At Your Story Property, we’ve helped hundreds of Melbourne apartment owners transform their spaces — on time and on budget.
Book a free consultation to discuss your apartment renovation, or browse our completed projects for inspiration. Have questions? Contact us — we’re here to help.