How much does it cost to renovate an apartment in Sydney?

Apartment renovation costs in Sydney vary based on scope: Cosmetic updates cost $15,000-$30,000+, full bathroom renovations $20,000-$40,000+, full kitchen renovations $25,000-$50,000+, and complete 2-bedroom apartment renovations typically start from $80,000.

Do I need strata approval for apartment renovations in Sydney?

Yes, you need strata approval for most apartment renovations in Sydney. You must submit renovation plans including work details, materials, and contractor licenses and insurance to your strata committee for approval before starting work.

What areas should I prioritize for the best ROI in apartment renovations?

The kitchen and bathrooms provide the best ROI for apartment renovations. A dated kitchen can make an entire apartment feel old, while modern bathrooms are essential. Consistent flooring throughout also creates flow and makes apartments feel larger.

How long does an apartment renovation take in Sydney?

Apartment renovation timelines vary: bathroom renovations typically take 2-3 weeks, kitchen renovations 3-4 weeks, and full apartment renovations 8-16 weeks depending on the scope and complexity of the project.

Renovation Guide

A Homeowner's Guide to Renovating an Apartment in Sydney

Richard Bechara

July 21, 2025

Thinking about renovating your apartment in Sydney's CBD or Eastern Suburbs? It's one of the best ways to improve your lifestyle and significantly increase your property's value. But it can also feel like a complex process, filled with questions about costs, strata rules, and where to even begin.

This guide is designed to give you a clear roadmap. We'll break down the process step-by-step, drawing on our experience from dozens of apartment renovations across Sydney, to give you the practical advice you need to plan a successful project.

Step 1: Planning for Success

Before any hammer swings, a solid plan is crucial.

Define Your Goal

Are you renovating to create your dream home for the next decade, or are you looking to maximise your sale price or rental return? This decision will influence your budget and material choices.

Think About Layout

Do you need more storage? Could the laundry be integrated into the kitchen to create space for a home office? Look at our Artarmon project, where we moved the laundry into the kitchen to make the layout more efficient.

Gather Inspiration

Look at photos (like the ones in our case studies) to figure out what you like. Do you prefer the bold, patterned tiles from our Baulkham Hills bathroom, or the clean, minimalist look of the Milsons Point project?

Step 2: Where to Focus for the Best Return on Investment

Some updates add more value than others. If you have a limited budget, prioritise these areas.

The Kitchen

This is the heart of the home and the number one area buyers look at. A dated kitchen can make an entire apartment feel old.

The Transformation: Compare the tired, brown kitchen from our Market Street project with the bright, modern space it became. The change is dramatic.

Before: Dated kitchen in Market Street apartment

What Makes a Great Kitchen: Good layout, smart storage (like appliance garages), durable stone or high-quality laminate benchtops, and good lighting.

After: Modern kitchen with blue glass splashback

The Bathroom

A modern, clean bathroom is a must. Nobody wants to deal with old grout, leaky taps, or poor ventilation.

Key Features: Effective waterproofing is the most critical element you can't see. On the surface, things like walk-in showers, modern vanities, and good lighting make a huge difference. For smaller bathrooms, a floating vanity can make the room feel much larger.

Modern bathroom with vessel sink and clean lines

Flooring & Finishes

Consistent flooring creates a sense of flow and makes your apartment feel bigger.

The Impact: Replacing a patchwork of old carpet and tiles with a single type of flooring is transformative. Light-coloured timber-look floors or hybrids are durable and help brighten a space.

Modern staircase with consistent flooring throughout

Consistent flooring creates flow throughout the apartment

Step 3: Understanding the Costs in Sydney

Budgeting is one of the biggest concerns for homeowners. While every project is different, here are some general guidelines for Sydney:

Cosmetic Update (e.g., new paint, flooring, light fixtures): $15,000 - $30,000+
Full Bathroom Renovation: $20,000 - $40,000+
Full Kitchen Renovation: $25,000 - $50,000+
Full Apartment Renovation (2 bed, 2 bath): Typically starts from $80,000 and can go well upwards depending on the scope and level of finishes.

Don't Forget: Factor in potential hidden costs like strata fees, unexpected structural repairs, or the need to upgrade old electrical switchboards.

Step 4: Navigating the Strata Process

This is the biggest difference between renovating a house and an apartment. Getting it wrong can cause major delays and costs.

Read the By-Laws

Before you do anything, get a copy of your building's renovation by-laws. They will outline what is and isn't allowed.

Get Approval

You will need to submit your renovation plans, including details of the work, materials, and contractor's licenses and insurance, to your strata committee or managing agent for approval.

Protect Common Property

You are responsible for any damage to common areas like lifts, lobbies, and hallways. Your builder should have a plan to protect these areas thoroughly.

Be a Good Neighbour

Inform your neighbours about the upcoming work, especially the noisy demolition phase. Sticking to the approved working hours is essential.

Ready to Get Started?

We hope this guide has given you a clearer understanding of what's involved in an apartment renovation in Sydney. It's a detailed process, but with the right planning and the right team, it's a rewarding investment.

If you're looking for a builder with proven experience in navigating the unique challenges of apartment renovations, we'd be happy to discuss your project.