How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Sydney?
Bathroom renovations in Sydney are notoriously expensive — and getting more so. As of 2026, a complete bathroom renovation in Sydney typically costs between $25,000 and $50,000 for a standard-quality finish, with premium renovations reaching $55,000–$80,000+. The HIA puts the national average at $26,000, but Sydney consistently runs 20–40% above that figure due to higher trade rates, material delivery costs, and the complexity of working in older properties.
The biggest cost driver isn't the tiles or fixtures you choose — it's labour. Skilled waterproofers, tilers, plumbers, and electricians account for 50–60% of your total budget in Sydney. With construction activity remaining elevated heading into 2026, quality tradespeople are in high demand, and cutting corners on labour is the single most expensive mistake you can make (a failed waterproofing membrane means ripping the entire bathroom out and starting over).
We've compiled pricing from Sydney renovation specialists, the HIA, and trade cost databases to give you the most accurate, suburb-specific breakdown of bathroom renovation costs. Every figure below reflects the Sydney metro market as of 2026.
| Service | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic renovation (budget fittings) | $11,500 | $23,000 | $17,250 total |
| Mid-range renovation | $23,000 | $40,250 | $31,050 total |
| Premium renovation | $40,250 | $63,250 | $48,300 total |
| Luxury renovation | $63,250 | $92,000 | $74,750 total |
| Waterproofing | $1,150 | $3,450 | $2,070 total |
| Tiling (floor + walls) | $2,300 | $6,900 | $4,025 total |
| Vanity (supply + install) | $575 | $4,025 | $1,725 total |
| Shower screen (frameless) | $920 | $2,875 | $1,725 installed |
| Bath (freestanding, installed) | $1,725 | $5,750 | $3,220 installed |
| Toilet (supply + install) | $460 | $1,380 | $805 installed |
| Heated towel rail | $230 | $690 | $402 installed |
| Plumbing rough-in | $2,300 | $5,750 | $3,450 total |
| Demolition & disposal | $1,150 | $3,450 | $2,070 total |
Prices include GST. Based on Sydney metro area, Feb 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
Your suburb affects not just the trade rates you'll pay, but the type of property you're renovating — and that's where the real cost differences emerge. A 1920s terrace in Balmain presents completely different challenges to a 2005 townhouse in Kellyville.
Eastern Suburbs & Inner City
Paddington, Darlinghurst, Bondi, Randwick. Pre-war terraces and art deco apartments dominate. Expect to encounter lead paint, original cast-iron waste pipes, asbestos cement sheeting behind tiles, and non-compliant waterproofing from previous renovations. Tight bathroom footprints (often under 4m²) don't save money — small spaces are actually harder to tile and waterproof. Street parking restrictions add to trade costs. Strata approvals for apartment renovations can add 4–8 weeks to the timeline.
Northern Beaches & North Shore
Mosman, Manly, Dee Why, Chatswood. Mix of 1950s–70s homes and modern builds. Salt air corrosion is a factor in coastal suburbs — specify marine-grade fixtures and stainless steel screws to prevent premature deterioration. Many homes on the North Shore have bathrooms on upper floors, requiring careful waterproofing to protect structural timbers below. High client expectations in affluent areas mean most renovators quote at the upper range.
Western Sydney
Parramatta, Blacktown, Penrith, Liverpool. Predominantly post-1990s housing with modern plumbing and standard bathroom layouts. Slab-on-ground construction makes drainage relocation expensive if you want to move the toilet. Generally more competitive pricing with a wider pool of available tradespeople. The most cost-effective area for bathroom renovations in Greater Sydney.
Sutherland Shire & South
Cronulla, Miranda, Hurstville, Kogarah. Mixed housing stock from fibro cottages to modern townhouses. Older fibro homes (pre-1980s) often contain asbestos — budget $1,500–$5,000 for licensed removal. Sandy soil in shire areas can cause minor foundation movement that affects tiling. Good access for most properties keeps trade costs moderate compared to inner-city work.
Here's what common bathroom renovation projects cost when you add up every component — not just the headline quote. These are realistic all-in costs for Sydney in 2026, including labour, materials, waterproofing, and compliance certificates.
Small ensuite refresh — cosmetic only, no layout changes
New tiles on walls and floor ($2,000–$4,000 including labour), replacement vanity and basin ($800–$2,500), new tapware ($300–$800), new showerhead and mixer ($200–$600), painting ($400–$800), and new accessories (towel rails, toilet roll holder). This assumes existing waterproofing is intact and plumbing stays in place. If waterproofing needs redoing — and it often does in bathrooms over 15 years old — add $1,500–$3,500.
Standard main bathroom — full renovation, same layout
Complete strip-out and demolition ($1,500–$3,000), new waterproofing with certificate ($1,500–$3,500), floor and wall tiling ($4,000–$8,000), new vanity ($1,200–$3,500), toilet ($400–$1,200), shower screen — frameless ($1,000–$2,500), tapware and mixers ($600–$1,500), bath replacement or resurfacing ($800–$3,000), plumbing labour ($2,500–$5,000), electrical ($1,000–$2,500), painting and finishing ($800–$1,500). This is where most Sydney bathrooms land. Keeping the existing layout saves $2,000–$5,000 in plumbing costs.
Premium bathroom — layout changes, high-end finishes
Everything above, plus: freestanding bath ($2,000–$7,000), underfloor heating ($1,200–$3,000 installed), custom joinery vanity ($3,000–$8,000), frameless glass shower screen ($2,000–$4,000), premium floor-to-ceiling porcelain tiles ($6,000–$12,000), heated towel rail ($500–$1,200 installed), smart toilet ($1,500–$4,000), niche shelving, and designer lighting. Plumbing relocation for new layout adds $2,000–$5,000 per fixture moved. Structural work if expanding the bathroom footprint can add $5,000–$15,000.
Wet room conversion
An increasingly popular option in Sydney, wet rooms eliminate the shower screen by tanking the entire floor. This requires meticulous waterproofing (the entire floor acts as a shower base) and precise falls for drainage. The cost premium over a standard bathroom is typically $3,000–$8,000, mainly in additional waterproofing and tiling labour. The result is a spacious, accessible bathroom that works particularly well in compact spaces.
Bathroom size
A small ensuite (3–4sqm) costs significantly less than a main bathroom (6–8sqm). More floor area = more tiling, waterproofing, and materials.
Waterproofing
Mandatory in Australia. All wet areas must be waterproofed to Australian Standards. This costs $1,000–$3,000 and must be inspected before tiling.
Tile selection
Basic tiles cost $20–$40/sqm. Premium large-format or feature tiles run $80–$200/sqm. Tile choice is one of the biggest variables in a bathroom budget.
Layout changes
Moving the toilet, shower, or vanity means new plumbing runs, which adds $2,000–$5,000 to the job.
Fixture quality
A builder-grade vanity is $300–$800. A custom floating vanity is $1,500–$4,000. Similar ranges apply to taps, showers, and accessories.
Structural issues
Water damage, rotten framing, or asbestos discovered during demolition can add $2,000–$10,000 in unexpected costs.
Bathroom renovations in NSW are governed by strict regulations designed to protect homeowners from defective work — particularly waterproofing failures, which are the number one source of building disputes in residential construction.
Waterproofing is mandatory under the National Construction Code and must be carried out by a licensed waterproofer. In NSW, the waterproofer must hold a specific licence class (not just a general builder's licence) and must provide a compliance certificate upon completion. This certificate is your protection — without it, you have no recourse if the membrane fails. Waterproofing typically costs $1,500–$3,500 depending on bathroom size, and must be inspected before any tiles are laid.
Home Building Compensation (HBC) insurance is required for any residential building work over $20,000 in NSW. Your renovator must provide an HBC certificate before work begins. If they don't, or claim you don't need one, that's a major red flag.
Plumbing work must be done by a licensed plumber holding a NSW Fair Trading plumbing licence. All plumbing work valued over $200 must have a Certificate of Compliance lodged with NSW Fair Trading within 2 business days of completion.
Electrical work must be completed by a licensed electrician. A Certificate of Compliance is required for all electrical installations. In bathrooms, specific zones dictate what can be installed where — your electrician should know these zones intimately. Bathroom exhaust fans, heated towel rails, and downlights all have specific distance requirements from water sources.
Timing your bathroom renovation can save 5–15% on trade costs. Sydney's renovation market follows predictable seasonal patterns driven by weather, school holidays, and general demand cycles.
Autumn (March–May) is generally the best time to start a bathroom reno. Demand has eased after the summer rush, tradespeople have cleared their backlogs, and the mild weather is ideal for tiling (extreme heat or humidity can affect adhesive curing). You'll also have better luck negotiating on price during this quieter period.
Winter (June–August) offers the lowest prices and shortest wait times for trades. The downside: waterproofing membranes need specific temperature ranges to cure properly, and shorter daylight hours can slow work slightly. A good renovator will manage these factors without issue, making winter an underrated time to renovate.
Spring (September–November) is when most Sydney homeowners decide to renovate — right when they're entertaining more and the bathroom's flaws become unbearable. Prices start climbing, and the best tradespeople may be booked out 6–10 weeks ahead.
Summer (December–February) is peak season and the most expensive time to renovate. Many trades charge holiday rates between Christmas and late January. If you can avoid starting a renovation in December, you'll save on both cost and stress. However, this is a great time to plan and finalise materials so you're ready to start in March.
Our Methodology
Prices on this page are compiled from publicly available cost guides, tradie marketplaces (ServiceSeeking, hipages, Airtasker, Service.com.au), industry body data (HIA, Master Builders), and individual tradesperson websites across Australia. We cross-reference ranges from multiple sources and adjust for city-specific cost differences based on advertised rates, salary data, and cost-of-living indicators. Our guides are independently produced — we don't employ tradespeople and have no financial incentive to inflate or deflate prices. All prices are estimates and will vary based on your specific job. Always get at least 3 quotes. Last reviewed February 2026. Read our full methodology →