Kitchen Renovation
How Much Does a Kitchen Renovation Cost in Melbourne in 2026?
If you're planning a kitchen renovation in Melbourne, the first question you probably have is: how much is this going to cost me? It's a fair question — and one that's surprisingly hard to get a straight answer on. So here's the honest breakdown, based on what we actually quote and build across Melbourne every week.
Kitchen Renovation Costs in Melbourne: The Quick Summary
| Renovation Type | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Basic refresh (benchtop, splashback, paint) | $8,000 – $18,000 |
| Mid-range full renovation | $20,000 – $45,000 |
| Premium renovation | $45,000 – $80,000 |
| High-end / custom | $80,000+ |
What Affects the Cost of a Kitchen Renovation?
1. Size of your kitchen
A small galley kitchen (under 8m²) will cost significantly less than an open-plan kitchen flowing into a living area. More cabinets, more benchtop, more flooring — it all adds up linearly.
2. Whether you're moving plumbing or electrics
Keeping your sink and appliances in the same position saves thousands. Moving the sink across the room means new pipes, new drainage, a plumber, and potentially new walls. This single decision can add $5,000–$15,000 to your budget.
3. Cabinet quality
Flat-pack cabinets from IKEA or similar can save money upfront but may not last as long. Custom-built or semi-custom cabinetry from a local joiner costs more but is built for your specific space and typically lasts 20+ years.
4. Benchtop material
This is often where budgets blow out. Laminate is the most affordable ($200–$500 per linear metre). Stone (engineered or natural) ranges from $600–$1,500+ per linear metre installed. Timber sits somewhere in between.
5. Appliances
A mid-range oven, cooktop, rangehood, and dishwasher package typically runs $3,000–$8,000. High-end European brands (Miele, Smeg, Fisher & Paykel) can push $15,000–$25,000 for appliances alone.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Budget
The best way to stretch your kitchen renovation budget in Melbourne is to keep the layout, upgrade the finishes, and spend on what you'll see and touch every day — benchtops, handles, tapware. Save on what's hidden in the wall.
Also: get at least three quotes. Not because the cheapest is best — it rarely is — but because quotes tell you a lot about how a builder communicates, what they include, and whether they've actually understood your brief.
Get a kitchen renovation quote
Upload a few photos of your current kitchen and tell us what you're after. We'll come back with a realistic estimate — no obligation, no hard sell.
Start your quote →Is It Worth It?
In Melbourne's current market, a well-executed kitchen renovation typically adds $1.50–$2.00 in property value for every $1 spent — particularly in suburbs like Bayside, Inner East, and the Mornington Peninsula. Even if you're not planning to sell, the day-to-day improvement in how your home feels is significant.
The kitchens that stand the test of time are the ones designed around how the household actually cooks and lives — not just how they look in photos. That's the approach we take at Seek Design & Build, and it's why our clients refer us to their neighbours.