How much does it cost to Build or renovate in sydney - 2026

Thinking about building or renovating your dream home in Sydney and wondering how much it will cost? While every project is different, we've put together realistic, entry-level price ranges based on the projects we regularly build throughout the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney. These figures help set expectations before we meet so you can determine whether your project aligns with your budget.

Why Are Building Costs So High?

Building today is very different to what it was five to ten years ago.

Labour costs, quality materials, engineering requirements, energy efficiency standards and council regulations have all increased significantly.

At Shire Build, we specialise in high-quality custom homes and renovations. We don't compete on being the cheapest builder. Instead, we focus on delivering exceptional workmanship, experienced project management and a finished product that will last for decades.

Typical Project Costs

Project	Typical Investment
Large Architectural Home	$1.5M - $2.0M+
Duplex Development	$1.6M - $2.0M+
Bathroom Renovation	$25,000 - $50,000
Kitchen Renovation	$25,000 - $50,000
Parent's Retreat Addition	Around $350,000
Large First Floor Addition	Around $500,000
Additional Bedroom	+$25,000
Rear Extension	$4,000-$5,000/m²

Large Architectural Home build cost

Building a custom architectural home is a significant investment.

Most of our new homes fall between $1.5 million and $2 million, depending on factors such as:

• Size of the home

• Garage configuration

• Swimming pool

• Outdoor entertaining areas

• Architectural complexity

• Level of finishes

• Site conditions

Every home is designed differently, so we'll provide a detailed quotation once your plans have been developed.

How much does a Duplex Build cost in sydney, 2026

A quality duplex development generally starts from around $1.6 million, with many projects reaching $2 million or more.

Factors that influence your final investment:

• Site slope

• Number of garages

• Internal specifications

• External works

• Landscaping

• Driveways

• Council requirements

How much does a bathroom renovation cost in sydney, 2026

A typical bathroom renovation ranges from $25,000 to $50,000 in construction including budget-to-mid-range Prime Cost items and fixtures such as your tapware, vanity, shaving cabinets, toilet, etc.

This is based on a standard bathroom renovation using the same footprint, with mid-range finishes.

The biggest factors affecting cost include:

• Bathroom size

• Amount of tiling

• Tile selection & tile layout

• Waterproofing requirements

• Custom or premium vanities

• Tapware and fixtures (quality level you opt for and number of fixtures - single or double shower, single or double vanity etc.

• Structural work

Allow more if you want:

• A size or position change of your bathroom footprint.

• Multiple showerheads / basins.

• Luxury / premium fixtures or tapware. (Think bidets, Brodware tapware etc.)

• Custom features such as curves, natural stone or specialised tiles such as handmade zellige

How much does a sydney kitchen renovation cost, 2026

Most complete kitchen renovations sit between $25,000 and $50,000 for construction, excluding PC items (e.g. appliances).

The biggest variables include:

• Cabinetry (e.g. draws are more expensive than cupboards)

• Stone benchtops (

• Appliance selection

• Pantry configuration

• Joinery

• Splashbacks

• Overall size

Allow more if you want:

• Footprint / location change

• Natural stone or premium engineered stone

• Detailed decorative joinery, e.g. for island benches.

  
  

First floor additions

Second-storey additions are one of our most popular projects, extending the value and life of your home to better meet your family's changing needs.

Parent's Retreat

A typical addition including:

• Large master bedroom

• Walk-in robe

• Ensuite

• Small living area

Approximately $350,000

Family Expansion

A larger first-floor addition including:

• Master suite

• Walk-in robe

• Ensuite

• Two additional bedrooms

• Family bathroom

Approximately $500,000

Need another bedroom?

Allow approximately $25,000 extra.

Staircase costs

Every second-storey addition requires new stairs. The cost depends on whether an opening already exists. The cost for simple timber staircases range from $15,000 if you have an existing stair void space readily usable, through to $25,000 if part of the existing home needs to be removed to create the stairwell.

If you're after specific luxury designs, custom balustrades and premium materials such as steel, expect this cost to increase from there.

Rear Extension costs

Rear extensions vary considerably because every family wants something different.

As a guide, allow: $4000 - $5000 per square metre.

This depends on:

• Structural work

• Roofing

• Internal finishes

• Bathrooms

• Kitchens

• Steel beams

• Site access

For example:

Extension Size	Estimated Cost
30m²	$120k-$150k
40m²	$160k-$200k
50m²	$200k-$250k
60m²	$240k-$300k
80m²	$320k-$400k

What Makes One Project More Expensive Than Another?

Some of the biggest cost factors include:

• Steep or difficult sites

• Rock excavation

• Custom architectural detailing

• Premium fixtures and finishes

• Structural steel

• Large expanses of glazing

• Complex roofing

• Landscaping and pools

• Heritage or council requirements

No two homes are exactly alike, which is why we invest time up front in providing a detailed quote so you know exactly what to expect for your specific project.

Are These Fixed Prices?

No. These figures are intended as a guide only.

There are so many creative ways to personalise your home and make it unique, so you can absolutely spend more to create something really special. Our initial consultation process gathers an understanding of your plans, site and specifications, resulting in a detailed quotation for your consideration.

We include allowances for Prime Costs that won't yet have been decided, such as tiles, fixtures, lighting & electrical so you can customise your design after commencing. We also include Provisional Sums (PS items) in your quote which are allowances for aspects of your build that cannot be truly known until after commencing. That's things like excavation and demolition - before we can be sure about ground conditions or asbestos contamination. These PC and PS items are subject to change based on conditions discovered after commencing and your design selections along the way.

To ensure a smooth build process and successful outcome, it's essential to set aside a contingency budget of at least 15% for unknowns and design changes that can happen along the way. You may also choose to invest in understanding your block and house early on and make some key design selections before commencing to get a more accurate view of budget. In high risk scenarios such as older homes, heritage listings, homes near water or where significant structural work is known to be required, a contingency budget of 20% is reasonable.

The more you know about the condition of your home that can be factored into quoting, the less room for surprises along the way.

Thinking About Building?

If your budget aligns with the guide above, we'd love to discuss your project.

Our initial consultation allows us to understand your vision, provide honest advice and determine whether we're the right builder for your home. If you've got your finance sorted and are looking for a high quality builder to partner with, we'd love to meet. Submit an enquiry now.