How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Melbourne's northern suburbs?

Kitchen renovations in suburbs like Brunswick, Reservoir and Preston typically range from $15,000 for a cosmetic refresh to $60,000+ for a full structural renovation with new cabinetry, benchtops, splashback and appliances. We collect quotes from multiple local tradies so you can compare real prices side by side.

Are the builders and tradies VBA registered?

Yes. Every tradie we connect you with holds a current Victorian Building Authority (VBA) registration. We don't list unlicensed operators. You can also verify any tradie's licence yourself at vba.vic.gov.au before signing anything.

Will I get cold-called by random tradies after submitting my details?

No. Your details are only shared with tradies who are a genuine match for your job and suburb. We don't sell your information to lead brokers or third-party lists. You choose who to engage — nothing gets passed on without your knowledge.

How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Melbourne?

A basic bathroom renovation runs from around $8,000–$15,000. A full wet area renovation with new tiles, plumbing, waterproofing and fixtures is typically $18,000–$35,000. Getting at least two or three quotes is essential — and that's exactly what we help you do.

Do I need a building permit for a home extension in Victoria?

Most extensions over 10m² require a building permit in Victoria. Your builder is legally required to obtain it before work starts. The tradies we work with handle permits as part of the job.

How long does a kitchen or bathroom renovation actually take?

A bathroom typically takes 2–4 weeks once trades are booked. A kitchen runs 3–6 weeks depending on whether cabinetry is custom or flatpack. Extensions vary widely — a single-storey rear extension might be 10–16 weeks from permit to completion.

What areas in Melbourne do you cover?

We focus on Melbourne's northern suburbs — Brunswick, Coburg, Preston, Reservoir, Thornbury, Northcote, Bundoora, Lalor, Pascoe Vale, Essendon, Moonee Ponds, Strathmore, Oak Park, Glenroy, Hadfield, Fawkner, Broadmeadows, Tullamarine, Gladstone Park, Mill Park, Thomastown, Greensborough, Eltham, Fitzroy North and Diamond Creek.

Is it actually free to get quotes through Melb Renovations?

Yes — completely free for homeowners. You describe your project, we match you with vetted local tradies, they quote you directly. You're under no obligation to accept any quote. We're paid by the tradies, not you.

Renovate or Relocate? Why Melbourne's Northern Suburbs Homeowners Are Choosing to Stay and Improve

Renovated living room Essendon Melbourne northern suburbs

It is one of the most common conversations happening around kitchen tables in Melbourne's northern suburbs right now. The house feels a bit small. The kitchen is dated. The bathroom needs work. And the question comes up — do we renovate, or do we just move?

For most homeowners, the instinct is to look at what else is on the market. But when you sit down and actually run the numbers, moving house in Melbourne is significantly more expensive than most people realise. And in the northern suburbs, where established homes in good streets hold their value and community ties run deep, the case for staying and improving is stronger than ever.

Here is how to think through the decision properly.

The Real Cost of Moving in Melbourne

Before you can compare renovating to relocating, you need to know what moving actually costs. Most people underestimate it significantly.

Stamp duty: This is the big one. In Victoria, stamp duty on a
,200,000 property is approximately $63,000. On a
,500,000 property it rises to approximately $82,000. This is money you pay before you spend a single dollar on the new home.
Agent commission: Selling your current home typically costs between 1.5% and 2.5% in agent commission. On a
,000,000 home that is
5,000 to
5,000.
Conveyancing and legal fees: Budget
,500 to $3,000 on each side of the transaction.
Moving costs: A full house move in Melbourne typically runs

,000 to $5,000 depending on distance and volume.

Cosmetic work on the new home: Most homes need something when you move in — paint, flooring, landscaping, or appliances. Budget at least

0,000 to

0,000.

Add it up and relocating within Melbourne's northern suburbs can easily cost

00,000 to

50,000 in transaction costs alone — before you have changed a single thing about your living situation.

Modern kitchen renovation Moonee Ponds Melbourne

What That Budget Gets You If You Renovate Instead

00,000 to

50,000 is a significant renovation budget. Here is what it can deliver in Melbourne's northern suburbs:

A full kitchen renovation including new cabinetry, benchtops, appliances, and splashback: $30,000 to $60,000.
A full bathroom renovation with quality finishes:

0,000 to $40,000.

An open plan extension adding a new kitchen, dining, and living area at the rear of the home: $80,000 to

50,000 depending on size and finish.

A second bathroom addition:

0,000 to $35,000.

In many cases, the money you would spend on moving costs alone would fund the renovations that make your current home exactly what you want it to be — without the disruption, the stamp duty, or the risk of ending up in a street or home you like less than where you are now.

When Renovating Makes More Sense

Renovating is usually the stronger choice when:

You are in a suburb you love and properties in better condition are significantly more expensive.
Your home has good bones — solid structure, good layout, generous land — but needs updating.
The gap between what your home is worth now and what it would be worth renovated is larger than your renovation cost.
You are in your primary residence and will benefit from the CGT exemption on any uplift in sale price.
You have children in local schools or strong community connections that make moving disruptive.

Second storey extension Pascoe Vale Melbourne northern suburbs

When Relocating Makes More Sense

Moving is sometimes the right call. If your block is too small for the space you need, if your suburb no longer suits your lifestyle, or if your home has structural issues that make renovation uneconomical, relocating may be the better decision.

The key is making that decision with accurate numbers in front of you — not an assumption that moving is simpler or cheaper than it is.

Getting the Numbers Right Before You Decide

The single most useful thing you can do before making this decision is get a renovation quote. Not to commit to anything — just to understand what improving your current home would actually cost.

Once you have a real number, the comparison becomes straightforward. Renovation cost versus total cost of moving. Most homeowners who go through this exercise are surprised by how clearly the numbers favour staying.

MelbRenovations connects homeowners across Melbourne's northern suburbs with vetted, VBA-licensed builders who can assess your home and provide accurate quotes for kitchens, bathrooms, extensions, and full renovations — completely free, with no obligation.