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.

Why Renovating Your Home is One of the Smartest Tax-Free Investments You Can Make

Renovating for tax-free home value growth Melbourne

Most Australians know that property is a good investment. But what many homeowners don't realise is that their own home sits in a unique category that makes it one of the most powerful wealth-building tools available.

When you sell your primary residence in Australia, you pay zero capital gains tax on the profit. Not reduced. Not discounted. Zero.

That means every dollar of value you add through renovation goes directly into your pocket when you sell. No tax on the way out.

Here is how to make the most of it.

Your Home is CGT-Free

In Australia, the main residence exemption means that when you sell the home you live in, the profit is completely exempt from capital gains tax.

To put that in practical terms: if you bought your home for $700,000 and sell it for

,100,000, that $400,000 profit is yours to keep in full. An investment property in the same situation would attract CGT on that gain, which at the top marginal rate could mean handing over $90,000 or more to the ATO.

Your owner-occupied home skips all of that.

This makes renovating your primary residence a fundamentally different calculation to renovating an investment property and a significantly more attractive one.

Tax-free renovation ROI on Australian home

Which Renovations Add the Most Value?

Not all renovations deliver the same return. Based on the Melbourne market, these are the projects that consistently add value above their cost.

Kitchen renovations: The kitchen is the most scrutinised room in any property inspection. A dated kitchen can cost you buyers before they have seen the rest of the house. A well-executed kitchen renovation in Melbourne's northern suburbs typically costs between

0,000 and $50,000 and can add $40,000 to $80,000 or more to your sale price depending on the suburb and property type.

Bathroom renovations: Buyers count bathrooms. Adding or upgrading a bathroom consistently delivers strong returns. Budget renovations from

5,000 to

5,000 can add considerable value, especially in family homes where a second bathroom is expected.

Home extensions: Adding a bedroom, a second living area, or an open-plan kitchen and dining extension increases your home's functional appeal significantly. Extensions are the highest-cost renovation but also carry the highest potential uplift, particularly in tightly held northern suburbs where land is limited and buyers are looking for space without having to move further out.

Cosmetic upgrades: Fresh paint, new flooring, updated fixtures, and landscaping are lower cost but create a strong first impression. These are high-return improvements when layered over a structurally sound home ahead of sale.

Melbourne northern suburbs home ready for renovation

The Melbourne Northern Suburbs Opportunity

Suburbs like Coburg, Brunswick, Reservoir, Preston, Northcote, Essendon, and Moonee Ponds have seen consistent price growth over the past decade. Homes in these areas attract strong buyer competition and buyers in this market expect quality finishes.

A well-renovated home in these suburbs will consistently outperform an unrenovated equivalent at auction. The gap between a renovated and unrenovated home in the same street can run to

00,000 or more in a competitive market.

When that entire gap is tax-free, the case for renovating before you sell becomes compelling.

Timing Your Renovation

The ideal window to renovate is two to five years before you plan to sell. This gives you time to enjoy the improved space yourself while the work is complete and presented well at sale time.

Renovating immediately before selling is also common, particularly cosmetic work and kitchen or bathroom upgrades, but requires careful planning to avoid delays that push your sale timeline out.

Either way, using a vetted, VBA-licensed builder means the work is done properly, permitted where required, and will not create problems at settlement.

A Note on Financial Advice

The CGT main residence exemption is well established under Australian tax law, but individual circumstances vary. If you have used part of your home for income-producing purposes such as renting out a room or running a business from home, your exemption may be affected. Always speak with a registered tax adviser before making decisions based on your specific situation.

Ready to Add Value to Your Home?

MelbRenovations connects homeowners across Melbourne's northern suburbs with vetted, VBA-licensed builders for kitchen renovations, bathroom renovations, home extensions, and whole-home renovations. Free for homeowners, no obligation.