How Much Do Pre-Sale Renovations Cost (and Are They Worth It)?

September 25, 2025

Understanding Pre-Sale Renovations in Canberra

For many Canberra homeowners, deciding whether to renovate before selling is one of the biggest questions. A well-timed renovation can add tens of thousands to your sale price, but the costs and council approvals can feel daunting. At Your Property Profits (YPP), we’ve helped countless sellers across the ACT make smart, profitable renovation choices.

Interior demolition; workers inside a room with exposed brick and support beams.

Typical Renovation Costs in Canberra

Kitchen Renovations

A minor kitchen renovation can cost around $15,000–$25,000, while a full-scale custom kitchen may exceed $40,000. In Canberra’s market, kitchens consistently deliver strong returns because buyers see them as the heart of the home.

Bathroom Renovations

Expect $20,000–$35,000 for a quality bathroom renovation. A modern, functional bathroom appeals to nearly every buyer segment, particularly families and professionals.

Full Property Refresh or Structural Work

For larger jobs such as extensions, wall removals, or full-home transformations, budgets range widely. These projects typically fall under renovations that require council approval.

Compliance and Approvals in the ACT

Not all projects require approval, but structural changes, extensions, or plumbing/electrical upgrades usually do. According to Planning ACT, any work affecting the structure of your home or altering its footprint needs building approval.


At YPP, we handle the paperwork through our Approvals & Permits service, liaising with architects, certifiers, and Access Canberra on your behalf. We also ensure every trade is properly licensed – you can even check licences directly with Access Canberra.


For safety compliance, we follow all WorkSafe ACT standards, and where energy-efficient upgrades are included, we align with Climate Choices ACT.

How YPP Helps Canberra Sellers

We’ve seen sellers add $80k–$150k to their final sale price through targeted pre-sale renovations. Our case studies showcase real transformations – including how strategic kitchen and landscaping updates can lead to multiple competing offers.

Are They Worth It?

Yes – when done strategically. A well-planned pre-sale renovation often yields 2–3x return on investment in Canberra’s competitive market. But not every project makes sense, which is why local expertise matters.

FAQs

  • How long do pre-sale renovations usually take?

    Most projects run 4–6 weeks, including approvals, depending on scope.

  • Do I always need building approval in Canberra?

    No – cosmetic changes usually don’t. Structural work almost always does. Check Planning ACT for details, or let us advise.

  • Can YPP manage approvals for me?

    Yes. Through our Approvals & Permits process, we handle applications and inspections with Access Canberra and local certifiers.

  • What’s the best renovation to maximise value?

    In our experience, kitchen renovations, bathroom renovations, and full-home structural work provide the strongest ROI.

Final Word

Pre-sale renovations can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategy and team, they deliver powerful results.

Ready to explore how much value you could unlock? Book a free consultation with YPP today.

5 Home Renovation Trends To Consider

By Your Property Profits • January 9, 2026
Creating spaces that are stylish, functional, and welcoming will not only attract buyers, but it'll also maximise your property's value. So, whether you're rolling up your sleeves for a DIY project or calling in the pros, like us, these trends will help you to create a space that sells.

5 Important Renovating Lessons From The Block

By Your Property Profits • January 9, 2026
The Block isn't a renovating show. It's actually all about renovating for sale. Each set of contestants needs to produce a beautiful home that someone will eventually want to buy and live in. That's why it's one of our favourite shows because it's right up our alley! So, we thought we'd pull together a few of our favourite renovating-for-sale lessons that The Block exemplified; unsurprisingly after 16 seasons, there were more than enough drama-filled lessons to choose from!

5 Renovating-For-Profit Mistakes To Avoid

January 9, 2026
While renovated houses in Canberra tend to sell faster and for more What home buyers are looking in Canberra this year, knowing what areas of your home renovate before selling is key. There are plenty of ways owners can waste their money, overcapitalise, and simply miss the mark when it comes to renovations, explains Sophie Mclean, director of Your Property Profits. Here are Sophie's top five mistakes to avoid when renovating for profit: