If there’s one question Sydney homeowners love asking—right after “How much does a bathroom renovation cost?”—it’s this one:

“Does the NSW Government have any grants for home renovations?”

Let’s be honest: renovating in Sydney isn’t cheap. Whether you’re redoing a bathroom in a small Surry Hills terrace or freshening up a multi-level Chatswood home, the cost can feel like getting slapped by a wet towel—repeatedly. So naturally, everyone hopes the government might chip in a little… or a lot.

Now, here comes the big reveal:

The NSW Government does have financial support programs… BUT they’re not traditional “renovation grants” aimed at bathroom upgrades or general home makeovers.

Don’t close the tab yet—there are several ways to access help, depending on your situation, your property, and the type of work you’re doing. Some people qualify without even knowing. Let’s break everything down clearly, calmly, and with Sydney-level practicality.

1. Are There Government Grants for Bathroom Renovations in NSW?

Technically? No.

There is no general NSW Government grant that pays for standard home renovations—bathroom, kitchen, laundry or otherwise.
So no, you can’t claim $10,000 for your new freestanding bathtub or walk-in shower with LED mood lighting.

But…

There are programs that help certain types of homeowners or certain categories of work. That’s where things get interesting.

Let’s walk through the real options—no fluff, no false hope.

2. Programs That Indirectly Support Renovations in NSW

These programs don’t explicitly say “bathroom renovation,” but they can be used to fund or support upgrades.

(A) Energy Efficiency Programs

If your renovation includes hot water systems, lighting upgrades, or ventilation improvements, you may qualify.

NSW Energy Saving Scheme (ESS)

This scheme provides discounts and rebates for:

• Energy-efficient heat pumps

• LED lighting

• HVAC upgrades

• Insulation

• Certain water-saving systems

Bathroom-related?
Yes — heat pump hot water systems often qualify, and these are frequently installed during bathroom renovations.

Federal Rebates for Hot Water Systems

The Australian Government sometimes provides incentives for switching to:

• Heat pumps

• Solar hot water

These rebates vary, but homeowners often get $500–$1,000+ off the system.

So while it’s not a “bathroom grant,” your renovation can piggyback off these incentives.

(B) Disability & Accessibility Upgrades

If you’re doing a bathroom renovation to improve accessibility, there is support.

NDIS Home Modifications

If the household includes a participant who needs:

• Grab rails

• Accessible showers

• Wider doorways

• Non-slip flooring

• Height-adjusted vanities

• Step-free entries

NDIS may fully or partially fund the modifications.

Important:
NDIS does not pay for “luxury upgrades”—the changes must be linked to functional needs.

My Aged Care Home Modification Program

For seniors requiring:

• Walk-in showers

• Handrails

• Slip-resistant flooring

• Height-adjusted fixtures

• Easier-to-use taps

Funding is available following an occupational therapy assessment.

This is one of the most common bathroom-related funding pathways.

(C) Heritage Property Grants

If your Sydney home is heritage-listed, congratulations—you own a slice of history and a bucket of responsibility.

Council or state grants may help with:

• Structural repairs

• Moisture or rising damp issues

• Conservation works

• Retaining heritage elements

These grants don’t usually cover full bathroom renovations but can offset repair costs that are part of the broader renovation plan.

Examples:

• City of Sydney Heritage Grants

• Inner West Heritage Grants

• Northern Beaches Heritage Restoration Program

If your bathroom renovation is part of addressing damp, ventilation, or structural integrity, you may benefit.

(D) Rebates for Water Efficiency

Sydney Water has (occasionally) offered rebates related to:

• Water-efficient fixtures

• Leak reduction

These programs come and go, but your licensed plumber will usually know the current offerings.

3. Assistance for Low-Income or Vulnerable Homeowners

Even though these aren't “bathroom renovation grants,” they can lighten the load if the renovation is urgent or safety-related.

(A) Low-Income Household Rebate (Not Renovation-Specific)

This helps reduce household running costs, freeing up funds for essential repairs—but it's not tied directly to renovations.

(B) NGO & Community Grants

Some organisations help vulnerable homeowners with:

• Bathroom repairs

• Safety issues

• Leak-related damage

• Accessibility improvements

These are case-by-case and usually require assessment.

4. What About the Old HomeBuilder Grant—Is It Coming Back?

Nope.
The HomeBuilder program (2020–2021) was a once-in-a-lifetime stimulus package.
Many homeowners still hope for a sequel, but there is no active version in NSW.

5. Hidden “Financial Support” Most Homeowners Forget About

Even when grants don’t apply, there are ways to reduce renovation costs legally and sensibly.

(A) Strata Contributions (For Apartments Only)

Strata is responsible for:

• Waterproofing membranes

• Common drainage stacks

• Structural bathroom issues

If your bathroom renovation is triggered by building defects or water ingress, strata may contribute or fully cover repairs.

This is extremely common in older Sydney apartment blocks from the 1960s–1990s.

(B) Insurance Claims

If your bathroom renovation is partly due to:

• Storm damage

• Leaks from upstairs

• Burst pipes

• Structural damage

Your home insurance may cover:

• Repairs

• Partial reconstruction

• Water-damaged materials

Insurance rarely pays for full upgrades, but it often covers the “forced renovation” component.

6. So… Can You Renovate a Bathroom Using Government Money?

Yes, but only under specific circumstances.

Here’s the simple version:

Supported by Government:

• Accessibility upgrades (NDIS, My Aged Care)

• Heritage building repairs

• Hot water system upgrades (energy programs)

• Water-saving or energy-efficient improvements

• Repairs triggered by damage (insurance-supported)

• Strata-covered building defects

Not Supported by Government:

• Cosmetic upgrades

• Luxury bathrooms

• Tile replacements

• Layout changes

• New vanities, baths, tapware

• “Dream bathroom” makeovers

So unless your home is heritage-listed, your hot water system is outdated, or someone in the home has accessibility needs—you probably won’t receive direct government funding.

7. Tips to Reduce Bathroom Renovation Costs in Sydney (Without Grants!)

Even without grants, you can keep your renovation budget friendly:

• Keep the same layout (cheaper plumbing)

• Choose mid-range tiles instead of Italian marble

• Use a pre-made vanity instead of custom joinery

• Consider a single shower niche instead of two

• Avoid unnecessary structural changes

• Pick durable materials over fancy trends

• Work with an experienced builder who manages every trade efficiently

Great planning saves more money than any grant ever will.

Final Word: Grants Are Limited—But Smart Renovation Makes All the Difference

NSW doesn’t offer broad renovation grants, but there are plenty of niche programs and financial pathways that can help depending on your circumstances. Sydney’s property market rewards well-planned, well-built renovations—especially bathrooms, one of the highest-ROI rooms in the home.

If you’re planning a bathroom renovation and want expert support, or need help understanding approvals, compliance or cost planning, visit www.mb9.com.au for more information about professional renovation services across Sydney.