Ensuites are a key feature in Sydney homes, combining luxury, comfort, and functionality into a compact space. Whether you live in a modern apartment in Zetland or Mascot, a terrace home in Marrickville or Balmain, or a luxury property in Mosman or Vaucluse, renovating an ensuite requires careful budgeting. Homeowners often ask: “How much will a complete ensuite renovation cost in Sydney?”

This guide provides a detailed breakdown, highlighting average costs, influencing factors, per-suburb insights, and practical tips for homeowners planning an ensuite renovation.

1. Average Cost of a Complete Ensuite Renovation in Sydney

A full ensuite renovation in Sydney typically ranges between:

• $18,000 – $32,000 for a standard renovation with mid-range fixtures

• $32,000 – $50,000+ for high-end, luxury, or custom designs

These costs include:

• Demolition and disposal

• Plumbing and electrical upgrades

• Waterproofing and tiling

• Fixtures and cabinetry

• Labour and project management

Keep in mind that ensuite sizes are generally smaller than main bathrooms, but costs can rise if you aim for designer finishes or need structural changes.

2. Factors Affecting Ensuite Renovation Costs

A. Size and Layout

• Compact ensuites (2–4 m²): $18,000 – $25,000

• Medium-sized ensuites (5–6 m²): $25,000 – $35,000

• Larger luxury ensuites (6+m²): $35,000 – $50,000+

Compact apartment ensuites in Zetland, Mascot, or Rhodes often have limited space, requiring custom solutions for vanities and storage. Larger ensuites in North Shore or Eastern Suburbs homes may include freestanding baths, separate showers, and high-end cabinetry.

B. Fixtures and Finishes

The choice of fixtures has a significant impact:

Fixture Standard Mid-Range Luxury Toilet $1,000 – $1,500 $1,500 – $2,500 $2,500 – $3,500 Vanity & Basin $1,500 – $2,500 $2,500 – $4,500 $4,500 – $6,500 Shower $2,000 – $3,500 $3,500 – $6,000 $6,000 – $10,000+ Tapware $500 – $1,000 $1,000 – $1,800 $1,800 – $3,500 Mirrors / Cabinets $500 – $900 $900 – $1,800 $1,800 – $2,500 Lighting & Exhaust $500 – $1,500 $1,500 – $2,500 $2,500 – $3,500 Tiling & Waterproofing $4,000 – $7,000 $7,000 – $10,000 $10,000+

Tip: Coastal areas like Bondi, Coogee, or Manly require moisture-resistant fixtures and anti-slip tiles, often increasing costs.

C. Plumbing and Electrical Work

Plumbing and electrical work for an ensuite can vary depending on:

• Relocating fixtures

• Installing heated floors or towel rails

• Apartment or strata regulations

Average costs:

• Standard ensuite plumbing: $2,000 – $4,500

• Electrical upgrades: $1,000 – $2,500

Apartment renovations in Zetland, Mascot, or Wolli Creek often require coordination with strata for any plumbing or electrical changes, which can increase both time and cost.

D. Tiling and Waterproofing

Waterproofing is mandatory under NSW regulations. Costs depend on bathroom size, tile quality, and pattern complexity:

• Waterproofing: $900 – $2,500

• Tiling: $4,000 – $10,000+

Considerations:

• Large-format tiles or intricate mosaic patterns increase labour costs.

• Wall and floor tiling combined generally cost more than floor-only solutions.

• Coastal properties require higher-grade adhesives and tiles to withstand humidity.

E. Labour and Project Management

Labour includes tilers, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, waterproofers, and the builder/project manager.

Average labour costs: $7,000 – $15,000 for a standard ensuite. Luxury projects can exceed $20,000 due to high-end finishes or complicated layouts.

Inner West suburbs like Newtown or Marrickville often have slightly higher labour costs due to tight working spaces. Luxury North Shore or Eastern Suburbs homes often require specialist tradespeople for bespoke designs.

F. Demolition and Waste Removal

• Standard ensuite demolition: $1,000 – $3,000

• Apartment projects: $2,000 – $4,500 due to lift restrictions and disposal logistics

Older homes in Ashfield or Leichhardt may require extra care during demolition to avoid structural damage.

3. Average Costs by Renovation Type

Renovation Type Average Cost (Sydney) Typical Features Example Suburbs Standard $18,000 – $28,000 Mid-range fixtures, standard tiles, minor layout adjustments Blacktown, Parramatta, Ryde Mid-range $28,000 – $38,000 Custom vanities, high-quality tapware, minor layout changes Newtown, Marrickville, Bondi Luxury $38,000 – $50,000+ Designer fixtures, freestanding baths, premium tiling, structural adjustments Mosman, Vaucluse, Double Bay

4. Cost-Saving Tips for Ensuites

1. Retain existing layout – Avoid plumbing relocation where possible.

2. Select mid-range fixtures – Offers durability without luxury prices.

3. Plan for strata approval early – Reduces delays in apartments (Zetland, Wolli Creek).

4. Bundle labour and management – Hiring a company like MB9 Australia can lower per-fixture labour costs.

5. Avoid complex tiling patterns – Reduces tiler time and materials waste.

5. Suburb-Specific Considerations

• Inner West (Newtown, Marrickville, Balmain): Tight apartments; slightly higher labour costs.

• Eastern Suburbs (Bondi, Coogee, Randwick): Coastal finishes, anti-corrosion materials required.

• North Shore (Mosman, Lane Cove, Chatswood): Luxury finishes, higher labour and material costs.

• Western Sydney (Parramatta, Blacktown, Castle Hill): Affordable standard renovations; fixtures readily available.

• CBD & Inner City (Zetland, Mascot, Wolli Creek): Apartment logistics and strata approvals increase cost and timeline.

6. Hidden Costs to Budget For

• Unexpected plumbing issues in older homes

• Electrical upgrades for modern lighting or heated floors

• Strata compliance fees in apartments

• Waterproofing certificates and inspections

• Waste disposal logistics

Recommended contingency: 10–15% of total budget.

7. Realistic Example: Ensuite Renovation in Newtown Apartment

5m² Ensuite, Mid-Range Renovation

Item Cost Range Demolition & waste $1,500 – $2,500 Plumbing $2,500 – $4,500 Electrical $1,200 – $2,000 Waterproofing $1,200 – $2,200 Tiling $5,000 – $8,500 Fixtures & tapware $8,000 – $12,000 Labour & project management $8,000 – $12,000 Total $27,400 – $43,700

8. Key Takeaways

• Standard ensuite renovation: $18,000 – $28,000

• Mid-range ensuite: $28,000 – $38,000

• Luxury ensuite: $38,000 – $50,000+

• Cost drivers: fixture quality, plumbing/electrical complexity, waterproofing, tiling, labour, and apartment logistics

• Coastal, luxury, and North Shore homes generally cost more than Western Sydney properties

Proper planning, realistic budgeting, and working with licensed professionals are key to a successful, stress-free renovation.

For professional guidance and full-service ensuite, bathroom, and home renovations in Sydney, visit www.mb9.com.au to see how MB9 Australia Pty Ltd can transform your home with high-quality craftsmanship, expert design, and compliance with all NSW building regulations.