If you have asked how much does a kitchen renovation cost in Melbourne, the honest answer is that it depends on a handful of choices that move the price more than anything else. In 2026, a new kitchen in Melbourne starts from around $10,000 for a small budget update and ranges to $80,000 or more for a large, premium fit-out. The kitchen renovation cost Melbourne homeowners actually pay sits somewhere on that scale based on size, materials, and how much you change.
This guide breaks down the real factors that drive the price, so you can plan a kitchen that suits both your home and your budget.
1. Kitchen Size and Layout
Size is the starting point. A compact galley kitchen has fewer cabinets, less benchtop, and less flooring than a large open-plan kitchen, so it costs less to renovate. Layout matters just as much: keeping the sink, stove, and fridge in roughly the same positions is far cheaper than a full reconfiguration.
As a rough guide, small budget kitchens start from $10,000, mid-range kitchens from $25,000, and large or luxury kitchens from $45,000. Moving the layout around is where many budgets quietly blow out.
2. Cabinetry Is the Biggest Single Cost
Cabinetry usually accounts for the largest slice of any kitchen budget. Flat-pack and laminate cabinets are the most affordable, custom-built polyurethane doors sit in the middle, and timber-veneer or two-pack joinery is at the top end.
The number of cabinets, soft-close hardware, and internal fit-out (drawers, pull-outs, corner solutions) all add up. Choosing a smart mix of standard carcasses with a few feature elements is how HBK keeps budget kitchen renovations looking high-end without the high-end price.
3. Benchtops
Benchtops are the second biggest material decision. Laminate is the most affordable and now comes in convincing stone-look finishes. Engineered stone and natural stone cost considerably more, and porcelain has become a popular premium choice for its heat and scratch resistance.
A waterfall island edge, extra thickness, and complex cut-outs all increase the price. The benchtop you choose can swing the whole project by several thousand dollars.
4. Appliances
Appliances range from affordable Australian brands to premium imported ovens, induction cooktops, and integrated dishwashers and fridges. Integrated appliances that hide behind cabinetry cost more because they need custom joinery.
Deciding early whether you want freestanding or integrated appliances helps lock the budget, because the cabinetry has to be built around your choice.
5. Plumbing and Electrical Work
A standard kitchen renovation includes new plumbing, electrical work, and installation as part of the package. Costs rise when you relocate the sink, dishwasher, or gas line, or add new circuits, downlights, and power points for an island.
Relocating services means opening walls and floors, so keeping plumbing and electrical points close to their original positions is one of the simplest ways to control cost.
6. Splashbacks and Tiling
Splashbacks range from budget-friendly subway tiles to full-height stone slabs and glass. Tiled splashbacks are affordable and timeless, while a single stone slab that matches the benchtop is a premium, seamless look.
According to industry suppliers such as Reece, the splashback is one of the most cost-effective ways to lift a kitchen’s appearance without a large outlay.
7. Floring
If your existing floor is sound, keeping it saves money. If it needs replacing, hybrid and laminate flooring are durable and affordable, engineered timber sits mid-range, and tiles or natural stone are at the top end. Open-plan kitchens that flow into living areas usually call for a single continuous floor, which increases the area to be covered.
8. Structural Changes
Removing a wall to open the kitchen to the living area is one of the biggest cost drivers. A load-bearing wall needs an engineered steel beam and a building permit, which adds to both the budget and the timeline. If your kitchen project is part of a wider full home renovation, it is worth planning the structural work in one stage.
9. Finishes and Fixtures
The small details add up. Tapware, sinks, cabinet handles, pendant lighting, and feature joinery all come in a wide price range. The Housing Industry Association notes that finish selections are where many homeowners exceed their original budget, because it is easy to upgrade one item at a time until the total climbs.
Setting a fixed allowance for fixtures at the start keeps these choices under control.
10. Labour, Permits, and Project Management
Labour covers the carpenters, plumbers, electricians, tilers, and the project manager who coordinates them. A well-run project that finishes on time and on budget protects you from the costliest problem of all: delays. Master Builders Victoria recommends using a registered builder with a clear fixed-price contract so labour and trade costs are agreed up front.
Permits are usually only needed when structural or significant plumbing changes are involved.
Typical 2026 Kitchen Renovation Cost Ranges in Melbourne
| Kitchen Type | Starting From | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget / small | From $10,000 | Flat-pack or laminate cabinets, laminate benchtop, standard appliances |
| Mid-range | From $25,000 | Custom cabinetry, engineered stone, quality appliances |
| Premium / luxury | From $45,000 | Two-pack joinery, stone or porcelain, integrated premium appliances |
These figures are a planning guide only. Every kitchen is quoted on its own size, layout, and finish selections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Melbourne?
A. A new kitchen in Melbourne typically starts from $10,000 for a small budget update, from $25,000 for a mid-range kitchen, and from $45,000 for a large or premium fit-out. The final price depends on size, cabinetry, benchtops, and appliances.
Q. What is the most expensive part of a kitchen renovation?
A. Cabinetry is usually the single biggest cost, followed by benchtops and appliances. Together these three items often make up more than half of a kitchen budget.
Q. How can I reduce my kitchen renovation cost?
A. Keep the existing layout, choose laminate or flat-pack cabinets with a few feature elements, select a laminate or engineered-stone benchtop, and retain sound flooring. Avoid relocating plumbing where possible.
Q. Do I need a permit to renovate my kitchen?
A. A like-for-like kitchen update usually does not need a permit. You will need one if you remove a load-bearing wall or make significant structural or plumbing changes.
Get a Fixed-Price Kitchen Renovation Quote
HBK Constructions has renovated kitchens across Melbourne for 20 years, with completed projects in Bentleigh East, Carnegie, Brighton, Hampton, Mentone, Mornington, and Frankston South. Every kitchen is a fixed-price contract, so you know the cost before work begins.
What sets HBK apart:
- VBA-registered Victorian builder
- Fixed-price contracts with no hidden variations
- Smart mix of materials to deliver high-end looks on real budgets
- In-house trades and end-to-end project management
- Local experience across Glen Eira, Bayside, Kingston, and Mornington Peninsula
Contact HBK Constructions today for a free measure and a fixed-price kitchen renovation quote.
Phone : 0400 200 415
Email : info@hbkconstructions.com.au
Website : hbkconstructions.com.au