Renovate or Move? Brisbane's Renovation Boom Explained
Brisbane has a new title: Australia's renovation capital. A study of ABS building approvals found that the Brisbane local government area approved more than $5.3 billion of residential renovation work over five years, averaging $88.5 million every month. That's well ahead of any other council area in the country. Monthly approvals rose 71.7% over the period, from $73.5 million to $126 million.
That isn't a coincidence. For many Brisbane families, the numbers now point towards improving the home they have rather than buying another one.
Why so many Brisbane owners are staying put
The market has changed quickly this year. Brisbane values fell 1.5% in September, and total listings are up 60.4% on a year ago. The cash rate sits at 4.60%, and two major banks expect another rise in November. Homes are also taking twice as long to sell, at a median of 37 days compared with 17 a year ago.
Selling and buying in that market comes with real costs: stamp duty, agent fees, moving costs and the risk of selling slowly while buying in a competitive pocket. Renovating avoids most of those. You keep your street, your schools and your neighbours, and the money goes into the house itself.
When renovating makes sense
Renovating is usually the right call when:
You love the location. Inner and middle-ring suburbs like Ashgrove, Kalinga and Everton Park are hard to replace.
The house has good bones. Pre-1946 character homes and Queenslanders often have the structure, ceiling heights and street appeal that new builds can't match.
Your needs have changed, not your lifestyle. More bedrooms, a home office, a better kitchen or a stronger link to the backyard can all be designed into an existing home.
The site has more to give. Lifting, building underneath, extending to the rear or adding a second dwelling can unlock space without a new block.
It may not be the right call if the site can't take the space you need, or if the cost of fixing major structural problems approaches the cost of a new home. In our article on renovating or building new, we explain how to compare the two honestly.
Design first, so the budget goes further
The biggest renovation mistakes happen when building starts before the design is resolved. A clear design stage helps you:
Understand what the site allows, including character overlays, setbacks, flood and slope.
Prioritise. Decide what has to happen now and what can be staged later.
Get accurate pricing. Detailed drawings let builders quote like-for-like and reduce costly variations.
Protect the character. In character homes, well-designed additions sit comfortably with the original house rather than competing with it.
Our conceptual design service gives you a plan, a 3D model and a staging strategy before you commit to construction.
What a good renovation looks like
Some recent BAASTUDIO renovations show the range of what's possible on an existing home:
Ashgrove: renovation and addition of a pre-1946 character home, with new living space and a garage designed to suit the original facade.
Kalinga: a pre-1946 renovation that adds a sculptural new staircase to connect the levels.
Everton Park: an older home transformed into a timeless Queenslander.
Manly: a coastal Queenslander renovation on the Bayside.
See more in our completed projects and renovations and additions.
Don't forget the inside
Kitchens and bathrooms are where most renovation budgets concentrate. Through BAA INTERIORS, we design kitchens, bathrooms, joinery and lighting alongside the architecture. The interiors are then planned and priced from the start, not added as an afterthought. Learn more about our interior design service.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to renovate than to move in Brisbane?
It depends on the scope and the home. Renovating avoids stamp duty, agent fees and moving costs, but major structural work can be expensive. An onsite consultation helps you compare the options for your property.
Can I renovate a character or pre-1946 home?
Yes. Many Brisbane character homes sit within overlays that control demolition and changes to the street facade, but sensitive renovations and rear additions are very achievable with the right design.
Can I stage my renovation?
Yes. We often design the whole plan up front, then document stages so you can build the most important parts now and the rest later.
Thinking about renovating rather than moving? Request our BAASTUDIO starter kit and project questionnaire, or call 07 3137 0222.
