WA Homeowners Spend $1.2B on Renovations in 2025-26
· outdoors
Homeowners Hold On: WA’s Renovation Frenzy Reveals a More Complex Picture
Western Australian homeowners spent $1.2 billion on renovations in 2025-26, with $934 million of that figure going towards projects in the Greater Perth region alone. The Cottesloe-Claremont area emerged as the clear winner, with homeowners shelling out an impressive $127 million to upgrade their homes.
While some may attribute this trend to record low housing supply, soaring property prices, and delays in new build projects, these factors are not unique to Western Australia. Architect Sandy Anghie notes that younger couples are increasingly opting to renovate rather than buy into new developments, retaining character homes and upgrading them to preserve WA’s unique cultural heritage.
However, Master Builders WA chief executive Matt Moran cautions that renovations can be more expensive than building a new home from scratch due to higher construction costs per square metre when working with existing structures. Nu Wealth managing director Daniel McQuillan warns homeowners against overspending on renovations that don’t add value to their property, advising them to focus on highly visible areas and improve resale potential.
The WA government could benefit from taking note of these findings by exploring innovative solutions for upgrading existing properties. This might include initiatives to support sustainable renovation practices, provide incentives for homeowners to renovate rather than build new, and promote the preservation of character neighbourhoods.
Ultimately, WA’s home renovation frenzy reveals a complex picture that defies simple explanations. Homeowners are making strategic decisions about their property investments, and the implications for WA’s housing market will be far-reaching.
Reader Views
- TTThe Trail Desk · editorial
While the numbers are undeniably eye-catching, what's equally striking is the implicit pressure on homeowners to renovate within narrow parameters of resale value and aesthetic appeal. The article highlights Daniel McQuillan's warning about overspending on renovations that don't add value, but fails to acknowledge the creative possibilities that might arise from embracing more experimental or adaptive reuse strategies – ones that could ultimately redefine what a "character home" looks like in Western Australia.
- MTMarko T. · expedition guide
Renovations are often touted as a cost-effective alternative to buying new, but in reality, they can be a costly beast. Master Builders WA warns that renovation costs per square metre far exceed those of building from scratch. It's time for the government to get serious about promoting sustainable renovation practices and incentives that truly make sense – not just superficial handouts. The focus should be on preserving character homes while also improving energy efficiency, accessibility, and resale value.
- JHJess H. · thru-hiker
The $1.2 billion renovation splurge in WA is more than just a reflection of record low housing supply and soaring property prices – it's also a savvy business decision for many homeowners. With construction costs per square metre higher when working with existing structures, upgrading old character homes can be a shrewd investment strategy to retain assets rather than cash out on new builds. But let's not forget the environmental impact of all this renovation activity; where are the incentives and initiatives for sustainable practices in WA's building sector?