Renovating your home is one of the best ways to add comfort, space and value — but the first question every Cape Town homeowner asks is the same: how much is this actually going to cost me? The honest answer is that it depends on the scope, the finishes and the condition of your home. The useful answer is that there are well-established price ranges you can plan around.
In this guide we break down realistic 2026 renovation costs in Cape Town, room by room, so you can budget with confidence before you ever request a quote.
The short answer: renovation costs per square metre
As a rule of thumb in 2026, a full home renovation in Cape Town runs between R2,500 and R5,000 per square metre, depending on how extensive the work is and the quality of materials you choose. A light cosmetic refresh sits at the lower end; structural changes, re-plumbing, rewiring and high-end finishes push you toward the top.
For context, here are the typical ranges we see across the city:
- Kitchen renovation: R80,000 – R250,000+
- Bathroom renovation: R50,000 – R150,000
- Full home renovation: R2,500 – R5,000 per m²
- Home extension / addition: R8,000 – R15,000 per m²
These figures are market estimates to help you plan — your actual price depends on the specifics of your home. The only way to get an accurate number is a proper site visit and a written quote.
What you get for your money, room by room
Kitchen renovations
The kitchen is the most expensive room per square metre to renovate, and for good reason — it combines cabinetry, countertops, plumbing, electrical work, tiling and appliances. A budget refresh (new doors, countertops and a respray) can land around R80,000. A full redesign with custom cabinetry, stone tops and new appliances comfortably exceeds R250,000.
The biggest cost drivers are countertop material (laminate vs engineered stone vs granite), cabinetry (flat-pack vs custom-built) and whether you’re moving plumbing or electrical points.
Bathroom renovations
Bathrooms pack a lot of trades into a small space: waterproofing, tiling, plumbing and fittings. A standard bathroom renovation in Cape Town typically falls between R50,000 and R150,000. Moving the layout (relocating the toilet or shower) adds significant cost because it means new drainage and waterproofing.
Never skip professional waterproofing in a bathroom — it’s the single most common source of expensive damage when done poorly.
Full-house renovations
A whole-home renovation lets you tackle layout, finishes and systems all at once, which is usually more cost-effective than doing rooms piecemeal. At R2,500–R5,000/m², a 150 m² home might range from roughly R375,000 to R750,000 depending on scope and finish level.
Home extensions and additions
Adding floor area — a new bedroom, a bigger living room, a granny flat — costs more per square metre than renovating existing space because you’re building from the ground up. Expect R8,000–R15,000/m² for a quality extension. Extensions almost always require approved building plans (more on that below).
What actually drives the price up or down
Two renovations of the same size can differ wildly in price. Here’s what moves the needle:
- Finishes and materials. The gap between standard and premium tiles, taps, countertops and flooring is enormous. Finishes are where budgets quietly balloon.
- Structural work. Moving or removing walls, adding steel, or reinforcing foundations adds engineering and labour costs.
- Plumbing and electrical. Relocating points, rewiring an old home, or upgrading a distribution board all add up.
- The condition of your home. Older Cape Town homes can hide rising damp, rot, asbestos ceilings or dated wiring that must be fixed first.
- Access and location. Tight access, multi-storey work or steep sites can increase labour and equipment costs.
- Professional fees. Architect, draughtsman and council plan approval fees apply to bigger projects.
How to budget for a renovation in Cape Town
- Set a realistic total, then ring-fence a contingency of 10–15% for the surprises that older homes love to spring.
- Prioritise the work — separate “must-do” structural and waterproofing items from “nice-to-have” cosmetic upgrades.
- Get a detailed written quote, not a ballpark. A good quote itemises labour, materials and timelines so you can compare like with like.
- Don’t choose on price alone. The cheapest quote often excludes items that reappear as “extras” later. Workmanship and reliability save you far more in the long run.
Does renovating add value to your home?
In most Cape Town suburbs, yes — particularly kitchens, bathrooms and adding usable floor space. Renovations that improve flow, light and energy efficiency tend to deliver the best return. The key is not to over-capitalise: aim to keep your home in line with the ceiling price of your street, not far above it.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to renovate a house in Cape Town?
A full home renovation in Cape Town typically costs between R2,500 and R5,000 per square metre in 2026. Kitchens range from R80,000 to over R250,000 and bathrooms from R50,000 to R150,000, depending on finishes and scope.
How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Cape Town?
Most bathroom renovations fall between R50,000 and R150,000. Relocating fixtures, premium tiling and high-end fittings push the price toward the top of that range.
How long does a home renovation take?
A single room such as a bathroom usually takes 2–4 weeks, a kitchen 3–6 weeks, and a full-house renovation can run from 2 to 6 months depending on scope and plan approval timelines.
Do I need approval to renovate my house?
Cosmetic work usually doesn’t, but structural changes, extensions and additions require approved building plans from the City of Cape Town. Always check before you start.
How can I keep renovation costs down?
Keep the existing layout where possible, choose mid-range finishes for high-wear areas, fix problems before they spread, and work with one reliable contractor to avoid the cost of fixing poor workmanship.
Get a realistic renovation quote in Cape Town
Every home is different, and the only way to know your true cost is a proper assessment. At Around The House Building Services, we handle full home renovations, kitchens, bathrooms and extensions across Cape Town — with transparent, itemised quotes and quality workmanship you can rely on.
👉 Next steps: Get a free quote · Explore our renovation services · See all building services · Browse recent projects · Contact our Cape Town team
Related guides: How much does waterproofing cost in Cape Town? · Do you need approved building plans?
