Home renovation costs 2026: fair prices per m²

How much does a house renovation cost in 2026? 

Fair prices, useful tips & what you really need to know

A house renovation costs on average between €800 and €1,500 per m², depending on the scope and choice of materials. For a 100 m² home, that means a budget of roughly €25,000 to €150,000. But what exactly determines that price — and how do you make sure you’re not caught off guard?

Whether you want to tackle an outdated terraced house, have a 1930s home renovated, or simply refresh a single room: in this article we explain step by step what a house renovation costs in 2026, broken down by component and by property type. Including useful money-saving tips and an overview of all subsidies you can apply for.

💡 Want a quick estimate? Check out our renovation costs per m² or request a free personalised quote directly.

Home renovation costs at a glance — quick overview

Below you’ll find an overview of the average costs per type of renovation work. These are guide prices including VAT, materials and labour costs.

* Guide prices 2026, VAT included. Always request a personalised quote for an exact price estimate.

What determines the cost of your home renovation?

No two renovations are the same. The final price is determined by a combination of factors. Here are the four most important ones:

1. The scope of the work

Is it one room or the entire house? A partial renovation — just the bathroom or the floors — naturally costs less than a complete home renovation where everything is tackled at once. The more tradespeople and disciplines involved, the higher the total price.

2. The quality of materials

The choice between standard and premium materials has a major impact on the final price. Ceramic tiles cost differently than natural stone; branded sanitary ware differs considerably from own-brand products. As a rule of thumb: material costs make up on average 40 to 50% of the total renovation costs.

3. Contractor or self-coordinating?

Hiring a renovation contractor costs a little more but saves you a lot of stress, time and coordination work. The contractor is the single point of contact for all tradespeople, monitors quality and takes on liability. Hiring individual specialists yourself can be cheaper, but carries risks if the planning doesn’t align.

4. Permits and structural changes

Some renovations — such as removing a load-bearing wall, adding a roof extension or converting an annexe — require an environmental permit. The application takes time and sometimes money. More information about permits in Amsterdam can be found via the Omgevingsloket.

Costs per type of renovation — room by room breakdown

Want to know what a specific room or service costs? Below we take a closer look at the prices for each component.

🚿 Bathroom renovation

A new bathroom is for most homeowners the biggest investment within a renovation. The costs for a bathroom renovation average between €7,500 and €20,000, depending on the size, sanitary ware and tile choice. A luxury finish with a freestanding bath and walk-in shower can run up to €30,000 or more.

⚡ Rewiring electrics

Outdated wiring is not just inconvenient — it is also a safety hazard. The costs for electrical work during a renovation average between €3,000 and €10,000. Think of replacing the fuse box, new cabling, sockets and switches.

🔧 Plumbing work

From leaking pipes to completely rerouting water and drainage pipes: plumbing work is generally charged by the hour, averaging €75 to €100 per hour. Small jobs start from €500; a complete plumbing installation in combination with a bathroom can cost €3,000 to €8,000.

🧱 Insulation and soundproofing

Good insulation lowers your energy bill and increases living comfort. The costs for insulation and soundproofing vary greatly by type: roof insulation costs on average €30 to €60 per m², floor insulation €20 to €40 per m² and cavity wall insulation €15 to €35 per m².

🎨 Plastering and painting

New plastering or a fresh coat of paint instantly gives your home a refreshed look. Plastering and painting for the interior of an average home costs between €1,500 and €5,000. Painting is charged per m² (€10 – €25) or per hour (€35 – €55).

🪵 Carpentry

From fitting new window frames to custom built-in wardrobes: carpentry is custom work and so is the price. Simple carpentry starts from €40 per hour; more complex bespoke projects can quickly run up to €5,000 – €15,000.

🪟 Laying flooring

New floors are one of the most impactful improvements with a relatively modest budget. Laying flooring costs on average €40 to €120 per m², depending on the material. Laminate is cheaper; solid parquet or natural stone are more expensive.

🌿 Garden renovation

A renewed patio, new planting or a complete redesign: a garden renovation costs on average €3,000 to €20,000 depending on the size and design. Paving is generally between €40 and €80 per m².

House renovation costs by property type

The type of property has a major influence on renovation costs. An older house requires more repair work to the foundation and insulation than a newer property. Here are the most common property types with corresponding budgets:

* Budgets are indicative for a renovation including insulation, new systems and finishing.

Subsidies and Tax Benefits for Home Renovation in 2026

Good news: in 2026, there are still attractive schemes available that can significantly reduce your renovation costs. It’s worth seeking advice before you begin — it could save you thousands of euros. For an up-to-date overview, consult official information via Milieu Centraal.

• 9% VAT Scheme — For renovations on homes older than two years, you only pay 9% VAT on labor costs instead of 21%. This applies to most standard renovation work and results in immediate savings.
• ISDE Subsidy (Sustainable Energy Investment Grant) — For sustainable solutions such as a heat pump, solar boiler, or insulation, you can apply for financial support through the ISDE subsidy. More information is available via RVO.nl.
• National Heat Fund — The Nationaal Warmtefonds offers favorable loans for energy-saving measures, including options for lower-income households. Check their website for current conditions.
• Municipal Subsidies — Many municipalities, including Amsterdam, provide additional subsidies for insulation, solar panels, and façade renovation. Contact your local municipality or use the subsidy guide on Milieu Centraal.
• Renovation Loan — Some banks and the Nationaal Warmtefonds offer special renovation loans, often with lower interest rates than standard personal loans.

5 practical tips to save on your house renovation

Smart renovating doesn’t mean cutting corners on quality — but it does mean making wise choices. These are the most effective ways to keep costs under control:

1. Request at least three quotes. Price differences between contractors can run up to 30%. Comparing always pays off. A good quote is itemised per component — watch out for vague ‘all-in’ amounts without a breakdown.
2. Phase the renovation. You don’t have to do everything at once. Start with the work that has the most impact (or the most urgent, such as a leaking roof or outdated electrics) and schedule the rest for later.
3. Combine tradespeople on the same day. If the plumber and the tiler are both present, they can work together efficiently. That saves on call-out costs and scheduling costs.
4. Make use of subsidies. As described above, there are several schemes that can ease your renovation budget. Look into these early — some subsidies must be applied for before the work begins.
5. Choose durable materials. Cheaper materials may seem attractive in the short term, but require more maintenance or replacement in the long run. Invest in quality where it matters: insulation, sanitary ware and electrical installation.

🏠 What does your renovation cost? Receive a free personalised quote — response within 24 hours.

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With a ★ 4.9 rating, more than 15 years of experience and active throughout the Netherlands, TopRenovatie ensures a renovation without surprises — from first quote to completion.

When is the best time to start a house renovation?

Planning is at least as important as budget. A few things to keep in mind:

• Permits take time. For structural changes, allow 4 to 12 weeks for the permit procedure. Start this process early.
• Tradespeople are scarce. Good contractors and specialists are often booked up weeks to months in advance. Plan ahead.
• Season matters. Exterior work (facade, garden, roof) is best done in dry weather — spring and summer are ideal. Interior work can be done year-round.
• Construction costs fluctuate. Material costs rise on average with inflation. Starting earlier can sometimes also mean saving on material costs.

Frequently asked questions about house renovation costs

Below we answer the most common questions about the costs of a house renovation in the Netherlands.

❓ What does a house renovation cost on average per m²?

The average costs are between €800 and €1,500 per m², depending on the scope and quality of materials. A simple refresh costs less; a complete renovation with new systems, insulation and luxury finishing can also exceed €1,500 per m².

❓ Do I need a permit for my house renovation?

That depends on the work involved. Interior work — such as a new bathroom, painting or flooring — generally does not require a permit. Structural changes (load-bearing walls, roof extensions, annexes) do. Your municipality or a certified contractor can advise you on this.

❓ How long does a house renovation take?

A partial renovation of one room takes on average 1 to 4 weeks. A complete home renovation — including the permit process and completion — takes on average 4 to 12 months.

❓ What is cheaper: renovating or new build?

Renovating is in most cases more affordable than demolition and new build. In addition, for renovations on properties older than 2 years you only pay 9% VAT on labour costs, compared to 21% VAT for new build. The exact comparison depends on the condition of the property.

❓ Can I apply for a subsidy for my house renovation?

Yes. There are several schemes: the 9% VAT scheme on labour costs, the ISDE subsidy for sustainable technologies and local municipal subsidies. Consult Milieu Centraal or RVO.nl for current conditions, or ask your contractor for advice.

❓ Is requesting a quote without obligation?

At TopRenovatie, always. You receive a detailed personalised quote — with no obligation whatsoever. That way you know exactly where you stand before making a decision.

Conclusion: what does a house renovation cost in 2026?

A house renovation is a big step — but also a smart investment that significantly increases the value and comfort of your home. Costs range from roughly €10,000 for a partial renovation to €150,000 or more for a complete home renovation. By making smart use of subsidies, comparing multiple quotes and planning the work carefully, you keep costs manageable — without compromising on quality.

Want to know what the renovation of your home costs? Check our pricing page for an initial estimate, or request a free personalised quote today at TopRenovatie — the specialist in house renovation in Amsterdam and throughout the Netherlands.

✅ Ready to get started? Request a free, no-obligation quote.

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