Where Our Renovation Money Is Going... and Why
The 2019 Houzz & Home Australia report shows renovators are spending more on kitchens, read on to see how much
Vanessa Walker
15 September 2019
Houzz Australia & New Zealand Editor-in-Chief
Australians’ spending on kitchen renovations grew by 16 percent between 2017 and 2018, with this functional space enduring as the most popular room to renovate, followed by living rooms then, in equal third place, bedrooms, bathrooms and laundries.
We all know the kitchen is the heart of the home, especially since we have taken to open-plan kitchen/dining/living areas with enthusiasm. This love of modern and meaningful areas to cook and gather in saw the median spend on a new kitchen rise from $17,250 in 2017 to $20,000 in 2018.
Find a specialised kitchen designer near you on Houzz to renovate your cooking space
Find a specialised kitchen designer near you on Houzz to renovate your cooking space
By contrast, the median spend on what is conventionally considered the second-most renovated room in the house, the master bathroom, decreased by eight percent to $12,000 in 2018. The amount spent on renovating secondary bathrooms also saw a significant 11 percent drop to $8,000 in 2018.
This love of the kitchen has translated into kitchen designers finding increased popularity with renovators. After home builders and landscape contractors or gardeners, kitchen designers or renovators are the third most sought-after professionals whom homeowners hire to help plan and execute their new cooking space.
In 2018, mature renovators aged between 55 and 74 drove demand for hiring qualified tradespeople and professionals to help with home renovations, closely followed by homeowners aged from 40 to 54.
And Australians are relying on the services of professionals more than ever before, with 90 percent of homeowners hiring experts who know exactly what to do. It appears that the days of DIY are behind us.
And Australians are relying on the services of professionals more than ever before, with 90 percent of homeowners hiring experts who know exactly what to do. It appears that the days of DIY are behind us.
In 2019, 47 percent of homeowners on Houzz have planned or are undertaking a renovation.
This is closely followed by renovators wanting to revamp their space without major structural changes. Decorating or furnishing is high on people’s lists this year, with 40 percent of respondents saying they wanted a more stylish home this year.
Read more research and insights from the Houzz community
Read more research and insights from the Houzz community
The majority of those planning a renovation are in the 40 to 54 age bracket, closely followed by those aged between 55 and 74; with the most common reasons for renovating being that respondents now have the time, and financial means, to improve their homes.
Naturally, the younger generation aged 25 to 39, who have purchased or moved into a home recently, are keen to customise their new place in 2019. Renovating is high on their list of priorities.
The 2019 Houzz and Home Australia survey included 160 questions, and gathered information from Houzz users who identified themselves as 18 years old or older and homeowners. The final sample consisted of 8,861 respondents in Australia.
You can read the 2019 Houzz and Home Australia trend report for more information and data on renovators.
Your turn
Which of these insights interests you the most? Tell us in the Comments below, like and share this story, save the images, and join the conversation.
More
Are you about to start renovating? Read this first: 5 Crucial Questions to Ask Yourself Before Renovating
You can read the 2019 Houzz and Home Australia trend report for more information and data on renovators.
Your turn
Which of these insights interests you the most? Tell us in the Comments below, like and share this story, save the images, and join the conversation.
More
Are you about to start renovating? Read this first: 5 Crucial Questions to Ask Yourself Before Renovating
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The result that those renovating in the 55-74 age group is so high doesn't surprise me. We are in our sixties, and many of our friends do not want what developers think is 'retirement living' ... crammed in apartments or villas. Even if it means less maintenance!!! We want individual space, pleasant views and personal rooms/ sheds for pursuing hobbies and crafts that working life limits. Updating our existing homes provides this.
i have been looking at buying established or building new and every established house needs a kitchen reno to change the footprint not just re fresh. they all have small kitchens tucked in a corner and large houses. even alot of the house plans i see on line from all building companies(and I have looked at all of them searching for the right one) i would need to change or add to the kitchen as it is small or underwhelming. KITCHENS sell houses so why are the builders not centralizing and making the kitchens a good size? This is so frustrating.
Bron, you commented above, I can help you get the kitchen you want and deserve. OR the house plan arranged how you would like it. That is what I do for folks with great results. Happy, contented families in the area they love in the home they adore. Very happy to help you too. Cheers Margot