Thinking of selling your Perth home? See what agent fees, stamp duty and moving really cost, and when renovating is the smarter way to get more space.

Here’s a number most people never sit down and work out: moving from one Perth home to another can cost you $80,000 or more before you’ve gained a single extra room.

Agents and removalist fees add up, plus stamp duty which is currently around $43,000 on a $1million purchase.

If your family has outgrown your home, you’ve probably had the conversation. Do we sell and buy bigger, or renovate what we’ve got? It usually happens at the kitchen bench with a laptop open on realestate.com.au .

Good properties are scarce right now in WA, and the homes that are available are snapped up in days. Before you fall for a listing, it’s worth knowing exactly where your money goes when you move

The real cost of selling a house in Perth

Say your home is worth $1 million, close to Perth’s current median house price.. To sell it, you’ll typically pay an agent commission of around 2 to 2.5%. That’s $20,000 to $25,000, plus another $3,000 to $5,000 in marketing.

Then there’s settlement fees, and possibly some quick cosmetic work  and home staging to get the place photo-ready. Call it $30,000 all up, before you’ve bought anything.

Stamp duty in WA and the cost of buying again

Now for the bigger bite. If you’re upgrading from your $1million home, you’re probably buying at $1.2 million or more. Transfer duty in WA  – what most of us still call stamp duty) – on an established $1.2 million home is roughly $53,000 (current July 2026).

Add conveyancing again, loan setup fees, building and pest inspections, removalists, and the other costs that come with moving a family. You’re now somewhere between $85,000 and $95,000 in transaction costs alone.

None of that money bought you anything. It didn’t add a bedroom, a second bathroom or a bigger kitchen. It just paid for changing addresses.

What a home renovation in Perth buys you instead

Put $90,000 towards a renovation instead and every dollar goes into your home. Add what you would have spent on a bigger mortgage, many families find they can put that towards a renovation in their own home like a parents’ retreat, opening up the kitchen and living area, or extending out the back.

You keep what a new house can’t give you – the memories in a suburb you already know and the café that knows your order (long mac topped up anyone?).

If you’re weighing up where renovation money works hardest, our guide on where to spend and save on your home renovation is a good place to start.

When selling your home is the right decision

Of course, sometimes moving makes sense.

Renovating is unlikely to be the answer if your block genuinely can’t fit what your family needs, if the location itself is the problem, or if your home has structural issues so significant that you’d essentially be rebuilding (although some of our clients do this too).

It’s also worth pausing if the renovation would overcapitalise. A good builder will tell you this in the first meeting, before you’ve spent a cent on drawings, and suggest alternative options.

Renovate or sell your Perth home?

Get two numbers.

First, ask a local agent what your home would realistically sell for and what an upgrade would cost, including all the fees above.

Second, talk to a renovation builder (we might know one…) about what it would cost to make your current home work for the next ten years.

If you’d like that second number, talk to us.

Mista Reno has spent over 25 years renovating and extending homes, including heritage restorations. We’ve worked with clients across Perth, mostly around Fremantle, the southern and western suburbs.

(As a guide, Mista Reno projects start from $500,000)

Renovating your home in Perth is exciting, but let’s be honest – it can also be a little daunting.

And here’s the reality: you won’t be staying there while the work is happening.

Your home becomes a construction site with tradespeople, tools, dust and potentially dangerous equipment everywhere. Plus, all services are disconnected, with only temporary water, electricity and gas available. So, for safety (and sanity) reasons, your home is off-limits.

That doesn’t mean you can’t see what’s happening – visits can be arranged with a supervisor so you can see the transformation as it happens – but it does mean casual access to your home isn’t allowed.

While being away might feel unsettling at first, it actually makes the process quicker, safer, and much less stressful for everyone.

Here’s how to plan ahead so the whole renovation runs smoothly.

 

1. Why You’ll Need To Move Out

Safety is the number one reason. Renovation sites have heavy machinery, exposed wiring, and other hazards that can be dangerous. Even if it looks tidy – and we try to ensure our sites are – there’s a lot going on behind walls and under floors that you can’t see.

Another reason is efficiency. Tradies work best when the home is clear. No interruptions, no risk of damage and no safety concerns – everything gets done more efficiently.

2. Plan Where You’re Going to Live

You’ll need a temporary home while your place gets a makeover. Think about:

• Staying with friends or family nearby
• A short-term rental or serviced apartment
• Temporary accommodation close to school or work

Choose somewhere comfortable and convenient. This isn’t just about logistics; it’s about giving yourself peace of mind while your home is being transformed.

3. Pack Smart (and Early)

You don’t want to be scrambling at the last minute. Before the renovation starts, you’ll need to pack your belongings so they’re safe and accessible if you need them:

• Label boxes clearly so everything is easy to find later
• Store furniture and fragile items in a safe location
• Bubble wrap and packing paper is essential for delicate items
• Take photos of each room – handy for reference if anything needs to be moved or reinstalled

Packing properly now protects the things you love while your home is under construction. You don’t necessarily have to pay for storage – if you have secure garage space, that can work perfectly.

4. Trust the Renovation Experts

One of the biggest advantages of being off-site is that the team can crack on with your project. Construction often involves surprises: unforeseen repairs, poorly built structures that aren’t to code, or small design changes along the way.

Being away from home allows the team to work efficiently and safely to tackle these challenges. A bit of flexibility and trust in the team to problem-solve – and keep you updated along the way – goes a long way towards keeping everything on track.

5. Managing Life while You’re Away

Being out of your home for weeks or months can feel disruptive. Here’s how to make it manageable:

• Family routines: a little extra planning for school runs and childcare helps prevents daily chaos.
• Pets: arrange boarding or temporary care with a friend or family member.
• Work and bills: set up reminders or redirections for mail, bills, or deliveries so nothing slips through the cracks while you’re away.
• Your sanity: a good renovation team will keep you informed at every stage, so you know what’s happening and when.

It might be helpful to think of this time as a ‘life pause’ while your home gets its makeover.

6. Celebrate Your Return

Once your home is ready, the move-in is a milestone worth enjoying!

Everything is clean, safe and exactly as it should be.

Unpack, settle in, and enjoy the result. Knowing you avoided the dust, noise, and stress during construction will make the transformation feel even more rewarding!

Renovating in Perth doesn’t have to be stressful; it just needs planning.

Arrange your temporary living, pack smart, trust the team and use the time wisely. The reward? A beautifully renovated home, dust-free and stress-free, so you can love where you live again.

Renovating an older home in Perth can be tricky. You want to keep the charm and character you fell in love with, but also make it work for modern living.

Mista Reno specialises in heritage home renovations and modern extensions, so we’ve helped countless homeowners strike the balance between classic and contemporary.

Here are five smart ways to blend old and new without it looking awkward or feeling forced.

 

1. Preserve the original ceiling roses, cornices and period mouldings 

Those beautiful ceiling roses and cornices? Don’t rip them out! They’re part of your home’s personality. If you’re extending, you can cast new roses and mouldings to match the originals, so the new rooms feel like they’ve always belonged.

Example: At our White Gum Valley project, we kept the original ceiling roses in the main living area and added moulded matching ones in the extension. The end result looks timeless, like the extension was always part of the original home.

 

2. Match skirting and architraves between old and new

A sudden change from old skirting to plain modern boards can feel jarring. Matching skirting and architraves, or having them custom-cut to match originals, keeps the home flowing naturally from one space to the next.

Example: At the same White Gum Valley project, we replicated the original architraves in the modern extension so it felt polished, intentional, and true to the original home.

 

3. Modern extensions that complement, not copy

Your extension doesn’t need to be a carbon copy of the old home. In fact, it shouldn’t be. Think complementary, not copied. Materials, proportions, and clean lines make the old and the new feel connected without trying too hard.

Example: At a Cottesloe project, we added a contemporary rear extension, a vast open-plan kitchen, living and dining area with polished concrete floors, which contrasted beautifully with the classic home we restored at the front of the property. It was a stunning distinction, while still respecting the home’s original character.

 

4. Keep the front façade character and add contemporary style at the rear

Your street façade is your home’s handshake – a first impression – so it needs to be respected. If you preserve the home’s character at the front, you can get creative at the back. Keep the period charm at the front, and add a modern, light-filled extension at the rear for relaxed, contemporary living.

Example: We carefully restored the front façade of a 1922 Fremantle home to its original glory, preserving its heritage details and street appeal.  At the rear, we added a modern extension with an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, featuring large glass doors that flow out to a courtyard and custom-built studio.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Celebrate original features and echo them in new areas

Exposed brickwork, jarrah floors, and high ceilings are what make your home feel special. Bring those features into your new spaces by reclaiming materials or echoing the original style so the old and new flow together.

Example: On this Fremantle project, we used reclaimed jarrah from railway sleepers, and exposed brick in both the original rooms and new spaces. By carrying the original features into the new spaces, the whole home felt connected, warm, and full of character.

 

 

Blending old with new when renovating

Blending old and new isn’t about copying the past or overpowering it with modern design. It’s about thoughtful renovation, smart detailing and understanding how to make character homes work today.

If you’re planning a heritage renovation or modern extension in Perth, the key is getting the balance right from the start. We can help you there!

Renovating your home can be exciting…but also a little overwhelming. There’s so much to think about, and it’s easy to get carried away with ideas, trends, and finishes.

The trick is knowing where to spend and where to save so your home looks beautiful, feels functional, and reflects your personal style. After all, what’s high-impact for you, might be low-priority for someone else.

With 30+ years of experience renovating homes in Perth, we’ve seen it all.

Here are our top tips for where to splurge and where to save without compromising on style.

 

Spend on the big stuff

These are the areas that really transform a home, and spending wisely here pays off in lifestyle and long-term value. How much you prioritise each depends on what matters most to you.

 

Spend: light, flow, and structural changes

If you’re going to spend anywhere, spend on the things that actually affect how your home feels. Knocking down a wall, opening up spaces, or adding a skylight can completely change the sense of space, make rooms feel brighter, airier, and more inviting.

 

Tip: focus your budget on changes that improve light, flow and functionality of your space.

These upgrades make your home more enjoyable, plus they’re investments that last.

 

 

Spend: high-use spaces

Your kitchen, living room, and master suite are where you spend most of your time, so they deserve a little extra love. Think benchtops that are both practical and stylish, smart storage, or a master ensuite that feels like a private retreat.

If you’re investing in high-end features and can afford it, go for quality items that will last for the long haul – you don’t want short-lived replacements in a premium renovation.

 

 

Tip: investing in cabinetry that is built to last will save headaches and money over time.

Investing in high-use spaces, like kitchens, add real value to your property, so it’s where your budget can make the biggest impact.

Spend: windows and doors

Natural light is everything. Large sliders, stacker doors, or floor-to-ceiling windows instantly open up a space and bring the outdoors in, perfect for Perth’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle.

The fact is, they do come with a higher price tag. So, if you love steel-framed doors or ribbed glass but the cost is a bit prohibitive, then use them selectively rather than throughout the house.

 

Tip: comfort-plus glass is a smart investment.

It may be more expensive upfront but it improves energy efficiency and, of course, keeps your home comfortable during our hot summers and chilly winters.

 

 

Save on the easy swaps

Not all of these ‘save’ options should be done together – if you cut corners on everything here, it can make your home feel low-quality. So be strategic and pick a few areas to save and allow for some well-chosen furnishings or finishings to maintain a luxurious feel.

Save: tiles and taps

Trendy tile and taps are fun but can date quickly. You can save here by picking timeless options that suit your style and are easy to swap out down the track if your taste changes.

 

Tip: bear in mind, the size and type of tap can vary dramatically and add costs.

Choose something functional and durable, as it is a high-use item.

You could always opt for a standout mixer in the kitchen, and select more practical, budget-friendly options for less prominent spaces, like the laundry and bathrooms. 

 

 

Save: lighting

You don’t need a statement light in every room. Focus on a few wow-factor pieces in key areas (like the ones pictured below) and rely on smart ambient lighting elsewhere.

 

 

 

Tip: statement pieces in the kitchen and more understated (and budget-friendly) lighting in other rooms will give you the style impact without the hefty price tag.

You can always add simple but highly effective additions like LED strips under bathroom vanities, kitchen worktops or cabinets. They’re affordable and create a big visual impact.

Save: paint, soft furnishings, and accessories

Walls, cushions, rugs, and throws are an easy way to refresh a room without a major spend. They’re a flexible, low-cost way to update your style over time without major renovations.

 

 

Tip: keep your walls a soft neutral, then bring the colour and personality in with your furnishings. 

Easy to update, easy on the budget.

 

Save: hardware and fixtures

Handles, knobs, and taps are small details that can be stylish without breaking the bank. Pick pieces you love, but don’t feel you need to go designer on everything. Plus, updating cabinet handles is a quick, inexpensive way to change the look of a space.

• Tip: make sure you still prioritise quality though, as it needs to be functional and last the test of time.

Balance is key – some quality fixtures are worth investing in to keep a premium feel. For example, you could spend on your kitchen mixer, which will be highly used and visible, and save on your bathroom tapware.

 

 

Tip: there are plenty of brands out there.

Always go for a minimum 3-year warranty (you won’t regret it).

Make your renovation work for you

Ultimately, renovating is about creating a home that looks fantastic but also makes sense financially.

• Spend where it counts: light, flow, and the rooms you use every day.
• Save where it won’t affect your day-to-day comfort or style.
• Mix and match your spends and saves thoughtfully, and you’ll end up with a home that’s both luxurious and smartly budgeted.

Some homes have “wow factor” spaces that look impressive at first glance – formal lounges, wide hallways, or sprawling layouts. But in reality, these spaces are often unused or underused. They take up valuable square metres, make everyday living awkward, and sometimes end up as storage zones or ‘dead space’.

If you’re renovating an existing home, recognising these 5 common floor plan mistakes is key. Addressing them early ensures your renovation dollars are well spent to create a home that will actually work for the way you live.

Here are five floor plan pitfalls to watch out for, and what to do instead.  

 

1. The formal front lounge that nobody uses

Pain point: That formal room near the front door might look great, but in practice it’s often rarely used. It might be dark, tucked away, be a storage space, or simply be too formal for everyday life. It’s taking up space that could be better used.

How to make it work: Open it into your main living area or repurpose it for a space you’ll actually use – a study, playroom, or maybe even a big new bedroom? Make every square metre count – functional spaces always beat rooms that “look nice.

2. Hallways that steal space and money

Pain point: Oversized corridors can feel luxurious, but they can waste space and energy. You’re paying to cool, heat and clean areas no one ever spends time in. 

How to make it work: Reclaim the space.

Narrow the hallway and use the extra area for storage, a window seat, another toilet or laundry closet, or an extension of the kitchen.

Even small tweaks to your floor plan can dramatically improve the flow and usability of your home, especially if you want it to feel practical and modern.

3. Kitchens that don’t flow outdoors

Pain point: Many older homes have kitchens that are tucked away from the backyard or alfresco area. Cooking and entertaining can feel like a workout when your kitchen is isolated. Entertaining becomes stressful, not fun.

 

How to make it work: Create connection. We Aussies love indoor/outdoor living, so consider adding sliding doors (with flyscreens?).

If you don’t already have outdoor dining, shift your dining area closer to the outdoor space.  Simple changes like these make food prep, dining, and at-home socialising far more seamless.

4. Bedrooms next to noise

Pain point: Bedrooms next to the TV are not ideal! Having to keep the volume down to get the kids to bed and having interrupted sleep makes life hard.

 

How to make it work: Soundproof walls with clever storage or bookcases, or reconsider bedroom placement if it’s an option.

Proper zoning creates calm, privacy, and better sleep for everyone.

5. Forgetting how you actually live

Pain point: A floor plan might look good on paper, but if it doesn’t fit your lifestyle, your home can feel awkward and frustrating to live in. You’ll wonder why things never feel “right,” even after spending thousands renovating. Window placement can add to the problem. If windows are locked into awkward spots, they can limit where furniture goes, restrict storage options and stop you from creating the floor plan you actually need.

How to make it work: Think about your routines. Where do you cook, eat, relax, work? Do you entertain outdoors? Consider how natural light moves through your home and how flexible you want each space to be. Good window placement should support your layout, not work against it. Let your renovation work around your life, not just aesthetics. Planning with real-life use in mind saves money, time, stress, and those “why didn’t we think of that?” moments.

 

A renovation isn’t just about making a house look nice, but about making it work beautifully for how you live in it.

Avoid these floor plan mistakes now, and you’ll save money, time, and a lot of headaches to create a home that feels effortless, practical, and welcoming.

 

 

Need renovation help?

We’ve helped hundreds of Perth homeowners turn awkward layouts into homes that truly work for them. If you’re thinking of renovating and want expert guidance to make the most of your space, get in touch!