Thinking of Renovating in 2026? Need a new kitchen, bathroom or a new wing?

Thinking of renovating in 2026? Maybe your home needs a new kitchen or a new living room? Or you may be wondering if selling up and buying a new home is a better step because your current one is a little tired, or you need to make more space for a growing family. 

If you have equity in your home, you may be able to easily access funds for a renovation to create the home you‘ve always wanted and there are many benefits to staying in your current home if you like the location you live in.

Do you need a new kitchen or living space?

The kitchen and living areas are the heart of the home. They’re also the spaces most likely to feel outdated or no longer fit for purpose. Renovating may give you open plan living, energy efficient appliances, better storage, and multi-use zones that improve your comfort at home.

If you’re working from home, raising a family, or simply spending more time at home than before, a renovation can improve the flow and usability of your home.

There are good reasons to renovate instead of sell and buy

Moving house sounds exciting, but it comes with compromise. You may gain one feature while losing another. Renovating allows you to design your home around your lifestyle, not the other way around.

Staying where you are means you keep your local connections, schools, commute, neighbours, and sense of community. Instead of starting over, you’re building on what already works. From a financial perspective, renovating can also be a strategic move. Improving your home can increase its value, enhance long term liveability, and potentially strengthen your equity position over time.

You already know your area, your home’s quirks, and what you love about it. Renovating allows you to solve the frustrations without sacrificing the positives.

The costs of moving to a new home

It’s easy to underestimate the cost of moving. Stamp duty, agent fees, legal costs, inspections, removalists, and utility connections can quickly add up to tens of thousands of dollars. On top of that, there’s often the cost of making the new place feel like home anyway, such as new furnishings.

Case Study: Peter and Jodie

Peter and Jodie had lived in their home for more than 20 years and it had become the heart of their family life. They were known for hosting Christmas, birthdays and regular gatherings, but over time their home no longer supported their love of entertaining. The kitchen was dated, the deck was impractical, and the layout felt restrictive.

They initially thought selling and buying a larger home would be the easiest option. However, while they liked the idea of more space, they didn’t want to leave the suburb, their neighbours and community, and the tree lined streets they had come to love. We sat down together at the kitchen table and discussed the true costs of moving, including stamp duty, real estate fees and legal expenses. The numbers surprised them.

Instead, Peter and Jodie chose to renovate. By upgrading their existing home, they saved hundreds of thousands of dollars while staying in a location they loved with a home that had history for their family. Today, they enjoy a modern kitchen, a functional garage and a welcoming alfresco area that continues to bring family and friends together.

Sometimes all it takes is a simple chat over a cuppa, and the right direction becomes apparent. That’s the benefit of working with a mortgage broker, you get unbiased and realistic advice.

Planning your renovation in 2026

A successful renovation starts with good planning. Clear goals, realistic budgets, and a good loan make all the difference. Many homeowners choose to use available equity or restructure their loan to fund renovations in a way that supports their lifestyle as well as their longer term financial goals.

Before you start, it’s worth reviewing your options and understanding how a renovation fits into your long term plans, whether that’s growing your family, building wealth, or simply enjoying your home more.

I’ll help you understand the pros and cons of staying in your current home or buying a new one. I’m always here to help my clients make good financial decisions. Call me today on 0430 511 500 or email me at glen@keystonemortgagebrokers.com.au and let’s chat about what’s possible in 2026.