When renovating a kitchen for an investment property, it’s important to strike the right balance:
You want the kitchen to look attractive and modern — but without overspending.
A smart kitchen renovation can increase rental returns and add property value, but blowing your budget can eat into your profits fast.
Here are some practical tips to help you save money while still creating a kitchen that appeals to tenants and potential buyers.
1. Keep the Existing Layout
Moving plumbing or electrical points is one of the biggest hidden costs in a kitchen renovation.
Tip:
- Stick with the existing layout (sink, oven, fridge) whenever possible.
- Focus upgrades on surfaces, not structure.
Why?
Keeping plumbing and electrical in the same place saves thousands in tradesman costs and reduces council approvals or permits.
2. Choose Durable, Cost-Effective Materials
For investment properties, you want materials that are:
- Affordable
- Durable
- Easy to clean
Best options:
- Laminate cabinets: Budget-friendly and tough.
- Stone-look laminate benchtops or entry-level engineered stone: Affordable, stylish, low-maintenance.
- Splashbacks: Large format tiles or simple glass panels are affordable and modern.
Tip: Avoid soft materials like timber benchtops — they scratch and stain easily, leading to maintenance issues.
3. Reuse What You Can
Before ripping everything out, check if anything can be reused:
- Good-quality cabinet carcasses? Replace just the doors.
- Appliances still working? Keep them or upgrade selectively.
- Flooring in decent condition? Refresh with a deep clean instead of replacing.
Tip: Even replacing handles, taps, and lighting can make an old kitchen feel fresh for a fraction of the cost.
4. Focus on the “Hero” Features
You don’t have to spend big everywhere.
Choose one or two key features to elevate the kitchen:
- A nice stone benchtop
- A tiled splashback feature
- Stylish pendant lights over an island or breakfast bar
Keep the rest of the kitchen simple and cost-effective.
Tip: Spending in just the right areas makes the kitchen look more expensive overall without blowing your budget.
5. DIY What You Can — but Be Smart About It
Doing some jobs yourself can save a lot — but know your limits.
Good DIY options:
- Painting walls
- Installing flat-pack cabinets
- Replacing handles or tapware
Jobs best left to the pros:
- Electrical work
- Plumbing connections
- Stone benchtop installation
Tip: Bad DIY can cost more to fix later — only DIY what you can confidently do well.
6. Buy Materials Smart
Plan ahead and look for:
- Trade discounts (ask your builder or installer to help)
- End-of-line sales at tile, appliance, and hardware stores
- Clearance stone slabs — sometimes you can get high-end stone cheaper if it’s a leftover piece
Tip: Even saving a few hundred dollars on tiles, appliances, or cabinetry adds up across a full kitchen.
Final Thoughts
Renovating a kitchen for an investment property doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune.
By keeping the layout simple, choosing smart materials, focusing on a few hero features, and being strategic with DIY and shopping, you can create a kitchen that tenants love — without cutting into your profits.
Need help planning a cost-effective kitchen renovation for your investment property? Get in touch — we can show you practical designs that save money and add real value!