How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a House in Australia?

Rewiring your home isn’t just about upgrading old wires, it’s about safety, efficiency, and future-proofing your property. 

If you have just bought an older home or noticed flickering lights, outdated wiring can be a serious hazard if left unchecked. In Australia, the cost to rewire a house can vary depending on your home's size, age, and how accessible the wiring is. 

From rewiring prices per room to full home rewiring projects, understanding what impacts the cost of house rewiring is crucial for smart planning.

Electrical rewiring services are often recommended every 20–30 years, especially if your property still has ceramic fuses or single-insulated cables. Wondering how much to rewire a house in Australia in 2025? 

Don’t worry—we will walk you through the average rewiring cost, what to expect, and how to get it done safely and affordably by licensed professionals.

Signs Your Home Needs Rewiring

If your home is over 30 years old and still has its original wiring, it might be time to look into professional electrical rewiring services. Faulty or outdated wiring can lead to power outages, appliance damage, or even dangerous electrical fires. Here are some clear signs that your home may need rewiring:

• Frequent circuit breaker trips or blown fuses
  This could mean your current wiring can’t handle modern electrical loads.

• Flickering or dimming lights
  Especially when you turn on appliances—this is often due to poor or degraded connections.

• Discoloured power points or a burning smell
  These are red flags of overheating wires and need immediate attention.

• Sparking switches or buzzing sounds from walls
  If you notice this, it’s time to call an electrician before it becomes a safety hazard.

• Old wiring types like VIR or single-insulated cabling
  These materials are no longer safe or compliant with current standards.
  
  

Ignoring these warning signs could cost you more in the long run. Not just in repairs, but in safety. 

And yes, the cost to rewire a house in Australia depends on how serious the issues are. While rewiring prices per room may start from $800–$1,200, the total home rewiring cost can range between $4,000–$15,000 depending on property size and layout.

So, if you're wondering how much to rewire a house in Australia in 2025, the sooner you address the signs, the less it may cost you because early action often means fewer surprises and lower rewiring costs overall.

Average Cost to Rewire a House in Australia (2025)

If you're planning to upgrade your electrical system, one of the biggest questions is: how much to rewire a house in Australia in 2025? The answer depends on a few key factors—like the size of your home, its age, ease of access, and whether you’re doing a partial or full house rewiring.

On average, here’s a rough guide to the rewiring cost by home size:

• 1-2 bedroom unit: $4,000 – $6,000

• 3-bedroom house: $6,500 – $9,000

• 4-bedroom home: $9,000 – $12,000

• Larger or multi-storey homes: $12,000 – $15,000+
  
  

If you’re budgeting rewiring prices per room, expect to pay between $800 and $1,500 depending on the room type and complexity. Kitchens, for example, usually cost more due to extra power points and appliances.

So, what impacts the cost of house rewiring?

• Age of the home (older homes may have hazardous wiring like VIR)

• Accessibility of walls and ceiling cavities

• Whether plaster needs removing or patching

• Local labour rates

Whether you’re upgrading the switchboard at the same time

Professional electrical rewiring services will usually provide a detailed quote after a home inspection. While home rewiring might feel like a big expense, it’s a critical investment in your family’s safety and adds value to your property long-term.

Factors That Affect Rewiring Costs

If you're planning house rewiring, it’s important to understand what actually goes into the cost. Many homeowners wonder how much to rewire a house in Australia in 2025, but the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Several factors can make your rewiring cost go up or down. 

Let’s break it down in simple terms.

1. Age of Your Home

Older homes usually cost more to rewire. If your house is over 30–40 years old, there’s a good chance it still has outdated or unsafe wiring like VIR or cotton-insulated cables. These are not just hard to work with, they're dangerous too.

Upgrading these systems requires extra care and time, which adds to the cost to rewire a house in Australia. In some cases, older switchboards may also need replacing, further increasing the total cost.

2. Size and Layout of the Property

This one’s simple: the bigger your home, the more wiring is needed. A small 2-bedroom unit might cost around $4,000–$6,000 to rewire, while a large 4-bedroom house can go up to $12,000 or more.

If your home is multi-storey or has tricky layouts (like tight roof spaces or lots of nooks), that adds to the labour hours and bumps up the price. That’s why rewiring prices per room also vary depending on room type and complexity.

3. Access to Wiring

How easy is it to reach your home’s wiring? 

If your walls are brick, ceilings are low, or wiring is hidden behind insulation or tight roof spaces, electricians will have a harder time getting in. 

More time and effort = higher rewiring cost.

If your walls need to be cut into or plaster removed, you'll also need to consider repair costs on top of the electrical work.

4. Material and Cable Quality

There are different types of cables, switches, and power outlets available, some standard, some premium. If you’re going for smart wiring, USB wall sockets, or high-end switches, your home rewiring cost will be higher.

You’ll also need to consider safety switches (RCDs), surge protectors, and possibly upgrading your switchboard all of which can affect electrical rewiring services pricing.

5. Local Labour Rates

Labour costs can vary a lot across Australia. Rewiring a house in Sydney or Melbourne might be more expensive than in smaller towns or regional areas. That’s because tradespeople in big cities often charge higher hourly rates.

Getting multiple quotes from qualified electricians is the best way to understand what you’re likely to pay in your area.

6. Partial vs. Full Rewiring

Some homeowners only need to rewire part of their house like the kitchen or a granny flat. If that’s the case, your total cost will be much lower. But full rewiring gives you peace of mind and ensures your entire electrical system is safe and compliant.

7. Time and Urgency

Need the job done quickly? 

Emergency or after-hours services will usually come at a premium. Also, projects done during renovations are easier (and cheaper) compared to rewiring a fully furnished and finished home.

Understanding what impacts the cost of house rewiring helps you plan better, budget smartly, and avoid surprises. Whether you’re doing a full upgrade or just a few rooms, investing in safe, modern wiring is always worth it.

Full vs Partial Rewiring: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to house rewiring, many Aussie homeowners ask “do I really need a full rewire, or can I get by with just a partial one?”

The truth is, both options have their place, depending on your home’s condition, your budget, and your future plans. Let’s break it down so you can decide what’s best for your situation.

What Is Full Rewiring?

A full home rewiring means replacing all the old electrical cables, switches, sockets, and possibly even the switchboard in your house. It covers every room—bedrooms, kitchen, living areas, bathrooms, outdoor lighting, and more.

This is usually needed if:

• Your home is 30+ years old

• You’re experiencing electrical faults

• The wiring doesn’t meet modern safety standards

• You’re planning major renovations or adding new appliances
  
  

Yes, the rewiring cost for a full job is higher, but it’s a one-time investment in your safety and peace of mind.

Estimated cost to rewire a house in Australia 2025 (full rewire):

• Small 2-bedroom house: $4,000 – $6,000

• Medium 3-bedroom home: $6,000 – $10,000

• Large 4–5 bedroom property: $10,000 – $15,000+
  
  

These are average estimates. The actual cost to rewire a house in Australia may vary depending on what impacts the cost of house rewiring like property age, accessibility, materials, and local tradies rates.

What Is Partial Rewiring?

Partial rewiring means only upgrading certain sections of your home. This could be:

• Rewiring just the kitchen or bathroom

• Fixing wiring in rooms with visible issues

• Updating parts of the house while renovating
  
  

This option is budget-friendly and great if your wiring is mostly in good shape. Many people choose partial rewiring when they can’t afford a full update all at once.

Rewiring prices per room:

• Kitchen or bathroom: $1,500 – $3,000

• Bedroom or living room: $800 – $1,500
  
  

If you're on a tight budget, this may be the way to go. Just remember, if your older wiring is left untouched in some areas, problems could pop up later. So always consult with a licensed electrician to see what’s safe and practical.

How to Decide What You Need?

Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

• Is your home showing signs of faulty wiring like flickering lights or burning smells?

• Are you renovating or extending part of your home?

• Has an inspection suggested your wiring is outdated or dangerous?

• Can your budget handle the full cost now, or would staged updates work better?
  
  

Even if you start with a partial house rewiring, make sure it’s planned in a way that allows easy upgrades later on.

Getting the Right Help

Whether you choose full or partial electrical rewiring services, always go with a licensed professional. They can do a thorough inspection and help you understand exactly how much to rewire a house in Australia 2025, based on your home’s needs.

At the end of the day, safety should always come first. If your home’s wiring is old or unsafe, delaying it can end up costing more in the long run both in repairs and peace of mind.

Cost Comparison: New Builds vs Older Homes

When it comes to house rewiring, one of the biggest factors that affects the total price is whether your home is brand new or an older property. 

While electrical rewiring services are important in both cases, the process (and cost) can be quite different.

Let’s break it down in simple terms.

Rewiring a New Build

If you’re rewiring a new build, it’s usually cheaper and easier. That’s because:

• The walls and ceilings are open, so electricians can access everything easily

• There’s no need to work around old, unsafe wiring

• Less time and labour are required
  
  

In most cases, new homes are designed with modern safety standards in mind, so you might only need minor electrical upgrades or layout changes. The rewiring cost for new homes tends to be more predictable and straightforward.

Average cost to rewire a new build in Australia (2025):

• Small home: $3,500 – $5,000

• Medium-sized home: $5,000 – $8,000

• Larger or double-storey home: $8,000 – $12,000+
  
  

This depends on your layout, materials, and number of power points or fixtures you want.

Rewiring Older Homes

Now, home rewiring for older properties is a whole different ball game. Older homes especially those built before the 1980s often have:

• Outdated or unsafe wiring systems

• Hidden electrical faults behind walls

• Asbestos or old insulation that needs careful handling

• Hard-to-access roof cavities or tight spaces
  
  

All of this means more labour, more time, and sometimes even additional repair work. It’s not just about replacing wires, it’s about ensuring your home is safe, meets today’s standards, and won’t cause problems down the track.

Cost to rewire an old house in Australia (2025):

• 2-bedroom cottage: $5,000 – $8,000

• 3-bedroom weatherboard or brick home: $8,000 – $12,000

• Larger homes: $12,000 – $20,000+
  
  

Again, what impacts the cost of house rewiring includes your home’s age, layout, existing wiring condition, and access points.

Room-by-Room Prices

In both new and old homes, you can estimate rewiring prices per room if you're doing partial updates:

• Kitchen: $1,500 – $3,000

• Bathroom: $1,200 – $2,500

• Bedroom: $800 – $1,500

• Living area: $1,000 – $2,000

These room-specific costs are useful if you're tackling the job in stages.

Why Hire a Licensed Tradie Through Trusted Tradie Network?

When it comes to electrical work like house rewiring, you can’t afford to take risks. Hiring a licensed tradie through Trusted Tradie Network means you're choosing safety, compliance, and peace of mind. All our tradies are fully qualified, insured, and up to date with Australian standards so you know the job's done right the first time.

Whether it's a full home rewiring, partial upgrades, or just finding out how much to rewire a house in Australia in 2025, we’ll connect you with experienced professionals who understand your needs. Plus, we only list tradies with proven reputations and transparent pricing.

With Trusted Tradie, it’s stress-free service from quote to completion. No guesswork, no dodgy jobs, just reliable, local experts you can count on.

Conclusion

Rewiring your home might feel like a big job, but it’s one of the smartest investments you can make for safety, efficiency, and peace of mind. 

Whether you're upgrading an older home or adjusting a new build, knowing the cost to rewire a house in Australia helps you plan better. From rewiring prices per room to the difference between full and partial rewiring, every detail can impact your total rewiring cost.

If you're still wondering how much to rewire a house in Australia in 2025, remember: factors like home age, size, materials, and accessibility all play a role. It’s best to talk to licensed electrical rewiring services to get a tailored quote for your home.

Need help finding trusted experts near you? We’re here to help.