Thinking about more space, better flow, or just a fresh start?
Whether you're renovating your current place or upgrading to a new one, 2026 is shaping up as a big year for making confident moves and even bigger improvements.
At Aussie, we've helped thousands of Australians decide between staying and upgrading. This guide is packed with practical advice, real insights, and expert home upgrade tips from Aussie Brokers and Buyer's Agents who are in your corner every step.
Renovating or upsizing: Which is right for me?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer; it depends on your goals, lifestyle and finances. However, asking the right questions upfront makes the decision clearer.
What problem are you addressing?
Before you start sketching layouts or scrolling listings, stop and ask: What's not working?
Not enough bedrooms or bathrooms?
Need a better school zone or shorter commute?
Outgrown the floorplan or ready for a new neighbourhood?
Once you've nailed your checklist, it's easier to know whether to tweak or trade up.
Can your home handle the reno?
Not every property is built for a glow-up. Is there room to extend or reconfigure? Will heritage rules or council overlays limit your options? Can you live through the build, or will you need to rent elsewhere? And maybe the biggest question: are you still excited to stay, or just stuck on the idea of staying put?
Get a valuation and talk to a Broker early. Your existing equity could help fund the reno or shape your decision to move.
You might also be interested in: Using equity to renovate your home
How does the cost compare?
With high material and labour costs, it’s smart to run the numbers on both options.
Get detailed quotes for renovations, including temporary accommodation or project management.
Check prices on move-in-ready homes in the areas you’re eyeing.
Think resale: Will the reno add value, or will you outgrow the place again in five years?
Compare the real costs of renovating versus relocating, including loan structures, repayments, and what you can safely afford.
Equity and timing: How do they affect my options?
Timing matters more than you think. Here are key points to keep in mind:
Renovate in cooler months when tradie’s availability is better.
Sell in spring or early autumn when buyer demand is strong.
Buy in quieter periods, like winter or post-holiday, for more negotiating power.
Market conditions shift fast. Your Aussie Broker or Buyer's Agent can help you time it right. If your property's value has also grown, you can tap into that equity to fund your renovation.
A top-up or refinance lets you borrow against your home's existing value.
It's often cheaper than using a personal loan or credit card.
Best of all, you keep your postcode and upgrade your lifestyle.
Buying before you sell? Bridging finance could help you hold both properties temporarily.
You'll have more time to get your old home sale-ready and, ideally, fetch a higher price.
It's short-term, so you'll need a clear repayment plan.
We'll help you run the numbers and explore the right exit strategy.
Don't forget to get a property valuation before and after. Why? That's because:
A pre-reno valuation: | A post-reno valuation: |
|---|---|
Helps shape your budget | Helps with refinancing or releasing further equity |
Comparing both gives you a clearer picture of the return on investment.
What are the home improvements that add value?
Not all upgrades are equal. Focus on the improvements that increase value, not just the ones that look good on Instagram. For starters, go big on kitchens, bathrooms and street appeal.
Why? That's because:
Kitchens offer great ROI. Think flow, storage and timeless finishes.
Bathrooms don't need luxe fittings; they need function, freshness, and quality.
Street appeal counts. First impressions sell homes.
Bonus tip: Stick to neutral colours and avoid niche trends. The goal is broad appeal. Energy efficiency and sustainability also adds future value and can unlock green lending options. Here's what you can do:
Solar panels and battery storage
Insulation and double-glazing
Smart thermostats and energy-efficient appliances
EV charging stations
Bonus tip: Keep receipts and specs. They'll help with valuations or when you list later.
Should you DIY or call the pros? Here's the answer: DIY is great for painting, garden work, or small updates. However, leave the plumbing, electrical, and structural work to the experts.
Lenders may require licensed trades for loan approval, especially for construction loans.
Be careful not to overcapitalise. That’s when you spend more on renovations than you’ll ever recoup in a sale, especially if your upgrades price the property well above what buyers in your area are willing to pay.
To stay on the safe side, keep these things in mind:
Know your suburb's ceiling price.
A luxury kitchen in a low-growth area might not pay off.
Renovate to suit the street and your long-term plans.
You might also be interested in: Renovations which add the most value to your home
Upsizing? Here's how to find your next home
If your family's growing or your needs have changed, it might be time to upgrade. But family-friendly homes move fast, so you'll need a plan. As the saying goes, the first three rules for real estate is location, location, location. Choose a suburb that works now and five years from now. Ask yourself:
Are we in the right school zone?
What's nearby: parks, shops, transport?
Do we need lifestyle and space?
Could we go further out and get more home for our money?
To help with your search, use the Aussie Property Experience to compare data and trends by suburb.
Should I buy first or sell first? Here's the thing:
Buy first: | Sell first: |
|---|---|
If you've got strong borrowing power and don't want to miss a great listing | If you need equity to fund your next purchase or want to play it safe. |
Either way, Aussie will help you build a strategy that matches your goals, income, and timeline. Our Buyer's Agents can help you access off-market properties, negotiate confidently and avoid overpaying. Meanwhile, our Aussie Brokers will get pre-approval sorted and make sure your loan is tailored to your upgrade goals. Together, we'll help you upsize with less stress and more certainty.
Why should I get a pre-approval before I house hunt? This is your green light. It shows sellers you're serious and helps you stay within budget. Aussie will help you:
Lock in a realistic price range
Compare bridging loan or dual-property loan options
Plan the transition between homes smoothly
Renovation loan options: What to know
The right finance makes all the difference. Here’s what you should know when planning your reno:
Top-up | Redraw | Construction loan | Offset account |
|---|---|---|---|
Access your equity with a simple loan increase | Use extra repayments you’ve already made | Ideal for structural work, paid in progress stages | Use your savings while minimising loan interest |
Which should I choose between fixed and variable rates?
Fixed rates | Variable rates | Split loans |
|---|---|---|
Offers certainty | Offers flexibility | Offers the best of both fixed and variable loans |
Helpful when juggling building costs | Useful when timelines shift |
|
Remember, stress-test your options so your loan works for your budget now and down the track. You can also opt for staged drawdowns:
Construction loans are paid in phases; not all at once.
You’ll only pay interest on the drawn amount.
Most lenders require quotes, fixed-price contracts, and council approvals.
What are the potential risks to watch out for in 2025?
Renovating or relocating is exciting, but it pays to know the risks:
Material and tradie delays | Rate rises can hit mid-project. | Income changes = reduced borrowing power | Underestimating your timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
Supply chains are improving, but delays still happen, especially on imported fittings. | Variable rates = possible cost increases | Parental leave, going part-time, or taking a career break can impact what lenders offer. | Delays = more time in a rental or holding two mortgages |
Tradie availability is tight in growth areas. | Bridging loans or top-ups could get pricier if the RBA shifts. | Some income may not be counted at all during approval. | Bridging loans can stretch out |
Aussie can help you factor in buffer time (and budget) | Plan with buffers. We can help you stress-test your repayments. | We'll help you factor in the timing and find lenders who understand your situation. | Budget for any emergencies |
Planning Tip: Always allow for a 10–15% contingency in your reno budget to absorb surprises.
FAQs: Your renovation vs sell questions answered
Is it better to renovate or move in 2025?
Here's the short answer:
Renovate if... | Move if... |
|---|---|
You love the location and have the space to grow | The layout, land, or suburb no longer suits |
Can I use my home equity for renovations?
Yes. If your home's value has grown, you can upgrade or refinance to fund renovations. Aussie can show you how much equity is available and help structure repayments that work for your goals.
What loans are best for renovation projects?
Depends on the scale:
Top-up for: | Redraw or offset: | Green loans: | |
|---|---|---|---|
Small-to-mid renos | For light upgrades | For structural work. | For energy upgrades. |
We'll compare 25+* lenders to find the right match for you.
Should I buy a new home before selling mine?
Buy first = | Sell first = |
|---|---|
Less pressure, but may need bridging | Clearer budget, but tighter timelines |
We'll help you map out both and choose what's right for you.
Ready to renovate or upgrade?
Whatever move you're making in 2025, a renovation, a relocation, or something in between, we're here to help you do it confidently. Talk to your local Aussie Broker or Buyer's Agent today, and let's turn your next move into the wisest one yet.