Australia’s property boom: old homes, new opportunities
With property prices surging again through September and October 2025, many buyers are turning to older homes as a more affordable entry into sought-after suburbs.
Buying an established property with “good bones” can be a smart move — as long as you renovate with strategy, not emotion. A well-planned refresh can bring a dated home up to modern standards in comfort, style, and value — without the stress of a full rebuild.
1. Start from the ground up — Flooring upgrades
Old carpets and worn vinyl instantly date a home. Replacing them with modern hard flooring changes the whole feel of a space.
| Flooring Type | Supply ($/m²) | Installed ($/m²) | Advantages | Disadvantages | Ideal Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineered Timber | 60–150 | 105–200 | Real wood surface; premium appeal; can be refinished | Higher cost; moisture-sensitive | Living areas & bedrooms in mid-high end homes |
| Hybrid Flooring | 35–60 | 60–95 | Fully waterproof; realistic wood look; easy care | Slightly dearer than laminate | Open-plan homes, kitchens, laundries |
| Laminate Flooring | 20–50 | 50–80 | Budget-friendly; quick to install; great look | Not waterproof; less durable | Rentals, first-home renovations |
Joshua Tiles tip:
If you want the look of timber without worrying about water, hybrid flooring offers the best balance of style, durability, and value.
2. Kitchen tiles — where design meets practicality
A dated splashback or discoloured grout can make the whole kitchen feel tired. Refreshing tiles is one of the simplest ways to lift your new home’s heart.
- Budget options: Ceramic tiles from $25–$40/m² — easy to clean and classic.
- Mid-range: Porcelain tiles $40–$80/m² — durable and modern.
- Premium: Handmade or textured feature tiles $100+/m² — for statement walls or islands.
Design advice: Choose neutral tones and large formats for a timeless look. Light greys, off-whites, or stone-look tiles suit almost every kitchen and photograph beautifully.
3. Bathroom fixtures — small swaps, big results
If the bones of the bathroom are sound, updating the fittings can transform it quickly.
| Item | Average Price Range (A$) | What to Look For | Value Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toilet | 300–900 | Dual-flush, WELS rated | Wall-faced for easy cleaning |
| Basin / Vanity | 400–1,200 | Durable laminate or stone top | Keep plumbing position to save cost |
| Tapware / Mixers | 100–800 | Chrome or matte black; water-efficient | Avoid ultra-cheap brands – leaks cost more later |
Joshua Tiles tip:
Matte black or brushed nickel mixers add instant contemporary style without going over budget.
4. Compare cost vs impact
| Upgrade | Typical Cost (for small 2-bed home) | Visual Impact | Difficulty | ROI* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Replace carpet with hybrid flooring (50 m²) | $3,500–$5,000 | ★★★★☆ | Medium | High |
| Retile kitchen splashback | $800–$2,000 | ★★★★☆ | Low | High |
| Update bathroom fittings | $1,200–$4,000 | ★★★★☆ | Medium | Medium-High |
| Paint whole interior | $3,000–$6,000 | ★★★★★ | Low | High |
*ROI = Relative value uplift / liveability improvement
5. Plan smart: avoid overcapitalising
- Match your renovation level to your suburb’s ceiling price.
- Focus on function and freshness — not luxury for luxury’s sake.
- Choose neutral finishes that won’t date or divide buyer taste.
- Always get licensed trades for plumbing and waterproofing work.
Visit Joshua Tiles for expert advice
At Joshua Tiles, we help new homeowners turn old properties into modern, welcoming spaces.
Explore our wide range of engineered, hybrid and laminate flooring, kitchen and bathroom tiles, and quality tapware in person.
Bring your floor plan or photos — our team will help you compare styles, durability, and prices to find the perfect fit for your home and budget.
Discover the art of living with JoshuaTiles. Visit our showrooms in Melbourne Keysborough and Kilsyth or give them a call at 03 9701 5569 / 9761 7119. Your path to a stunning kitchen begins with Joshua Tiles.