With Melbourne’s new 5% deposit scheme launched in September–October 2025, many homeowners are asking: is it worth investing in cost-effective tiles and flooring before selling your property?
The answer is yes — when done strategically. Using high-quality, budget-friendly materials such as ceramic or porcelain tiles, hybrid timber flooring, and cost-effective kitchen stone surfaces can dramatically improve your property’s appeal, attract more buyers, and potentially increase your sale price — all without breaking the bank.
Tile and Flooring Selection Tips
Bathroom Tiles: Ceramic or porcelain tiles are highly durable, water-resistant, and ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. Large-format tiles (600x600mm or 800x800mm) reduce grout lines, create a spacious feel, and neutral shades like grey or beige appeal to most buyers. Typical costs range from $40–$60 per square metre, offering excellent value for quality and durability.
House Flooring: Hybrid timber or laminate flooring is a cost-effective alternative to solid timber. It provides durability, easy maintenance, and a stylish look. Light wood tones such as oak or walnut enhance natural light, complement most furniture styles, and generally cost around $30–$45 per square metre, making them a smart choice for budget-conscious renovations.
Kitchen Surfaces: For kitchen countertops, engineered stone or quartz is recommended. These materials provide a premium marble-like finish without the high cost of natural stone. Light-coloured surfaces such as white, cream, or grey create a clean, modern look and typically range from $90–$150 per square metre, balancing aesthetics with long-term durability.
Why Choose Joshua Tiles
Joshua Tiles is a trusted supplier in Melbourne, offering high-quality, budget-conscious options for tiles, flooring, and kitchen surfaces. Their advantages include:
- Wide Product Range: Multiple styles and finishes suitable for all budgets and tastes.
- Expert Guidance: Professional advice to match materials to space, style, and resale potential.
- Competitive Pricing: Cost-effective solutions without compromising quality.
For example, Hybrid Bolton flooring (1530x183x5.5mm) costs around $31 per square metre, providing a stylish, market-ready finish at a fraction of the price of traditional solid timber floors.
Data and Market Insights
The 2025 first-home buyer scheme has stimulated demand and pushed property prices up in Melbourne. Renovations using cost-effective, high-quality materials can significantly improve a home’s market appeal. For instance, hybrid flooring at $30–$45/m² compared to solid timber at $80–$100/m² offers up to 60–70% savings, while engineered stone or quartz provides a premium kitchen finish at a reasonable cost. Homes with updated bathrooms, flooring, and kitchen surfaces tend to sell faster and often achieve higher offers, making strategic investment worthwhile.
Conclusion
In Melbourne’s 2025 property market, choosing cost-effective, high-quality tiles, flooring, and kitchen surfaces for a Melbourne house renovation is a smart strategy. With the right material selection and professional guidance from Joshua Tiles, homeowners can achieve a polished, market-ready finish that maximises appeal and increases sale potential — all while controlling renovation costs.