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Australia
House rewiring cost
A full rewire of a 100 m² house, roughly an older three-bedroom home, typically costs $11,000 including GST, with most quotes between $8,550 and $14,300. That covers removing the old wiring, new cabling run through the roof space and walls, new power points, switches and light points, a new switchboard with RCBOs, testing and the certificate of compliance. A basic rewire with minimal points is about $9,100; a premium job with extra power points, USB outlets, LED downlights and data cabling is around $14,000.
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mid-range, typicalCost by region
| Location | Basic | Mid-range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Capital Territory | $9,650 | $11,600 | $14,800 |
| Western Australia | $9,350 | $11,300 | $14,300 |
| New South Wales | $9,150 | $11,100 | $14,100 |
| Northern Territory | $9,200 | $11,100 | $14,200 |
| Queensland | $9,000 | $10,900 | $13,800 |
| Victoria | $9,000 | $10,900 | $13,800 |
| South Australia | $8,650 | $10,500 | $13,300 |
| Tasmania | $8,400 | $10,100 | $12,900 |
What's included
Mid-range
- Disconnecting and removing the old wiring
- New cabling to every room, run through the roof space and subfloor where possible
- New power points, light switches and light points at a standard modern layout
- New switchboard with an RCBO on every circuit
- Testing every circuit and a certificate of compliance lodged with the regulator
- Holes and chases filled, ready for patching and painting
What affects the cost
Size and layout
More rooms means more circuits, cable and points. A three-bedroom house with easy roof access is the typical job; a large family home with a second living area and a big kitchen costs more.
Roof space and subfloor access
In a timber-framed house on stumps, cables can be dropped down wall cavities from the roof and fed up from the subfloor with little damage. A low-pitched roof, a slab floor or tight access slows the job.
Double-brick, double-storey and heritage homes
Double-brick walls must be chased, and the upper floor of a double-storey home has no roof space below it. Heritage homes with ornate ceilings and plaster walls need extra care. All of these add labour.
Switchboard and asbestos
Old ceramic fuses and meter panels that may contain asbestos are common in older homes. Replacing the board is normally part of a full rewire; an asbestos panel needs extra handling and can involve moving the meter.
Number of points
Each extra power point, downlight or outdoor point adds cost. Agree the list room by room so quotes can be compared on the same basis.
Patching and painting
Electricians fill the holes they make, but plaster patching and repainting are often quoted separately or left to a painter.
How to save
- Rewire before moving in or during a larger reno, when walls and ceilings may be open anyway.
- Plan every power point and light before work starts, since changes later cost more.
- Ask for a fixed price per extra point so you can decide where they are worth it.
- Book the painter separately for the patch-and-paint once the electrician has finished.
Grants, tax and rules
Licensed electricians and certificates
Electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. When the job is done the electrician lodges a compliance certificate with the state regulator, for example a Certificate of Electrical Safety in Victoria, which only licence holders can buy and lodge.
GST
Quotes to households include 10% GST, and so do our figures.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to rewire a house in Australia?
For a 100 m² house, about the size of an older three-bedroom home, expect about $11,000 including GST with a new switchboard, and most quotes between $8,550 and $14,300. Double-storey and heritage homes cost more.
How long does a rewire take?
An average three-bedroom house takes about one to two weeks. Easy roof and subfloor access makes it quicker; double-brick walls and double-storey homes take longer.
Do I need a new switchboard when rewiring?
In a full rewire the switchboard is almost always replaced, so every circuit gets RCBO protection. If the old meter board contains asbestos, it may need to be replaced or handled separately.
Can I stay in the house while it is rewired?
Usually yes. The electrician changes circuits over in stages, so you lose power to parts of the house for a while. Empty houses are faster to rewire, which can bring the price down.
How do I know my house needs rewiring?
Rubber-insulated or VIR cables, ceramic fuses, no safety switches, flickering lights, warm power points or frequent trips are warning signs. A licensed electrician can inspect the wiring and tell you whether a full rewire is needed.
How this estimate is calculated
Work hours: 55.4 · Labour: $6,092 · Materials: $3,884
Sources: ABS Employee Earnings and Hours, Australia; Regione Toscana, Prezzario dei Lavori 2026 (CC BY 4.0); ECB exchange rates; market check: 100 m2 older 3-bed single-storey, switchboard included, incl. GST: Karven (06/2026) 3-bed 8-15k, Blue Collar News (05/2026) 3-bed 8-18k, DLG Electrical (11/2025) 3-bed 6.5-9k, FairCost (undated, modelled) 8-23k, Quotcha switchboard (05/2026).
Last reviewed 26 September 2026 · How we calculate costs · Editorial policy