Here’s the Quick Answer
Most Sydney homes fall between $5,000–$12,000 for a standard rewire, but our broader ranges ($7,000–$22,000+) reflect common extras like switchboard upgrades, consumer mains, smoke alarms, and patching. Units often start around $3,500–$7,500. Complex or heritage properties can be $14,000–$26,000+. Switchboard upgrades, consumer mains and extras like new lighting or smoke alarms are additional.
Sydney House Rewiring Cost (2025)
Typical full rewire (house): $7,000–$18,000 incl. labour and materials
Units (1–2 bed): $3,500–$7,500
Small houses (2–3 bed, single storey): $7,000–$12,000
Larger or double-storey (4+ bed): $12,000–$22,000
Terrace or heritage: $14,000–$26,000
Partial rewire (kitchen + wet areas): $2,000–$6,000
Timeframe: 2–6 days for most homes. Staged or complex jobs can run 1–2 weeks.
Includes: compliant cabling, RCD/RCBO protection to current Wiring Rules, labelled circuits, full testing, and a CCEW lodged with the regulator and your electricity network as required.
May add to cost: switchboard upgrade ($1,200–$3,000), consumer mains upgrade by a Level 2 ASP ($2,000–$5,000), extra outlets and lighting.
Rewiring Price Table: By Home Type and Size
| Home type | Estimated range (incl. GST) | Days on site | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 bed unit | $3,500–$7,500 | 2–4 | Usually simpler access from ceilings. Strata rules may limit work hours. |
| 2–3 bed house, single storey | $7,000–$12,000 | 3–5 | Common scope. Insulation or tight roof spaces add time. |
| 4+ bed house or double-storey | $12,000–$22,000 | 5–8 | More circuits and cable runs. Extra time for subfloor work. |
| Terrace or heritage home | $14,000–$26,000 | 5–9 | Lath-and-plaster, double brick, heritage constraints increase labour. |
| Partial rewire (kitchen + wet areas) | $2,000–$6,000 | 1–2 | Good interim step when staging a full rewire. |
| Switchboard upgrade (if required) | $1,200–$3,000 | 0.5–1 | Adds modern RCDs and clear labelling. Asbestos panel replacement if needed. |
| Consumer mains upgrade (if required) | $2,000–$5,000 | 0.5–1 | Level 2 ASP. Needed for added load or undersized mains. |
Legal note: For residential building work over the current statutory threshold (currently $20,000 incl. GST), Home Building Compensation (HBC) insurance is required before work starts or any money is taken, unless an exemption applies. You can verify cover via the official HBC Check.
What Affects Rewiring Cost in Sydney
Home size and circuit count – more rooms and circuits mean more cable and time.
Access – roof space, subfloor, insulation, double brick, and wall type (plasterboard vs lath-and-plaster).
Occupied vs vacant – empty homes are faster and cheaper to work in.
Switchboard condition – old ceramic fuses or missing RCD safety switches usually mean an upgrade.
Earthing and mains – undersized or damaged supply may require a consumer mains upgrade by a Level 2 ASP.
Extras – new powerpoints, lighting, data points, and smoke alarms added during the job.
What Is Included In a Full Rewire
New TPS cabling installed to AS/NZS 3000 standards
Circuit design and clear labelling at the switchboard
Individual RCD/RCBO protection on all final sub-circuits in line with current Wiring Rules
Removal or bypass of old VIR/TRS cable and ceramic fuses
Comprehensive testing and a Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work (CCEW) lodged with the regulator and the electricity network as required
Site clean-up and handover
Do I Need a Switchboard or Mains Upgrade?
You likely need an upgrade if you have:
Ceramic fuses or no RCDs
Overheating, scorching or brittle fuse carriers
Older meter panels may contain asbestos (e.g. Lebah, Miscolite, Zelemite brands) and often require safe replacement.
Added load from new appliances, EV charging or air-con
A switchboard upgrade brings the installation into line with current Wiring Rules (AS/NZS 3000), including updated protective devices and clear labelling. A consumer mains upgrade is done by a Level 2 ASP where capacity or condition is an issue.
Signs Your Home May Need Rewiring
Frequent tripping, blown fuses, or flickering lights
Two-pin sockets, cracked outlets or discoloured plates
Warm switchboard, buzzing or a burning smell
Brittle cloth or rubber cable in the roof space or subfloor
How Long Does a Rewire Take?
Most Sydney rewires run 2–6 days depending on size and access. Power is usually off during work hours and restored each evening where it is safe to do so. We coordinate with you so fridges, internet and essential loads are managed.
Typical timelines
Unit (1–2 bed): 2–4 days
House (2–3 bed): 3–5 days
Large or double-storey: 5–8 days
Terrace or heritage: allow extra time for careful cable routes and wall protection
Our Rewiring Process
Site visit and fixed quote – we assess access, circuits and the switchboard.
Safety check and plan – agree staging, daily power-off windows, and room access.
Cable installation – run new circuits, remove or make safe old wiring.
Switchboard works – upgrade where required and add compliant RCD/RCBO protection to all final sub-circuits
Testing and sign-off – test every circuit, label clearly, issue CCEW, tidy up.
How to prepare
Clear access to the switchboard, roof hatch and rooms we are working in
Move fragile items and cover furniture where practical
Tell us about any planned renovations, new appliances or EV charging so we can size circuits correctly
Add-Ons Worth Considering
Extra powerpoints and USB outlets in living areas and bedrooms
LED lighting upgrades to cut running costs
Smoke alarms on every level (AS 3786 compliant) — hard-wired preferred, but 10-year lithium battery alarms are also compliant
Surge protection for sensitive electronics
EV-ready circuit or outdoor 15A outlet for tools or caravans
FAQs
Do I need to move out during a rewire?
Usually no. We work in zones and restore power after hours where safe. If your home has very limited access or you are renovating, a short move-out can speed things up.
Will you patch walls?
We keep access holes small and neat. Minor patches are included. Full plastering and painting are best handled by your chosen trades.
Can we stage the rewire room by room?
Yes. Staging helps with busy households. It can add days to the schedule, so we will price both options.
Ready to Book with Fox Electricians?
Call 0416 177 025 now for accurate pricing, a fixed quote, and peace of mind with a safer home. Book your electrical inspection or request a callback today.
Disclaimer: This page provides general guidance for Sydney/NSW homes and does not replace advice from a licensed electrician or your electricity distributor/network. Pricing ranges are estimates only and subject to site inspection; final costs depend on property condition, access, scope, materials, and any distributor/Level 2 ASP requirements. Compliance obligations (including AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules, CCEW lodgement as required, smoke alarm requirements to AS 3786, and, for some projects, Home Building Compensation insurance) may apply and change over time. Your written quote should set out the applicable standards, permits, inclusions and exclusions; rely on the written quote, not this page, for the final scope and price. Do not authorise work until you have reviewed and approved a written quote. Information current as at August 2025. All prices include GST unless stated otherwise.
