Rewiring a house is one of the most important safety investments an Australian homeowner can make. Outdated wiring causes roughly 40 percent of residential electrical fires, and homes built before 1980 often contain deteriorating rubber or cloth-insulated cables that no longer meet current standards. The national average electrical rewiring cost in Australia sits between $8,000 and $15,000 for a standard three-bedroom home, but your final bill depends on house size, wiring condition, switchboard requirements, and where you live. This guide breaks down every cost so you can plan your budget before calling a licensed electrician.
How Much Does Electrical Rewiring Cost? The Short Answer
The total electrical rewiring cost in Australia ranges from roughly $3,000 for a small partial rewire to $20,000 or more for a large full rewire. Here is how the three main budget tiers compare for a standard single-storey home.
| Budget Tier | Total Cost Range | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $3,000–$8,000 | Partial rewire of critical circuits only (switchboard, safety switches, kitchen, and bathroom circuits). Existing wiring retained where compliant. Basic switchboard upgrade with RCD protection. |
| Mid-range | $8,000–$15,000 | Full rewire of a 3-bedroom single-storey home. New switchboard with individual circuit breakers and RCDs. All power points and light switches replaced. Compliance certificate issued. |
| Premium | $15,000–$25,000+ | Full rewire of a 4+ bedroom or double-storey home. Smart home pre-wiring, dedicated circuits for air conditioning and EV charging, premium switchboard with surge protection, and ceiling fan pre-wiring throughout. |
A budget rewire targets the most urgent safety issues without replacing every cable in the house. A mid-range project is the most common scope for older homes and covers everything from the meter box to every outlet. A premium rewire suits homeowners planning major renovations or wanting future-ready electrical infrastructure.
Partial Rewire vs Full Rewire
Understanding the difference between these two approaches helps you decide which scope suits your home and budget.
Partial rewire replaces wiring in specific areas or circuits while leaving compliant wiring in place. Cost: $3,000 to $8,000 depending on how many circuits need replacing. This approach works well when only the kitchen, bathroom, or one floor has outdated cabling.
Full rewire strips out all existing wiring and installs entirely new cables, outlets, switches, and a switchboard. Cost: $8,000 to $20,000+. Most electricians recommend a full rewire for homes with original rubber-sheathed, cloth-insulated, or lead-sheathed wiring (common in homes built before 1970) because deterioration is usually widespread.
If your home was built before 1980 and has never been rewired, a full rewire is almost always the safer long-term option. Partial rewires in very old homes often become false economies when additional circuits fail testing within a few years.
Electrical Rewiring Cost by Component
Understanding where your money goes helps you evaluate quotes and spot missing items. Here is a typical electrical rewiring cost breakdown for a mid-range full rewire of a three-bedroom single-storey home with roughly 30 to 40 electrical points.
| Component | Cost Range (AUD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cable and wiring (supply) | $1,500–$3,500 | TPS (thermoplastic sheathed) cable. 2.5mm² for power, 1.5mm² for lighting, 4mm² or 6mm² for heavy appliances. |
| Labour | $4,000–$10,000 | 60–70% of total cost. $80–$120/hour. A full rewire takes 3–7 days for a crew of 1–2 electricians. |
| Switchboard upgrade | $1,200–$3,000 | New board with individual circuit breakers, RCDs, and main switch. Larger homes need more circuits. |
| Power points (per point) | $80–$200 each | Supply and install. Double GPO (general purpose outlet) is standard. USB-integrated outlets cost more. |
| Light switches (per point) | $60–$120 each | Standard plate switch. Dimmer switches $100–$180 each. |
| Safety switches / RCDs | $180–$350 each | Required on all circuits in most states. Budget for 4–8 RCDs per home. |
| Smoke alarm upgrade | $150–$350 per alarm | Hardwired, interconnected alarms now mandatory in most states. Typically 3–5 per home. |
| Compliance testing and certificate | $200–$500 | Mandatory. Certificate of Compliance (or equivalent) required after all rewiring work. |
| Wall and ceiling repair (making good) | $1,000–$4,000 | Patching access holes, replastering, and repainting where cables were chased into walls. Often quoted separately. |
Total mid-range estimate (3-bedroom home, 30–40 points): $8,000–$15,000
Labour is the dominant cost, accounting for 60 to 70 percent of the total electrical rewiring cost. Cable access in older homes, particularly brick veneer and double-brick construction, drives up labour hours significantly compared to timber-framed homes with accessible roof cavities.
Per-Point Pricing
Many electricians quote rewiring on a per-point basis. A “point” refers to any connection such as a power outlet, light switch, light fitting, or hardwired appliance connection. Understanding per-point pricing helps you compare quotes accurately.
| Point Type | Cost Per Point (AUD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard power point (double GPO) | $80–$200 | Most common outlet. Includes wiring back to switchboard. |
| Light switch | $60–$120 | Single or double gang. Smart switches $120–$250. |
| Light fitting connection | $80–$150 | Wiring to junction box. Fitting supply extra. |
| Dedicated appliance circuit | $250–$500 | Required for ovens, cooktops, hot water, and air conditioning units. Higher-rated cable and larger circuit breaker. |
| Ceiling fan point | $150–$300 | Requires dedicated circuit and reinforced mounting bracket. |
| Outdoor power point | $150–$300 | Weatherproof GPO with IP-rated enclosure. |
| Data/communications point | $100–$200 | Cat6 cabling for home network. Often bundled with rewire. |
A typical three-bedroom home has 30 to 40 electrical points. A four-bedroom home with separate living areas may have 50 to 70 points. Count every power outlet, light switch, light fitting, and hardwired appliance in your home to estimate your point count.
Regional Cost Comparison
Electrical rewiring cost varies across Australian capital cities. Here is how a mid-range full rewire compares for a standard three-bedroom single-storey home.
| City | Typical Mid-Range Cost | Compared to National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | $10,000–$18,000 | 15–20% higher |
| Melbourne | $9,500–$16,000 | 10–15% higher |
| Brisbane | $8,000–$14,000 | Close to average |
| Perth | $8,500–$15,000 | 5–10% higher |
| Adelaide | $7,000–$12,000 | 5–10% lower |
| Hobart | $7,500–$13,000 | Close to average |
| Canberra | $9,000–$15,500 | 10–15% higher |
| Darwin | $9,500–$16,000 | 10–15% higher |
Sydney’s premium reflects higher electrician hourly rates ($100 to $130 per hour compared to $80 to $100 in Brisbane and Adelaide) and stricter council requirements in heritage areas. Darwin’s elevated costs stem from freight on materials and a smaller pool of licensed electricians. Regional areas are typically 10 to 15 percent cheaper than the nearest capital city for labour, though material costs remain similar.
Factors That Affect Electrical Rewiring Cost
Every rewiring project is different. These eight factors drive the biggest price variations.
1. House Size and Number of Points
A two-bedroom unit with 20 points is a fundamentally different job from a four-bedroom home with 60 points. More points means more cable, more connections, more testing, and more labour hours. Size is the single largest cost driver for any rewiring project.
2. Construction Type
Timber-framed homes with accessible roof cavities are the easiest to rewire. Double-brick and solid masonry homes require surface-mounted conduit or chasing channels into brick, adding 20 to 40 percent to the electrical rewiring cost compared to timber frame construction.
3. Number of Storeys
A double-storey home costs 30 to 50 percent more than a single-storey home of the same floor area. Running cables between floors, accessing upper-level wall cavities, and working from ladders all slow the job. Some two-storey homes also need a sub-board on the upper level, adding $800 to $1,500 to the switchboard cost.
4. Age and Condition of Existing Wiring
Homes with old rubber-sheathed, VIR (vulcanised india rubber), or cloth-insulated wiring require a full strip-out because old cable deteriorates on contact and cannot safely remain in the walls. Homes with older PVC cable from the 1980s or 1990s may only need a partial rewire if the insulation passes testing. The worse the existing wiring, the more labour involved in safe removal.
5. Switchboard Requirements
A basic switchboard upgrade for a small home with 6 to 8 circuits costs $1,200 to $1,800. A larger board with 16 to 20 circuits, surge protection, and three-phase capacity costs $2,000 to $3,500. Homes that still have a ceramic fuse box or rewirable fuses need a complete switchboard replacement as part of any rewiring project.
6. Access Difficulty
Homes without roof access (flat concrete roofs, cathedral ceilings) and homes with minimal crawl space under floors require more wall chasing and surface-mounted conduit. This can add $2,000 to $5,000 to a full rewire. Homes with asbestos-containing materials in walls or ceilings also face access restrictions and higher costs.
7. Additional Circuits and Upgrades
Modern homes need dedicated circuits for ovens, cooktops, hot water, air conditioning, and EV chargers that older wiring does not have. Adding 3 to 5 dedicated circuits during a rewire adds $750 to $2,500 but is far cheaper than standalone jobs later. A licensed air conditioning technician may need to coordinate with your electrician for split system connections.
8. Your Location
Properties in heritage zones may face restrictions on external conduit runs. Rural and remote properties face higher travel charges ($50 to $150 per trip) that increase the total electrical rewiring cost.
Switchboard Upgrade: A Closer Look
Almost every rewiring project includes a switchboard upgrade because the existing board cannot safely handle new circuits. Here is what a switchboard upgrade involves and what it costs.
Standard upgrade ($1,200–$2,000). Replaces old ceramic fuse box with modern MCBs and RCDs. Suits homes with 6 to 10 circuits.
Extended upgrade ($2,000–$3,500). Larger board with 12 to 20 circuits, individual MCBs, multiple RCDs, main switch, and surge protection. Required for homes with air conditioning and other high-draw appliances.
Three-phase upgrade ($3,000–$5,000+). Needed for homes installing large air conditioning systems, EV chargers, or workshop equipment. Your electricity distributor may charge a separate fee ($500 to $2,000) for upgrading the service line.
Safety switch (RCD) installation is mandatory as part of any switchboard upgrade. Every state now requires RCD protection on all power and lighting circuits. Budget for 4 to 8 individual RCDs at $180 to $350 each. The switchboard component alone often represents 15 to 20 percent of the total electrical rewiring cost.
How to Get Accurate Quotes
Getting the right price starts with good preparation. Follow these steps.
Get at least three quotes. Three quotes from licensed electricians gives you a realistic price range for your electrical rewiring cost. If one quote is 40 percent below the others, ask what is being excluded. Cheap rewiring quotes often omit wall repairs, switchboard upgrades, or smoke alarm compliance.
Request an inspection first. A reputable electrician will inspect your existing wiring, count points, and test insulation resistance before quoting. Some charge $150 to $300 for a detailed assessment, credited towards the job if you proceed.
Ask for itemised quotes. A lump-sum quote tells you nothing. An itemised quote separates cable supply, labour, switchboard, points, compliance testing, and making good. This lets you compare rewiring costs line by line.
Confirm licensing. Every electrician must hold the relevant state licence. Verify your electrician on TradieVerify or the relevant state register. Unlicensed electrical work is illegal and voids your insurance.
Check what “making good” includes. Some quotes include patching and repainting wall access holes. Others exclude it, leaving you to hire a licensed painter separately. Clarify before you sign.
Hidden Costs and Exclusions
Budget blowouts happen when unexpected costs surface during the project. Watch for these common hidden costs.
Asbestos. Pre-1990 homes may have asbestos backing boards behind switchboards or in wall linings. Testing costs $100 to $600 per sample. Removal adds $500 to $5,000 depending on type (friable vs bonded). Your electrician cannot work around asbestos without a licensed removalist.
Wall and ceiling repairs. Running new cables requires cutting access holes. Making good (patching, sanding, and repainting) adds $1,000 to $4,000. Brick homes with surface-mounted conduit avoid wall damage but have visible conduit runs.
Smoke alarm upgrades. All states now require hardwired, interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms. If your home does not meet current standards, budget $150 to $350 per alarm for 3 to 5 alarms. Your licensed electrician handles this during the rewire.
Meter box relocation. Your distributor may require relocation as part of a switchboard upgrade if the meter is inside the home or non-compliant. Budget $500 to $2,000 plus distributor fees.
Temporary disconnection. A full rewire requires power disconnection for several days. Temporary power from a generator adds $200 to $500.
Tips to Save Money on Electrical Rewiring
Reducing your electrical rewiring cost does not mean cutting corners on safety. These strategies deliver genuine savings.
Bundle with renovations. Rewiring during a kitchen or bathroom renovation with a licensed plumber and licensed builder avoids paying for wall access twice, saving thousands.
Do the making good yourself. Patching access holes and repainting saves $1,000 to $3,000. Leave all electrical work to your licensed electrician.
Consider a staged approach. Start with a switchboard upgrade and safety switches, then rewire remaining circuits over 12 to 24 months. This spreads the electrical rewiring cost while addressing the most critical safety issues first.
Plan your point layout carefully. Every additional point adds $80 to $200. Walk through the home with your electrician and eliminate points you do not need. Consolidating two single outlets into one double GPO saves a point.
Book during quieter months. Electricians are busiest October to March. Scheduling during winter often gets better pricing.
Keep existing wiring where compliant. Circuits that pass insulation testing can stay in place, saving 30 to 50 percent compared to a full strip-out. This only works with PVC-insulated cable (post-1970s).
State-Specific Considerations
Each Australian state has its own licensing and compliance requirements for electrical rewiring work.
New South Wales. Licensed electrical contractor required (NSW Fair Trading). A CCEW must be lodged with the electricity distributor within two business days. RCDs mandatory on all circuits. Verify your electrician’s NSW licence.
Victoria. Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) regulates electrical work. A Certificate of Electrical Safety is mandatory. Licensed electrical inspectors audit a percentage of all certificates. RCDs mandatory on all circuits in homes sold, leased, or rewired.
Queensland. The Electrical Safety Office licenses electricians separately from the QBCC construction licence. Rewiring over $3,300 also requires a QBCC contractor licence. Check your electrician on TradieVerify.
Western Australia. DMIRS issues electrical contractor licences. A Notice of Completion must be lodged with EnergySafety. RCDs mandatory on all circuits.
South Australia. The Office of the Technical Regulator oversees electrical safety. All work requires a Certificate of Compliance. RCD compliance is checked at every property sale.
Tasmania. The Director of Building Control manages electrical licences. Hardwired, interconnected smoke alarms mandatory in all rewires.
ACT. Access Canberra issues electrical licences. The ACT has among the strictest RCD requirements, mandating RCDs on all final sub-circuits since 2000.
Northern Territory. NT WorkSafe manages licensing. Darwin’s tropical climate adds wiring challenges: moisture ingress, insect damage, and the need for UV-resistant conduit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a house rewire take?
A standard three-bedroom single-storey home takes three to seven working days. Two-bedroom units take two to four days. Four-bedroom double-storey homes can take five to ten days. These timeframes cover electrical work only. Making good adds one to three days and is often done by a separate plasterer.
How do I know if my house needs rewiring?
Common warning signs include flickering lights, frequent circuit breaker trips, burning smell from outlets, discoloured power points, two-pin outlets without earth connections, and a switchboard with ceramic fuses or rewirable wire fuses instead of modern circuit breakers. Any home built before 1980 that has never been rewired should have a professional electrical inspection. Homes built between 1980 and 2000 may have early PVC wiring that still meets minimum standards but should be tested every five to ten years.
Can I live in my house during a rewire?
Yes, in most cases. Your electrician works room by room, restoring power to completed areas at the end of each day. Power is typically off during working hours for the circuits being worked on. Most homeowners manage by using a single room as a base each day. If you have medical equipment requiring constant power, discuss backup arrangements before work begins.
Do I need council approval for electrical rewiring?
Standard rewiring does not require council approval. If the rewiring is part of a broader renovation involving structural changes, a DA or CDC may be required for the renovation as a whole. All electrical work requires a compliance certificate lodged with the relevant state authority regardless of council requirements.
Is it cheaper to rewire during a renovation?
Significantly cheaper. Rewiring during a kitchen or bathroom renovation cuts the rewiring cost by 20 to 40 percent because the walls are already stripped back. If you are planning a renovation with a licensed builder, discuss the rewiring scope before demolition begins.
What is the difference between a safety switch and a circuit breaker?
A circuit breaker (MCB) protects wiring from overload by tripping when current exceeds the rated capacity. A safety switch (RCD) protects people by detecting current leaking through a person or fault to earth and cutting power within 30 milliseconds. Both are essential. Combination devices (RCBOs) combine both functions at $80 to $150 each.
Related Guides
- How to Hire a Licensed Electrician — Our electrician hiring guide
- Understanding Electrical Licensing Requirements Across Australia — Our electrical licensing guide
- How to Prepare Your Home for an Electrician Visit — Our electrician visit checklist
Sources
- Electrical Safety Office QLD. Electrical Licensing Requirements. worksafe.qld.gov.au
- Energy Safe Victoria. Certificates of Electrical Safety. esv.vic.gov.au
- NSW Fair Trading. Electrical Contractor Licensing. fairtrading.nsw.gov.au
- Master Electricians Australia. Electrical Safety Standards. masterelectricians.com.au
- AS/NZS 3000:2018. Electrical Installations (Wiring Rules). Standards Australia.
- Housing Industry Association (HIA). Renovation Costs Report 2025. hia.com.au
- Safe Work Australia. Asbestos Removal Code of Practice. safeworkaustralia.gov.au
- NECA (National Electrical and Communications Association). Industry Pricing Guide. neca.asn.au