Prices updated February 2026

Electrical Rewiring Cost in Australian Capital Territory (2026)

Detailed electrical rewiring cost guide for Australian Capital Territory homeowners. Compare metro vs regional pricing, see what's included, and get tips from local tradies.

Metro (Canberra)

Capital city area pricing

Low estimate $7,500

Mid estimate $11,500

High estimate $18,500

Regional Australian Capital Territory

Outside capital city area

Low estimate $6,400

Mid estimate $9,800

High estimate $15,600

Prices updated February 2026 — based on aggregated data from licensed Australian Capital Territory tradespeople

Cost Breakdown & Details

Labour vs Materials Split

Labour 60% Materials 40%

Typical Timeline

3–7 days

What's Typically Included

Removal of old wiring from accessible areas
Supply and installation of new TPS cabling throughout
New power points and light switches to current standards
Switchboard upgrade with safety switches (RCDs)
Testing, certification and compliance certificate

What's Typically Excluded

Full wall repair and repainting after access cuts
New light fittings and fixtures
Solar panel or battery system installation
Data, phone or security cabling

Get a Personalised Estimate

Use the interactive tool below to customise your electrical rewiring estimate for Australian Capital Territory.

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Metro or regional area?

Costs are typically higher in capital cities due to labour demand and access.

Tips for Your Electrical Rewiring in Australian Capital Territory

A full rewire is recommended for any home with original wiring over 30 years old — old rubber or cloth-sheathed wiring is a fire hazard.

Always ensure your electrician provides a Certificate of Compliance (or equivalent) on completion — this is a legal requirement in all states.

Combine a rewire with a switchboard upgrade to bring your home up to current RCD (safety switch) requirements.

Homes with plaster walls cost less to rewire than brick veneer, as running new cables through brick is more labour-intensive.

Consider adding extra circuits and power points during a rewire — the marginal cost is minimal while walls are already open.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rewire a house in Canberra in 2026?

Rewiring a standard 3-bedroom home in Canberra typically costs between $7.5k and $19,000. The mid-range average is around $11.5k including a switchboard upgrade with modern safety switches.

What electrical licence is required in Australian Capital Territory?

In Australian Capital Territory, all electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrician registered with Access Canberra. It is illegal for unlicensed persons to perform any electrical work in Australia. Your electrician must provide a Certificate of Compliance (or equivalent) upon completion.

How do I know if my Canberra home needs rewiring?

Warning signs include frequently tripping circuit breakers, flickering lights, burning smells from outlets, discoloured power points, and aluminium or cloth-sheathed wiring visible in the roof space. Any home over 30 years old with original wiring should be inspected by a licensed electrician.

Is a switchboard upgrade included in a rewire in Australian Capital Territory?

Most Australian Capital Territory electricians include a switchboard upgrade as part of a full rewire, as the old board is rarely compatible with modern RCD (safety switch) requirements. A standalone switchboard upgrade costs $1,500–$3,500 but is typically discounted when bundled with a rewire.

Should I add heating circuits during a rewire in Australian Capital Territory?

Given Australian Capital Territory's cold winters and hot summers climate, it is wise to add dedicated circuits for electric heating (reverse-cycle AC, panel heaters or underfloor heating) during a rewire. The marginal cost of extra circuits is minimal while walls are already opened up for new cabling.