Rewiring An Old House In Melbourne: Costs (2026)

Published 2026-05-22 · 11 min read

Rewiring an older Melbourne home typically costs $9,000–$25,000 per house (GST incl., 2026), with small units from around $6,500 and large heritage homes reaching $30,000–$45,000+. Prices hinge on access, switchboard upgrades, and whether the home is occupied.

Key takeaways

• Typical Melbourne rewire: $9k–$25k (GST incl., 2026)
• Switchboard upgrade adds $1.6k–$3.5k
• After-hours labour: $180–$300 per hour
• Occupied homes often cost 10–20% more
• VIC law: Licensed Electrician + CES required

Understanding Cost To Rewire An Old House In Melbourne

Rewiring an old Melbourne house means replacing unsafe or obsolete cabling (often VIR rubber, cotton/cloth-insulated or old TPS), upgrading earthing, installing new safety switches (RCDs), and rationalising circuits back to a compliant switchboard. It can also include new power points, light points, and hardwired smoke alarms. Pricing varies because no two houses are alike: a 1920s weatherboard in Brunswick with underfloor access is far easier than a double-brick Edwardian in Kew with lath-and-plaster walls and limited roof crawl space. Electricians price by total scope, access difficulty, number of circuits/points, and whether the property is vacant. In Victoria, fixed electrical work must be completed by a Licensed Electrician under a Registered Electrical Contractor (REC), with a Certificate of Electrical Safety issued. Expect higher costs if asbestos is present, ceilings need cutting, or the point-of-attachment and meter require upgrades with the distributor.

Typical Cost Ranges in Australia (2026)

Across Melbourne and other capitals, older-home rewires generally sit in the mid–five to low–six-figure bracket once you include materials, labour, testing, and GST. Standard weekday labour for electricians in Melbourne typically runs $110–$150 per hour (2026), with after-hours/emergency rates at $180–$300 per hour, and call-out fees $90–$160. While some tradies quote per point for smaller jobs, full-house rewires are usually fixed-price, adjusted for access and the number of circuits. Switchboard upgrades commonly add $1,600–$3,500 depending on phases, RCD/RCBO count, and enclosure type.

| Scenario | Typical Range (AUD) | Notes | |---|---:|---| | Partial rewire (2–3 circuits, small cottage) | $3,500–$8,500 | Limited scope; good access lowers cost. | | Full rewire small unit (60–80 m²) | $6,500–$12,000 | Occupied units trend higher due to staging. | | Full rewire 3-bed house (100–140 m²) | $12,000–$22,000 | Add $1,600–$3,500 if switchboard needs upgrade. | | Large/heritage rewire (180–250 m²) | $25,000–$45,000+ | Lath-and-plaster, double-brick, or limited access. |

All figures are GST-inclusive and reflect 2026 metro pricing; regional VIC can be similar on labour but with travel/loading. For planning, allow a contingency of 10–15% for hidden issues (concealed junctions, brittle conductors, or unbonded services) and factor in plaster repair if you want a near-invisible finish.

What's Included in the Price

A well-scoped rewire quote should read like a recipe: circuits to be replaced, protection devices to be installed, access methods, and the final testing/certification steps. In Melbourne, you should also see Energy Safe Victoria compliance noted with a Certificate of Electrical Safety (CES). Clarify exactly what’s in and out to avoid scope creep. If you plan to add data, EV charging, or outdoor circuits later, ask the electrician to rough-in conduits now while access is open—it’s significantly cheaper than returning later.

Standard Inclusions

• Replacement of old sub-circuits with new TPS cabling to AS/NZS 3000.
• New switchboard protection: RCD/RCBOs for lighting and power circuits.
• Earthing/bonding upgrade to water/gas services where required.
• Re-termination of outlets, switches, and light points (like-for-like positions).
• Testing, labelling, and issue of a Certificate of Electrical Safety (CES).
• Disconnection/removal of redundant junctions and unsafe DIY wiring.
• Basic making-good of small access holes (electrical plates/caps, not full plaster).
• Coordination of mandatory inspection if required by Energy Safe Victoria.

What is Usually Extra

• Switchboard upgrade or 3‑phase conversion if the existing board is non-compliant.
• Significant wall/ceiling patching, repainting, or cornice/plaster restoration.
• Asbestos testing/removal and special containment procedures.
• New locations or additional points beyond like-for-like (e.g., extra GPOs, feature lighting).
• Meter box relocation or service upgrade with the distributor (Jemena/Powercor/etc.).
• Smart-home devices, EV charger circuits, data cabling, or security/alarms.

If you need after-hours staging to keep a business running or prefer weekend work, expect a surcharge. Public holiday loadings are common and can lift labour to $220–$350 per hour.

Key Factors That Influence the Cost

Construction Type and Access

Weatherboards in Melbourne’s inner-north (e.g., Brunswick, Coburg) often have subfloor and roof cavity access that speeds up cable runs. Double-brick terraces or Edwardian homes with lath-and-plaster in Kew or Hawthorn are slower: walls are brittle, plaster keys are fragile, and there’s less room to manoeuvre. Limited access adds time for careful fishing and can bump a mid-size rewire from $14,000 to $18,000–$22,000. Expect more wall opening and higher finishing allowances where access is tight.

Switchboard, Metering and Phases

Old fuse boards with ceramic rewirables won’t pass modern safety standards. Upgrading to an enclosure with RCD/RCBO protection generally costs $1,600–$3,500 depending on number of circuits and whether 3‑phase is required for future-proofing (heat pumps, induction, EV charging). If the service mains or point-of-attachment are undersized or perished, allow extra time and fees for distributor liaison and inspection—sometimes another $1,200–$3,000.

Number of Circuits and Points

More circuits mean more protection devices, more cable, and more termination time. A compact 2‑bed unit may have 5–7 circuits; a renovated family home with outdoor power, split lighting zones, and kitchen upgrades can reach 12–16 circuits. Extra GPOs or new feature lighting positions typically add $140–$220 per point supplied and installed during a rewire, rising if walls must be chased and fully restored.

Occupied vs Vacant and Staging

Working around furniture, pets, and people slows productivity. In an occupied home, electricians often stage circuits over 2–5 days to keep essentials running, which can add 10–20% to labour. Vacant houses allow faster, cleaner cable pulls and bigger daily outputs. If you can move out for a week, you’ll typically save and finish earlier, especially if combined with other trades for patching and painting.

Hazardous Materials and Compliance Risks

Asbestos in eaves, meter boards, or old switchboards requires licensed removal and containment, adding both time and specialist costs. Lead paint and brittle lath-and-plaster need careful cutting and dust control. If previous DIY wiring is uncovered—unboxed junctions, taped splices, live feed-throughs—your electrician must rectify them to certify the job. Hidden defects regularly add $800–$3,000 on mid-size projects.

Location and Timing (Metro vs Regional; After-Hours)

Melbourne metro weekday rates are typically $110–$150 per hour. Regional VIC can be similar on base rates with extra for travel. Scheduling after 6pm, weekends, or public holidays attracts surcharges of 25–100%. Tight lead times (e.g., settlement dates) can push costs up if teams must re-sequence or add extra hands to compress the schedule.

Tradie Experience and Licensing

In Victoria, only Licensed Electricians working under a Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) can legally rewire houses, and they must issue a Certificate of Electrical Safety. Experienced teams familiar with heritage stock in suburbs like Fitzroy or Albert Park may price higher up-front but reduce risk of plaster blowouts and callbacks. Cheaper quotes that omit RCDs, testing time, or proper making-good often cost more later. Always verify credentials via a licence check.

Cost Breakdown by Job Size or Scenario

1) Small Unit Rewire (70 m², Inner Melbourne)

Scope: Replace VIR/TPS for 2 bedrooms, living, kitchen, single bathroom. 6 circuits (lights, power, kitchen, laundry, HWS, split system supply). Switchboard currently compliant; no upgrade.

• Labour: 2 electricians + 1 apprentice, 2.5 days (approx. 40–48 labour-hours)
• Materials: cable, RCBOs (where needed), outlets/switches like-for-like
• Access: Reasonable roof space; occupied, staged over 3 days

Expected total: $7,500–$11,500 (GST incl.). Add $1,800–$2,800 if the switchboard needs RCD upgrades. Patching/painting by others typically $600–$1,200 if you want a pristine finish.

2) Weatherboard 3‑Bed (120 m²) in Brunswick

Scope: Full rewire including new RCBOs, earthing upgrades, and hardwired smoke alarms. 9–11 circuits, some extra GPOs in kitchen and study. Good underfloor access; modest roof crawl.

• Labour: 3-person crew, 4–5 days (approx. 80–100 labour-hours)
• Materials: new board gear, cabling, accessories
• Access: Vacant during works; minimal staging downtime

Expected total: $13,500–$19,500, plus $1,600–$3,500 if a new enclosure and main switch upgrade are required. Allow $1,000–$2,000 for plasterer/paint if you want cut lines fully invisible.

3) Double-Storey 4‑Bed (190 m²) in Camberwell

Scope: Full rewire with difficult access to downstairs ceiling (limited drop ceiling voids). Add outdoor power and new pendant lighting points. 12–14 circuits; switchboard replacement and surge protection included.

• Labour: 3–4 workers, 6–7 days (approx. 120–160 labour-hours)
• Materials: board, RCBOs, SPD, cable, fixtures as specified
• Access: Occupied, staged; some night work to keep power to fridges/IT

Expected total: $22,000–$32,000. After‑hours staging could add $1,200–$2,500. If asbestos is found in the old meter panel, add $800–$1,800 for licensed removal and re‑sheeting.

4) Heritage Terrace (220 m²) in Fitzroy with Lath-and-Plaster

Scope: Full rewire, careful fishing in lath walls, minimal surface trunking allowed by heritage overlay. Meter/main upgrade coordinated with distributor. 14–16 circuits; many feature fittings re‑terminated.

• Labour: 4‑person crew, 8–10 days (approx. 160–200 labour-hours)
• Materials: premium RCBOs, heritage plates, new earthing, surge protection
• Access: Very limited; extensive protection to finishes

Expected total: $28,000–$42,000+. Painting and plaster restoration by specialists can add $2,000–$6,000 depending on how invisible you want repairs. Plan for a 10–15% contingency on heritage homes.

For suburb-level budgeting, see if similar jobs appear under suburb electrical costs and keep a running allowance in your budget planner.

Cost To Rewire An Old House In Melbourne vs Cheaper / More Premium Alternatives

Not every property needs a full rewire immediately. If the cabling is mostly compliant and insulation is intact, targeted safety upgrades might buy time. Conversely, premium rewires front-load future-proofing (3‑phase, surge, data conduits, EV capacity) and deliver a cleaner finish with professional plastering and repainting. Consider durability, safety, and what you’ll spend again in five years.

| Option | Typical Cost (AUD) | Durability/Safety | Finish Quality | |---|---:|---|---| | Targeted circuit replacement + RCDs | $3,500–$9,000 | Medium — deals with worst circuits now | Minimal wall repair; practical stop‑gap | | Switchboard/RCD upgrade only | $1,600–$3,500 | Improves protection; old cable remains | No wall work; limited scope | | Full rewire (standard finish) | $12,000–$25,000 | High — new cabling + RCD/RCBOs | Good; minor patching visible until painted | | Full rewire + premium make‑good | $18,000–$35,000+ | High | Near‑invisible after professional plaster/paint | | Full rewire + smart/data/EV rough‑in | $22,000–$45,000+ | High and future‑ready | High; coordinated trades for seamless finish |

If safety test results are marginal, a switchboard/RCD upgrade is a sensible first step. But perished VIR or cloth wiring generally justifies a full rewire — especially before kitchen/bathroom renovations so you don’t open walls twice.

DIY vs Hiring a Licensed Tradie

DIY Approach

In Victoria, you cannot legally DIY fixed electrical wiring. Installing, altering, or rewiring circuits must be done by a Licensed Electrician under an REC and be covered by a Certificate of Electrical Safety. Doing your own wiring risks fire, voided insurance, and fines. What you can do: clear access, lift carpets/furniture, and coordinate patching/painting. You might also replace appliance plug tops or light shades (not fixed cabling). Any savings from DIY demolition are modest compared with the risk; budget DIY prep at $0–$1,000 for materials and skip any unlicensed electrical work.

Hiring a Licensed Tradie

Hiring a Licensed Electrician costs more up front but delivers compliance, testing, and warranty. Expect $110–$150 per hour weekday labour or a fixed job price with clear inclusions. In VIC, your electrician must issue a CES and, where necessary, arrange inspection. For occupied homes or heritage properties, experienced teams reduce damage and downtime. Use electricians in Melbourne and verify ABN/REC via the licence checker. For urgent hazards (burnt fuse blocks, tripping RCDs), use emergency help and expect after‑hours rates of $180–$300 per hour.

How to Get Accurate Quotes

1. Provide a clear brief: floor plan with room names, photos of the switchboard/meter, ceiling/subfloor access, and a point list (GPOs/lights). Ask tradies to quote like‑for‑like plus options for extras.
2. Request compliance details: confirmation of REC and Licensed Electrician numbers, RCD/RCBO counts, testing time, and a Certificate of Electrical Safety. Link them to your expectations in writing.
3. Nail down access and timing: vacant vs occupied, weekend or after‑hours needs, and whether you’ll organise patch/paint. These affect labour by 10–30%.
4. Compare at least three written quotes and line items using quote compare. Be wary of outliers that skip RCDs, testing hours, or making‑good allowances.
5. Post your scope and photos once to reach multiple ABN‑checked tradies via post a job. Ask for a site visit for old homes; hidden junctions or asbestos need eyes on.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Cost?

For older Melbourne homes with VIR or cloth wiring, a full rewire is one of the highest‑impact safety investments you can make. It reduces shock/fire risk, stabilises nuisance tripping, and future‑proofs for modern loads like induction and EVs. While $12,000–$25,000 isn’t trivial, it’s far cheaper than opening finished walls twice or dealing with insurer disputes after an electrical fire.

• Worth it for: pre‑renovation projects, properties with failing insulation readings, rental compliance upgrades, and families adding high‑load appliances.
• Consider deferring if: recent compliant cabling is verified, you’re selling immediately, or funds are better used to fix structural hazards first.

Post your job on TaskerAsker for free and receive quotes from local tradies

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to rewire a 3 bedroom house in Melbourne?

In 2026, expect $12,000–$22,000 GST incl. for a typical 3‑bed, depending on access, number of circuits, and whether the switchboard needs an upgrade (add $1,600–$3,500). Occupied homes and lath-and-plaster walls push towards the higher end.

How long does a full house rewire take?

Most Melbourne rewires take 3–10 working days. Small units: 2–3 days; average 3‑bed houses: 4–6 days; large or heritage homes: 7–10 days. Occupied homes take longer due to staging. Allow extra time for plaster make-good and painting afterwards.

Can I live in my house during a rewire?

Yes, but it’s slower and slightly more expensive. Expect staged outages over 3–5 days and careful planning for fridges, internet and lighting. Occupied jobs commonly add 10–20% to labour. If possible, vacating for a week leads to quicker, cleaner results.

Do I need a permit or inspection for rewiring in Victoria?

Your Licensed Electrician works under a Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) and must issue a Certificate of Electrical Safety. Some jobs require an independent inspection. You don’t apply yourself—the tradie arranges it and includes the cost in the quote.

What are Melbourne electrician hourly rates in 2026?

Weekday rates are typically $110–$150 per hour GST incl. Call‑out fees are $90–$160. After-hours/emergency rates are $180–$300 per hour, with public holidays sometimes $220–$350. Full rewires are usually quoted as a fixed price with these rates baked in.

Will a rewire damage my walls and ceilings?

Some access holes are usually required. Electricians make small holes and fish cables, then cap or rough patch. Perfect finishes need a plasterer/painter afterwards, typically $800–$2,500 for an average house. Heritage lath-and-plaster can cost more to restore.

Is rewiring worth it before a renovation?

Yes. It’s best done before kitchens, bathrooms and painting. You’ll avoid re-opening finished walls and can add conduits for future EV/data. Many owners schedule the rewire 1–2 weeks before other trades, often saving $1,000–$3,000 in rework later.

Can I partially rewire instead of the whole house?

Targeted rewires (e.g., worst lighting circuits plus a switchboard/RCD upgrade) cost $3,500–$9,000. It’s a good stop‑gap when budgets are tight. If insulation readings are poor across the board, a full rewire is safer and more economical long‑term.

Related

• Compare quotes from local tradies
• Post a job for free