Want to maximize your home’s value with a bathroom renovation?
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- 5 min read
Bathroom Renovation: A Complete Guide to Increasing Your Property’s Value
The bathroom is one of the most strategic spaces in any home. Investing in its renovation means improving comfort, functionality, and aesthetics while also boosting the property’s appeal on the market. Here’s how to get the most out of a bathroom makeover, with an overview of costs, tax incentives, planning, and benefits.
Table of Content
Why Renovating the Bathroom Is a Smart Investment
Factors Influencing the Cost of a Renovation
Average Bathroom Renovation Costs
Tax Incentives and Renovation Bonuses (updated September 2025)
How to Plan a Renovation Without Surprises
Practical example
Renovating to Increase Property Value
Why Choose Engel & Völkers
Why Renovating the Bathroom Is a Smart Investment
Updating the bathroom enhances a home’s functionality, aesthetics, and energy efficiency. It’s also one of the first spaces that buyers and tenants evaluate during a visit: a modern, well-kept bathroom immediately conveys the image of a quality, up-to-date property.
The main outcomes of a bathroom renovation are twofold:
Everyday comfort: more functional spaces, smart storage, efficient systems, and durable materials improve the living experience.
Increase in property value: a newly renovated bathroom can positively impact the overall valuation by up to 10–15%, making the home easier to sell at a higher price.
Factors Influencing the Cost of a Renovation
The cost of a bathroom renovation can vary significantly depending on several factors:
| Factor | Impact on cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
Bathroom size | Higher cost per sqm | 3–6 sqm is standard; larger spaces increase materials and labor proportionally |
Materials and finishes | Variable | Ceramic, stoneware, marble, or designer fixtures can triple the final cost |
Systems (plumbing & electrical) | High impact | Replacing pipes or wiring can cost €800–€1,500 |
Demolition & disposal | Medium–high | €20–€50/sqm, depending on site logistics |
Customization | Increases costs | Made-to-measure furniture, walk-in showers, and design features require complex installations |
Site accessibility | Impacts time & cost | Upper floors without elevators or difficult access raise expenses |
Local market | Variable | Prices differ between northern and southern Italy, and in cities like Milan or Rome |
Average Bathroom Renovation Costs
In Italy, costs vary depending on the type of project:
Basic updates: replacing fixtures, tiles, and painting → approx. €3,000–€6,000.
Full renovation: new plumbing and electrical systems, wall and floor finishes, new fixtures and furniture → €7,000–€12,000 for a standard bathroom.
Price per sqm: on average €600–€1,200/sqm, depending on project complexity and materials.
Examples:
Small bathroom (4 sqm, Central Italy): full renovation with mid-range finishes and new systems → approx. €4,400.
Medium bathroom (6 sqm, high-end): new systems, marble, suspended fixtures, and custom furniture → €9,000–10,000.
Tax Incentives and Renovation Bonuses (updated September 2025)
Renovation bonus: 50% IRPEF deduction up to €96,000 per property (36% for second homes). Valid until 2025, spread over 10 annual installments.
Future rates: from 2026, reduced to 36% for main homes and 30% for second homes.
Furniture & appliances bonus: 50% deduction on purchases for renovated properties.
Reduced VAT: 10% for ordinary and extraordinary maintenance works.
To benefit, payments must be made via traceable bank transfer (bonifico parlante), invoices retained, and communications submitted to ENEA where required.
How to Plan a Renovation Without Surprises
Careful planning minimizes delays and setbacks. Key steps:
Detailed quote: include all costs (materials, labor, disposal).
Compare contractors: request at least three offers, checking references and insurance coverage.
Define timelines: average duration is 2–4 weeks; complex works up to 6 weeks.
Written contract: specify terms, penalties for delays, and payment schedule.
Professional oversight: an architect or technician prevents design errors and ensures quality.
Practical example
Quotes received:
Company A: €5,000, mid-range materials, 3 weeks.
Company B: €7,000, designer materials, 4 weeks.
Company C: €6,000, 3 weeks, unclear quote.
Choice: Company A, with a contract setting 30% deposit, balance on completion, and late penalties.
Work phases: demolition → systems → finishes → fixture installation → detailing → inspection.
Documentation: invoices and transfers kept for tax deduction.
Renovating to Increase Property Value
A bathroom renovation is one of the most effective ways to enhance a property’s marketability:
Aesthetic & functional improvements: modern design, efficient systems, and comfort.
Market value boost: up to +10–15% on sale price.
Rental competitiveness: updated bathrooms attract higher tenant demand.
Why Choose Engel & Völkers
Engel & Völkers is not only synonymous with premium real estate brokerage, but also with strategic advice on maximizing property value. With us you get:
Personalized consultancy: tailored guidance on how renovation impacts value.
Qualified partners: trusted contractors, architects, and professionals delivering quality work.
Full support: from pre-renovation evaluation to promoting your upgraded property.
Bathroom Renovation FAQs
On average €2,700–€4,500, depending on location and materials.
2–4 weeks; up to 6 for complex projects involving systems or structures.
No, only for extraordinary works (e.g., plumbing).
Keep invoices, pay via traceable bank transfer, and include expenses in your tax return.
Updated systems, suspended fixtures, walk-in showers, and modern but neutral finishes.