Top 5 Renovations to Boost Your Illawarra Home's Value in 2025
- Joel Hynes
- Apr 22
- 3 min read
The Illawarra property market is thriving in 2025, with strong demand in suburbs like Wollongong, Thirroul, and Shellharbour. But not all renovations are created equal—some can add $100,000+ to your home's value, while others barely move the needle.
After analysing 50+ recent Illawarra sales and consulting top local real estate agents, builders, and mortgage brokers, we've identified the five best-value renovations for our region this year. Whether selling soon or just future-proofing your investment, these upgrades will maximise your return.
1. The Coastal Kitchen: Heart of the Illawarra Home
(ROI: 85–110%)
Why It Works
In the Illawarra, kitchens sell homes. Buyers here want light, bright, and beachy—not just functional.
2025's Must-Have Features
✔ Stone benchtops (20mm Caesarstone in "Organic White" or "Pepper Salt")
✔ Textured splashbacks (Handmade zellige tiles or recycled timber)
✔ Soft-close drawers (The #1 feature buyers physically interact with)
✔ Integrated appliances (Hide the microwave and dishwasher for a sleek look)
✔ Pendant lighting (Rattan or matte black for coastal vibes)
What to Avoid
Over-customisation (Bright colours or quirky tiles can deter buyers)
Cheap appliances (Mismatched brands scream "cut corners")
Local Agent Insight
"Open shelving with coastal oak finishes outperforms butler's pantries in mid-range Illawarra homes."
— Sarah Kim, Ray White Wollongong
Case Study: Warrawong Kitchen Reno
Cost: $42,000
Added Value: $92,000
Key Upgrades: Fisher & Paykel integrated appliances, timber-look porcelain splashback
2. Indoor-Outdoor Flow: Capitalise on Coastal Living
(ROI: 70–90%)
Why It Works
Illawarra buyers pay a premium for seamless outdoor living. The best upgrades:
✔ Stacker or bi-fold doors (Even a 3-panel system transforms a space)
✔ Merbau timber decking (Withstands salty coastal air better than composite)
✔ Outdoor shower (A game-changer for beachgoers—adds up to $35k in coastal suburbs)
✔ Covered alfresco area (Colorbond roof + ceiling fan for year-round use)
Best Suburbs for ROI
Suburb Avg. Price Boost
Thirroul $85k+
Shellharbour $75k+
Kiama $90k+
Pro Tip
"Stage outdoor areas with built-in BBQs and festoon lighting—buyers envision summer entertaining."
— Mark Taylor, LJ Hooker Shellharbour
3. The "Stealth Wealth" Bathroom
(ROI: 65–80%)
2025's Winning Formula
Walk-in showers (No tubs unless it's a family home)
Matte black tapware + timber vanities (Timeless coastal look)
Heated towel rails (The secret weapon for winter sales)
Large-format tiles (600x1200mm for a luxe feel)
What to Skip
Rainfall showerheads (Water restrictions make them unpopular)
Over-the-top spa baths (take up space and are rarely used)
Budget-Friendly Alternative
Regrout tiles + replace tapware: $3k refresh that feels like a complete reno
4. Granny Flats: The Ultimate Illawarra Investment
(ROI: 100–130%)
Why It Works
With Wollongong's vacancy rate at 1.1%, rental demand is sky-high.
Top Suburbs for ROI
SuburbBuild CostAnnual Rental IncomeValue Added
Warrawong $95k $28k $110k
Shellharbour $120k $36k $140k
Council Tips
Wollongong: 6m setbacks required
Shellharbour: Faster approvals for compliant designs
Case Study: Dapto Granny Flat
Cost: $110k
Rental Income: $520/week
Added Property Value: $135k
5. Climate-Proofing: The Silent Value Adder
(ROI: 8–12% in high-risk areas)
Illawarra-Specific Upgrades
✔ Bushfire sprinkler systems (Escarpment suburbs)
✔ Raised floorboards (Flood-prone areas like Dapto)
✔ Solar + battery (NSW rebates cover ~30% of costs)
Agent Insight
"Homes with documented climate adaptations sell faster and for more in high-risk areas."
— Emma Lawson, Raine & Horne Wollongong
BONUS: 3 Renovations to AVOID in 2025
Home theatres (Waste of space for most buyers)
Overcapitalising on landscaping (Keep it low-maintenance)
Converted garages without council approval (Big red flag for buyers)
Your Next Steps
Download our free Illawarra Renovation Planner (Includes council checklists + local trade referrals)
Book a pre-renovation consultation with a local buyer's agent.
Focus on one high-ROI project at a time.
"The best renovations don't just look good—they solve problems for the next buyer."
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