When planning a renovation in Budapest, the first question is almost always: how much will it cost? The answer depends on the scope of work, material quality, and what's hiding behind the walls. This guide breaks down the most common renovation categories with real contractor prices.
Cosmetic renovation
Cosmetic renovation means we don't touch structural elements or major systems — only surfaces change. Typically this includes painting, flooring replacement, door/window refresh, and minor bathroom updates.
| Work type | Price (Ft/m²) |
|---|---|
| Painting and plastering | 8,000 – 14,000 |
| Laminate flooring installation | 6,000 – 10,000 |
| Tile/cladding replacement | 18,000 – 32,000 |
| Full cosmetic (per apartment) | from 120,000 Ft/m² |
A typical 60 m² Budapest apartment: cosmetic renovation starts from HUF 7.2 million including materials.
Mid-range renovation
This covers full bathroom and kitchen replacement with partial electrical and plumbing updates. This is the most common category for Budapest Airbnb and rental properties.
| Work type | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Full bathroom renovation (5 m²) | 1,200,000 – 2,000,000 Ft |
| Kitchen renovation (excl. furniture) | 800,000 – 1,400,000 Ft |
| Full mid-range (per apartment) | 120,000 – 180,000 Ft/m² |
Full turnkey renovation
Full renovation replaces everything: electrical and plumbing systems, partition walls, windows and doors, all finishes, painting — the client receives a completely renewed apartment at handover.
Full renovation in Budapest 2026: from 220,000 Ft/m², depending on the building's condition and target category. A renovated, category-upgraded hotel can command room rates 60–80% higher than before.
What affects the price most?
Four factors drive the final cost: the apartment's current condition (worse state = more hidden work), material quality, location (city centre logistics cost more), and contractor experience. The cheapest quote isn't always a saving — poor work costs more to fix.
How to get an accurate quote?
The most reliable method: on-site assessment + itemised Excel quote. You see exactly what you're paying for and can compare contractors fairly. At ConSol, this is free and delivered within 48 hours.
Frequently asked questions
A full renovation of a 60 m² apartment typically takes 8–12 weeks with multiple tradespeople working in parallel. A cosmetic renovation can be completed in 3–4 weeks.
Differences usually come from material quality, subcontractor experience, and the general contractor's coordination fee. A very low quote typically excludes something or assumes lower-grade materials.
In ConSol quotes, material costs and labour are always listed separately. The m² prices in the table refer to labour only — materials are always broken out as separate line items.