Price benchmarks: how much a renovation costs per m²

In Switzerland, renovation costs are usually calculated per square metre, and according to market data for French-speaking Switzerland in 2025–2026, the benchmarks are as follows. A light renovation (refreshing paint and floors) costs roughly 600–900 CHF/m². A full renovation, including kitchen, sanitary fittings and finishes, runs around 900–1400 CHF/m², while a heavy renovation that transforms the structure, electrics and plumbing reaches 1400–1800 CHF/m². MarcoaraujoMarcoaraujo

To translate this into a real budget: for a standard 60 m² apartment, the figure ranges from about 36,000 to 108,000 CHF depending on the depth of work and finishes. These numbers are a starting point, not a final price: the real cost is only determined after inspecting the specific property. Marcoaraujo

What affects renovation costs

Understanding the factors helps you see in advance where the budget can grow.

Location

In large urban areas like Geneva and Zurich, professionals charge 20–30% more than in rural areas, due to high demand and labour costs. Geneva is generally more expensive than Lausanne. Marcoaraujo

The apartment's initial condition

This is one of the most underestimated factors. A 1970s apartment with outdated electrics often requires a full upgrade to standards, adding in the region of 8,000–15,000 CHF. Load-bearing walls to be moved, missing thermal insulation and old lead pipes quickly push the final figure up. MarcoaraujoMarcoaraujo

Material quality

The range here is considerable. High-end materials can double or even triple the cost of a renovation compared with basic options. Mesartisans

Labour costs by trade

Rates depend on the trade. An electrician or plumber in Switzerland charges around 90–150 CHF per hour, and a mason or painter around 85–130 CHF per hour. Mesartisans

What makes up a quote: prices by type of work

Each type of work has its own price per m², which helps you understand the budget structure. According to market data for French-speaking Switzerland: demolition and waste removal start at around 25–60 CHF/m²; full electrics with wiring, board and sockets run about 90–140 CHF/m²; a complete plumbing replacement costs more, in the region of 110–170 CHF/m². Plastering and insulation run between 45 and 90 CHF/m², painting is more affordable at around 30–50 CHF/m², and tiling or parquet 60–140 CHF/m² depending on material quality. MarcoaraujoMarcoaraujo

An important detail for planning: the kitchen and bathroom usually take up around 40% of the total budget — that's where the most expensive work is concentrated. Marcoaraujo

How to plan your budget and save without losing quality

A few principles help keep the budget under control. First, compare offers — it's advisable to request at least three quotes to gauge the market level. Second, set priorities: the essentials first (building services, safety), then aesthetics. Third, set aside a contingency — in older apartments, surprises behind the walls are not rare.

And one point that's often forgotten: subsidies. Switzerland offers support programmes for energy-efficient upgrades (insulation, replacing heating with heat pumps), which vary by canton and can noticeably reduce costs. It's worth finding out what's available in your canton before starting.

Why a SmartHaus Swiss quote is transparent

The main source of nasty surprises in a renovation is a vague quote and hidden charges. We work differently: we first inspect the specific apartment, assess the condition of the services and surfaces, then prepare a clear quote broken down by stage. You see in advance what you're paying for and can plan your budget with clear payment stages. Because we cover the full range of work — from electrics to finishing — you don't have to gather and coordinate quotes from multiple contractors.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to renovate a 60 m² apartment?

By market benchmarks, roughly 36,000 to 108,000 CHF depending on the depth of work. The exact figure can only be given after an inspection.

Why is it more expensive in Geneva than in other cantons?

Due to higher demand and labour costs — in large urban areas rates are 20–30% higher.

Which work is the most expensive?

Usually the kitchen and bathroom — about 40% of the budget — as well as upgrading electrics and plumbing in older apartments.

Can you get a subsidy for a renovation?

For energy-efficient work, yes: Switzerland has cantonal support programmes. We'll point you in the right direction.

How many quotes should you request?

At least three, to gauge the market level and compare the scope of work.

The prices in this article are market benchmarks for 2025–2026, given to convey orders of magnitude. The exact cost is determined after assessing the specific property.