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Full apartment renovation costs in Madrid range from €500 to €1,500 per square meter as of September 2025, with premium central districts demanding prices at the upper end of this spectrum.
Understanding these renovation costs is crucial for both property investors and residents planning to upgrade their Madrid apartments, as renovation expenses can significantly impact your total investment and potential returns in the competitive Madrid real estate market.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Madrid, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
Renovation costs in Madrid vary dramatically by location, with central districts like Salamanca and Chamberí commanding 20-30% higher prices than outer neighborhoods.
A complete 100-square-meter apartment renovation typically costs between €70,000 and €120,000, depending on finish quality and location within Madrid.
| Renovation Component | Standard Cost Range | Premium Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Full renovation per m² | €500-€800 | €1,200-€1,500 |
| Complete kitchen (10-12 m²) | €8,000-€10,000 | €15,000-€22,500 |
| Full bathroom renovation | €1,500-€5,000 | €7,000-€10,000 |
| Flooring replacement per m² | €15-€25 (laminate) | €25-€60 (ceramic/parquet) |
| Electrical system update | €3,500-€4,000 | €5,000-€6,000 |
| Plumbing replacement | €2,000-€4,000 | €5,000-€7,000 |
| Central heating installation | €4,000-€8,000 | €10,000-€15,000 |
What's the average cost per square meter for a full apartment renovation in Madrid right now?
As of September 2025, full apartment renovation costs in Madrid range from €500 to €1,500 per square meter, with most quality projects falling between €700 and €1,200 per square meter.
The standard renovation cost for a typical Madrid apartment averages €800-€1,000 per square meter, which includes updating kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, electrical systems, and painting. This price point delivers good quality finishes without luxury materials or high-end automation systems.
Premium renovations with luxury finishes, smart home technology, and designer materials can reach €1,200-€1,500 per square meter. These projects typically include marble countertops, premium parquet flooring, high-end appliances, and advanced climate control systems that appeal to Madrid's luxury real estate market.
Budget renovations focusing on essential updates like painting, basic flooring, and minimal kitchen improvements start around €500-€600 per square meter. However, these basic renovations may not significantly increase property values in Madrid's competitive real estate market.
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How much more should I expect to pay if the property is in central districts like Salamanca, Chamberí, or Retiro compared to outer neighborhoods?
Renovation costs in Madrid's central districts like Salamanca, Chamberí, and Retiro typically run 20-30% higher than outer neighborhoods, with prices often reaching the €1,000-€1,500 per square meter range.
The premium pricing in central Madrid stems from several factors: stricter building regulations for historical properties, higher labor costs due to limited parking and access challenges, and increased demand for premium finishes that match the neighborhood's upscale character.
Salamanca district commands the highest renovation premiums, often 25-30% above outer areas, due to its luxury real estate market and demanding aesthetic standards. Chamberí and Retiro follow closely with 20-25% premiums, particularly for properties near major parks and cultural attractions.
Outer neighborhoods like Carabanchel, Villaverde, or Vallecas offer more affordable renovation options, with costs staying closer to the €500-€800 per square meter range. These areas provide better value for investors focused on rental yields rather than capital appreciation.
Transportation and material delivery costs also contribute to central district premiums, as contractors often face parking restrictions, narrow streets, and strict working hour limitations that increase project timelines and labor expenses.
What's the usual price range for a complete kitchen renovation in Madrid, including appliances?
| Kitchen Size | Basic Renovation | Standard Renovation | Premium Renovation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (6-8 m²) | €6,000-€8,000 | €8,000-€12,000 | €12,000-€18,000 |
| Standard (10-12 m²) | €8,000-€10,000 | €12,000-€17,000 | €17,000-€25,000 |
| Large (14-16 m²) | €10,000-€13,000 | €15,000-€22,000 | €22,000-€35,000 |
| Extra Large (18+ m²) | €12,000-€16,000 | €18,000-€28,000 | €28,000-€45,000 |
| Per m² average | €900-€1,100 | €1,200-€1,500 | €1,500-€2,200 |
How much does it typically cost to redo a bathroom, with new tiles, plumbing, and fixtures?
Complete bathroom renovations in Madrid cost between €1,500 and €10,000, depending on size, materials, and plumbing complexity.
Standard bathroom renovations for typical Madrid apartments (4-6 square meters) range from €3,000 to €6,000, including new tiles, basic fixtures, updated plumbing, and standard-quality materials. This price point covers porcelain tiles, mid-range sanitaryware, and basic lighting fixtures.
Small powder rooms or guest bathrooms (2-3 square meters) can be renovated for €1,500-€3,500, while larger master bathrooms (8-10 square meters) typically cost €6,000-€10,000 for complete renovation including premium fixtures and finishes.
Major plumbing relocations or structural changes can add €1,500-€3,000 to the total cost, particularly in older Madrid buildings where pipes may need complete replacement or rerouting to meet current Spanish building codes.
Premium bathroom renovations featuring marble tiles, high-end fixtures, underfloor heating, and luxury fittings can exceed €10,000, but these investments often increase property values significantly in Madrid's upscale real estate market.
What's the going rate for changing flooring per square meter, depending on whether I choose parquet, laminate, or ceramic tiles?
Flooring replacement costs in Madrid vary significantly by material choice, ranging from €15 per square meter for basic laminate to €60 per square meter for premium ceramic tiles.
Laminate flooring offers the most budget-friendly option at €15-€25 per square meter, including installation. Quality laminate flooring provides good durability and appearance, making it popular for rental properties and budget-conscious renovations in Madrid.
Natural wood parquet costs €25-€45 per square meter installed, with engineered hardwood at the lower end and solid oak at the upper range. Parquet flooring significantly increases property appeal in Madrid's residential market, particularly in central districts.
Ceramic tiles range from €25-€60 per square meter depending on quality and design complexity. Basic ceramic tiles cost €25-€35 per square meter, while premium porcelain or designer tiles can reach €45-€60 per square meter including professional installation.
Additional costs include removing old flooring (€5-€10 per square meter), floor preparation and leveling (€10-€15 per square meter), and underlayment for laminate or parquet (€3-€5 per square meter).
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What's the cost difference between painting a 100 m² apartment with standard paint versus high-quality washable paint?
Painting a 100-square-meter apartment with standard paint costs €1,400-€1,700, while upgrading to high-quality washable paint increases the total to €2,000-€2,500.
Standard latex paint suitable for most Madrid apartments costs approximately €14-€17 per square meter of wall surface, including labor and materials. This covers walls and ceilings with two coats of quality paint that provides good coverage and durability.
High-quality washable paint adds €500-€800 to the total project cost, bringing the price to €20-€25 per square meter. These premium paints offer superior durability, easier cleaning, and better resistance to Madrid's humidity and temperature variations.
The upgrade to washable paint proves particularly valuable in kitchens, bathrooms, and children's rooms where walls require frequent cleaning. Premium paint formulations also maintain color and finish longer, reducing the need for touch-ups and repainting.
Additional costs may include wall preparation (€3-€5 per square meter for filling cracks and priming), specialty finishes like textured paint (additional €5-€8 per square meter), and ceiling painting (€8-€12 per square meter).
How much should I budget for updating electrical wiring and bringing it up to Spanish code?
Updating electrical wiring to meet current Spanish building codes costs €3,500-€4,000 for a typical 100-square-meter apartment in Madrid.
Complete electrical system updates include replacing old wiring, installing new circuit breakers, updating outlets to modern standards, and adding required safety features like GFCI protection and proper grounding systems mandated by Spanish electrical codes.
Older Madrid buildings often require extensive rewiring work, particularly apartments built before 1990, which may lack adequate electrical capacity for modern appliances and safety features. These projects can cost €4,000-€6,000 due to access challenges and the need to update entire electrical panels.
Basic electrical updates focusing on essential safety improvements cost €2,500-€3,500, while comprehensive smart home wiring and advanced automation systems can reach €5,000-€8,000 for premium installations.
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What's the approximate cost of replacing plumbing pipes in an older Madrid apartment?
Plumbing pipe replacement in older Madrid apartments costs €2,000-€4,000 for standard updates, with complex projects reaching €5,000-€7,000.
Standard plumbing updates include replacing old galvanized or lead pipes with modern copper or PVC systems, updating shut-off valves, and ensuring compliance with Spanish plumbing codes. Most Madrid apartments require partial pipe replacement focusing on problem areas and main supply lines.
Complete plumbing system replacement costs €4,000-€6,000 for typical 100-square-meter apartments, particularly necessary in buildings over 40 years old where original pipes show signs of corrosion, leaks, or inadequate water pressure.
Access challenges in older Madrid buildings can increase costs significantly, especially when pipes run through solid masonry walls or require opening finished surfaces. These complications can add €1,000-€2,000 to the total project cost.
Hidden plumbing problems discovered during renovation can increase budgets by 15-25%, particularly in historical Madrid buildings where original plumbing layouts may not meet current standards or require extensive rerouting to accommodate modern fixtures.
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How much does it cost to install central heating or upgrade to an efficient air-conditioning system suitable for Madrid's climate?
Central heating installation in Madrid costs €4,000-€8,000 for standard systems, while efficient air-conditioning systems range from €3,000-€7,000 depending on coverage and technology.
Gas-fired central heating with radiators costs €4,000-€6,000 for typical Madrid apartments, including boiler installation, piping, and radiators. This system works efficiently in Madrid's winter climate and provides consistent heating throughout the apartment.
Heat pump systems offering both heating and cooling cost €6,000-€10,000 but provide excellent energy efficiency for Madrid's climate variations. These systems qualify for Spanish energy efficiency rebates and significantly reduce utility costs.
Ducted air-conditioning systems suitable for Madrid's hot summers cost €3,000-€7,000 depending on apartment size and number of zones. Multi-split systems with individual room control offer optimal comfort and energy efficiency for Madrid's varied seasonal temperatures.
Underfloor heating installation costs €25-€40 per square meter and provides luxurious comfort, particularly valuable in Madrid's premium real estate market. This system works exceptionally well with heat pump technology for year-round climate control.
What are the current permit and license fees charged by the Ayuntamiento de Madrid for renovation projects, and how long do they usually take to process?
Madrid renovation permits cost €150-€1,000 depending on project scope, with additional municipal construction tax (ICIO) of 0.5%-4% of total renovation costs.
Basic renovation permits for interior work like kitchens, bathrooms, and flooring cost €150-€400 and typically process within 2-3 weeks. These permits cover most standard apartment renovations that don't involve structural changes or major system modifications.
Major renovation permits involving structural work, electrical upgrades, or plumbing changes cost €500-€1,000 plus the ICIO tax calculated on total project value. Processing times extend to 4-6 weeks for complex projects requiring technical review by Madrid municipal engineers.
Additional fees include road occupation permits for construction materials (€5-€10 per day), skip permits for waste disposal (€50-€100), and noise permits for work outside standard hours (€100-€200).
Protected buildings in Madrid's historic center require special heritage permits that can take 8-12 weeks to process and may restrict renovation options or require specific materials and techniques to preserve architectural character.
What percentage should I add to my budget for unexpected structural issues or hidden problems typical in Madrid's older buildings?
Add 10-20% to your renovation budget for unexpected issues in Madrid buildings, with older properties over 40 years requiring the higher contingency percentage.
Buildings constructed before 1980 often reveal hidden problems including outdated electrical systems, asbestos insulation, lead pipes, or structural issues that weren't apparent during initial inspections. These discoveries can add €2,000-€8,000 to typical renovation projects.
Common surprise costs in Madrid renovations include water damage repairs (€1,000-€3,000), foundation settling issues (€2,000-€5,000), and HVAC system complications requiring additional work (€1,500-€4,000).
Historical Madrid buildings may require specialized restoration techniques or materials that cost 30-50% more than standard renovation approaches. These requirements often emerge during permit review or after walls are opened during construction.
Professional building inspections before renovation can identify potential issues and help establish more accurate budgets, though some problems only become apparent once renovation work begins and building systems are fully exposed.
How much extra should I plan if I want higher-end finishes that increase resale value in Madrid's real estate market?
Premium finishes that increase resale value in Madrid typically add 20-50% to standard renovation costs but can boost property values by 15-35%.
Luxury kitchen upgrades featuring stone countertops, premium appliances, and custom cabinetry add €5,000-€15,000 to standard kitchen costs but significantly appeal to Madrid buyers, particularly in central districts like Salamanca and Chamberí.
High-end bathroom finishes including marble tiles, premium fixtures, and luxury fittings add €3,000-€8,000 to standard bathroom renovation costs. These upgrades prove especially valuable in Madrid's competitive real estate market where buyers expect quality finishes.
Premium flooring materials like solid hardwood parquet or designer ceramic tiles add €15-€30 per square meter over standard options but create lasting value and appeal that justify the investment in Madrid's upscale neighborhoods.
Smart home technology, energy-efficient systems, and luxury lighting can add €5,000-€12,000 to renovation costs but increasingly attract Madrid buyers focused on modern living and reduced utility costs.
It's something we develop in our Madrid property pack.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Renovation costs represent a significant investment in Madrid real estate, but understanding these expenses helps you make informed decisions about property upgrades and improvements.
Whether you're planning a basic refresh or luxury renovation, proper budgeting and realistic cost expectations will ensure your Madrid property renovation delivers the value and results you expect.
Sources
- Terreta Spain - Renovation Cost Madrid
- InvestRopa - Average Apartment Price per Sqm Madrid
- Studio by Clikalia - House Renovation Cost Guide
- InvestRopa - Spain Renovating House Foreigner Guide
- Wollyhome - Kitchen Renovation Cost Madrid 2025
- Madrid Estate - Refurbishing Madrid Investment Property
- Wise - Renovating Property Spain
- Gesvalt - Complete Refurbishment Boosts Home Values