A complete apartment renovation in Madrid costs between €300 and €2,500 per square metre, depending on scope. For a standard 80m² flat, that means a realistic budget of €24,000–€160,000. High-end finishes, layout changes, and full systems replacement push totals to €200,000 and beyond. Here is what actually drives the number — and where foreign buyers consistently get it wrong.

The Four Renovation Tiers in Madrid (2026)

Madrid's renovation market in 2026 has consolidated around four distinct price bands:

Light refresh — new paint, flooring, and fixtures, no structural work: €300–€500/m². For an 80m² apartment, budget €24,000–€40,000.

Standard renovation — new kitchen and bathroom, new flooring, no layout changes: €800–€1,500/m². For 80m²: €64,000–€96,000.

Complete transformation — layout changes, all systems replaced (electrical, plumbing, HVAC): €1,200–€1,800/m². For 80m²: €96,000–€144,000.

High-end / bespoke — custom joinery, premium materials, full specification: €1,800–€2,500+/m². For 80m²: €144,000–€200,000+.

(Source: Wolfblanc Architects, Madrid Renovation Guide 2026)

What Drives Cost in Madrid Specifically

Madrid renovations carry factors that don't apply in other markets:

Building age. Over 60% of central Madrid's residential stock was built before 1980. Older buildings frequently require electrical panel upgrades (€3,500–€4,000 for a 100m² flat), plumbing replacement, and structural assessments before cosmetic work can begin.

Contractor labour rates. A qualified electrician in Madrid earns €18–€25/hour. Skilled tilers and carpenters run €25–€40/hour. These rates have risen 15–20% since 2022 due to sustained construction demand across the city.

Materials. Installing parquet flooring costs €25–€45/m². Custom kitchen units in mid-range finishes: €8,000–€15,000. A complete bathroom renovation: €6,000–€12,000 depending on specification.

Permits. Structural work and layout changes require a licencia de obras mayor, which costs €500–€3,000 and adds 4–8 weeks to timelines. Cosmetic works (obras menores) require only notification to the municipality.

The Expat Overpayment Problem

Foreign buyers in Madrid face a structural disadvantage: they cannot benchmark quotes. Research consistently shows that expat buyers without local representation pay 20–40% above market rate for renovation services. The reasons are predictable — language barriers, unfamiliarity with local pricing, and time pressure from relocation deadlines.

At Varini Studio, our Studio Call service (varinistudio.com) was built specifically for this moment: a 55–85 minute video consultation with Veronica Varini that covers your specific property, your renovation scope, and your quote — so you know exactly what is fair before signing anything.

What a Sensible Budget Looks Like for a 90m² Salamanca Apartment

As a real-world reference: a 90m² resale apartment in Salamanca or Chamberí, requiring a standard renovation (new kitchen, two bathrooms, flooring, painting, electrical update), will realistically cost:

• Construction: €80,000–€100,000
• Interior design fees: €5,000–€15,000
• Furniture and lighting: €15,000–€40,000
• Permits and professional fees: €3,000–€6,000
• Total: €103,000–€161,000

This is the real number. Not the optimistic contractor quote you received on a Tuesday.

The Post-Renovation Value Equation

This investment is not purely a cost. Staged and well-renovated apartments in Madrid sell for 6–12% more than unrenovated equivalents in the same building. On a €600,000 Salamanca apartment, that is €36,000–€72,000 in additional resale value. The renovation pays for itself — if it is designed with future buyers in mind, not only current taste.

This is the difference between a renovation and a designed renovation. Varini Studio specialises in the latter.

FAQ

How long does a renovation take in Madrid? An 80–100m² apartment renovation takes 12–18 weeks from demolition to handover. Complex projects with structural work run 20–24 weeks.

Do I need an architect for a Madrid renovation? For structural changes or layout modifications, yes — a arquitecto técnico (technical architect) must sign off on the project. Cosmetic renovations do not require one.

Can I manage a Madrid renovation remotely? Yes, with the right team. Varini Studio's Home Arrival service (varinistudio.com) is designed specifically for clients who are not based in Madrid during the renovation period.

What is the biggest cost mistake expats make? Approving a low quote without understanding what it excludes. Low quotes frequently omit permits, structural assessments, and material delivery. The final invoice rarely resembles the estimate.