UNIT N Research / 2026 Edition
Transparent Renovation Cost Index
A city guide for homeowners who want to see what they can budget upfront and what delays or rework could cost them.
01 / Local permit fees
One renovation example, three cities
Vereniging Eigen Huis calculated municipal permit fees for an example renovation with €80,000 in construction costs excluding VAT. Design review and other charges can come on top. Use the figures for comparison and check how the council would assess your own plans.
What the fee comparison covers
The Hague
The comparison uses the same example construction budget in both years. Any charges for scaffolding or a skip in public space are separate.
Survey source and methodology Comparison by municipality (PDF)
02 / National price examples
What does the price include?
These Dutch guide prices come from Vereniging Eigen Huis market research at 2027 price levels. Use them to clarify the scope of your quote. The sources reviewed here lack city averages for completed home renovations.
Bathroom · 6 m²
€8,270Standard specification including VAT and installation. Removing the existing bathroom is excluded.
Kitchen · standard
€7,005 – €15,200Branded kitchen with standard appliances, including VAT. Confirm installation and budget separately for removal and moving services.
Extension shell · 15 m²
€35,545 – €45,490Including VAT. Opening the existing wall, finishes, services and fit-out are excluded.
03 / Scenario calculator
What would a delay cost you?
Compare two budgets for the same renovation. Enter the additional weeks, weekly expenses and rework you expect. Use the same VAT basis for all amounts.
The model adds delay × weekly costs, rework and any extra preparation. The common construction budget is excluded. The default inputs illustrate the calculation. For example, include extra temporary accommodation if a late delivery shifts handover. Include only work that must be done again under rework.
Renovation budget and planning Interactive renovation planner
04 / Sources and method
What we want to measure next year
A credible city average needs comparable completed projects. Group them by city, property type, scope, floor area and finish level. For each project, record the agreed construction budget, final bill, VAT, planned and actual handover, and reasons for additional work.
Publish the number of projects, the median and the middle half of observations for each comparable group. Keep quote, permit and final bill figures separate. Leave out small groups and compare planning approaches once there are enough comparable projects.
Proposed annual update · fixed November cut-off. Keep each edition with its original pricing basis and publication date.