In short
- The scope sets the price: cosmetic, mid-level or full renovation including wiring and plumbing.
- The biggest items are wiring, plumbing, the bathroom and windows.
- Construction costs in Latvia rose about 2 % over 2025, so older quotes need a fresh look.
- Add a contingency for unexpected work to your renovation budget.
What sets the price of a renovation
Renovating two flats of the same size can cost very different amounts. The biggest difference comes from whether you only redo the finish or also what's inside the walls: wiring, pipes and connections to the risers. Next come the quality of materials, the size of the bathroom and whether a construction firm runs the job or you hire separate tradespeople.
Prices change every year. Data from the Central Statistical Bureau (CSP) show that construction costs in December 2025 were 2 % higher than a year earlier. So a quote you got a year or two ago may be too low today.
How much it costs to renovate a flat per m²
The table shows three typical renovation levels and what each includes. Each level costs noticeably more per m² than the one before, because the most expensive items come in. Only a quote for a specific flat gives you an exact price.
| Renovation level | What's included |
|---|---|
| Cosmetic | Painting walls, flooring, doors |
| Mid-level | Cosmetic plus bathroom and kitchen |
| Full | Everything plus wiring, plumbing, windows |
The biggest cost items
If the flat needs only part of the work, cost it item by item. These are usually the most expensive.
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Rewiring | Means opening the walls |
| Plumbing and pipes | Excludes risers, which belong to the building |
| Full bathroom | Depends on tiles and size |
| Windows | Depends on size and frame |
| Floors with levelling | Floors in old buildings are often uneven |
| Interior doors | Including fitting |
Example: renovation budget for a 50 m² flat
Say you buy a 50 m² two-room flat in a Soviet-era series building with the original bathroom and old wiring.
- Full renovation: 50 m² × the price per m² from a builder's quote.
- Contingency for surprises: a share of the renovation total, because old buildings often hide surprises in the walls and floors.
- Living elsewhere during the works: months of work × rent, if the flat is not habitable.
Add up the three parts and put the total on top of the purchase price when you compare the flat with already renovated ones in the same area.
Renovation in your budget and negotiation
If a flat is cheaper than its renovated neighbours by less than the cost of the renovation, it's not a bargain. Compare both routes: buy a flat that needs work and renovate it, or buy one that's already done.
In negotiation, use a written quote or a tradesperson's inspection. Concrete numbers persuade better than a general "everything needs replacing". What to check before getting a quote is in How to check a flat before buying.
Common questions
How much does a cosmetic renovation of a flat cost?
It is the cheapest of the three renovation levels, and the price per m² depends on materials and scope. A quote will give you the exact price.
How long does a full flat renovation take?
Usually several months. Also allow time to find tradespeople and for materials to arrive.
Is replacing the risers part of a flat renovation?
No. Risers are shared property of the building, and all owners decide on replacing them together.
Can I include renovation in my mortgage?
It depends on the bank. Ask yours whether it's possible and which documents, such as a quote, it needs.
Sources
- Būvniecības izmaksu līmenis gada laikā palielinājies par 2 % · LV portāls, from CSP data, January 2026
- Ražotāju cenas: būvniecības izmaksu indekss · Centrālā statistikas pārvalde (CSP)
This article is for information only and is not legal, financial or tax advice. It may contain mistakes or be out of date, so check it against official sources or with a specialist before you decide. m²cena accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of the information in this article.