Home Renovations South Yarra
South Yarra Homes,
Reimagined
Complete home renovations in South Yarra and across Melbourne for over 20 years, from a single room to the whole house. Family-run, fixed pricing, no hidden costs.
Your South Yarra Home, Done Properly
Hi, I’m Tony Simonovski, owner and founder of our family-run business, Smarter Home Renovations. Established in early 2002, we have over 20 years of professional experience in carpentry, construction, design and home renovations in South Yarra.
What Our Clients Say
5.0 out of 5 stars, based on 25 reviews
Exceptional service at reasonable prices!
“We can't recommend Tony and his team enough and we're very grateful for their service. From the onset of the quote, Tony was very professional and clear about what was included. The team were prompt, tidy and the quality of the workmanship was excellent. We will definitely be using Tony and the team again for future renovations.”
Great Experience
“I really can't say enough good things about Smarter Home Renovations! Tony and Milan were wonderful to deal with. They explained every detail of the process and were very responsive with the questions I had along the way. Their attention to detail was outstanding and they really worked hard to make it a great experience for me. Workmanship was great quality, their work ethic was solid and presentation was very professional. I'm extremely pleased with my renovations and would not hesitate to recommend their workmanship. Thanks again.”
Professional all the way
“We initially talked to Smarter Home Renovations due to their reputation and experience. Plus we were referred to them through someone who had already updated their laundry and they were rapt. Tony was personable, a good listener and made sure he understood our needs. He was very flexible in negotiations, ensuring a win-win outcome. The team were highly professional and excellent communicators making sure the work was completed on schedule and to budget. We now have an attractive and spacious family home which we have no intention of leaving! My wife and I would not hesitate to recommend Tony from Smarter Home Renovations.”
Renovating Homes in South Yarra
Homes in South Yarra range from Victorian terraces and substantial period houses to interwar flats, townhouses and high-rise apartments. Many period homes sit on narrow or awkward sites, with heritage facades and rear additions that no longer suit modern living, and blocks on the hill near the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Yarra slope noticeably.
That shapes most of our South Yarra home renovations: restoring period features while rebuilding rear living areas, adding upstairs rooms where planning allows, upgrading insulation and heating in high-ceilinged homes, and renovating apartments within building rules. Large parts of South Yarra are covered by heritage overlays, so the City of Stonnington east of Punt Road or the City of Melbourne west of it often requires a planning permit for external work.
South Yarra at a Glance
- Postcode
- South Yarra VIC 3141
- Council
- City of Stonnington / City of Melbourne
- From the CBD
- About 3 km south-east
- Typical Homes
- Victorian terraces and villas
- Grand period homes
- Interwar and Art Deco flats
- Townhouses
- Modern apartments
- Property Market
- Median house price$1,960,000
- Median unit price$515,000
- House rent$900 a week
- Unit rent$630 a week
Source: CoreLogic via Your Investment Property, prices to July 2026, rents to September 2026
Before You Start
What to Plan For When Renovating in South Yarra
Heritage
City of Melbourne Side
West of Punt Road, much of South Yarra is in the City of Melbourne’s South Yarra Precinct (HO6). The City of Melbourne’s South Yarra Heritage Review, the first full review since 1985, proposes changes to the precinct and the grading of many places. If you are on this side, we check how your home is graded under the current controls.
Permits
City of Stonnington Side
East of Punt Road, Stonnington applies its own heritage overlays, including the Toorak Road precinct (HO150), the Davis Avenue and Fawkner Street area (HO131) and many individually listed homes. The rules for extensions, demolition and front fences depend on the overlay, so we confirm them before design begins.
Slope
Sloping Sites
Parts of South Yarra are on the hill rising from the Yarra, with streets such as Murphy Street on steep ground. Sloping blocks can mean stepped footings, retaining walls and careful drainage for an extension. We look at the site levels at the first visit so the structure is priced properly.
Neighbours
Attached Terraces
South Yarra’s terraces share walls with their neighbours. Building close to or on a shared wall may need protection work notices as part of the building permit, and access for trades is usually through the house. We plan this early, keep neighbours informed, and protect the hallway and stairs while materials come through.
Heating
High Ceilings and Heating
Victorian homes in South Yarra often have high ceilings, open fireplaces and little insulation, which makes them hard to heat. A renovation is the time to insulate ceilings and floors, seal draughts and add efficient heating. In heritage areas, upgrades to front windows may be limited, so we focus on the rear.
Apartments
Apartment Renovations
South Yarra has a large number of apartments, from 1930s flats to modern towers near the station. Whole-apartment renovations need owners corporation approval, set work hours and lift bookings, and structural or plumbing changes may need further approval. We manage this process for you and keep the common areas protected and clean.
Get a Free Home Estimate in South Yarra
Two quick steps. We’ll be in touch within one business day to arrange a visit to your South Yarra home.
- 1Tell us about your project
Two quick steps. It takes about two minutes.
- 2We call you back
Tony will be in touch within one business day to talk through your ideas.
- 3Free on-site consultation
We visit, measure up and listen to how you want the space to work.
- 4Fixed-price quote
A detailed, itemised quote. What we quote is what you pay.
No obligation, no pressure
Family-run since 2002. Your estimate is free and your details are never shared with third parties.
Your Home Renovations in South Yarra
Living Areas & Open Plan
Knock out walls, open up floor plans, upgrade flooring and lighting, transforming how your family uses the heart of your home.
Extensions & Additions
Need more space? We design and build home extensions that integrate seamlessly with your existing structure, inside and out.
Flooring & Finishes
Timber, tiles, polished concrete or carpet; we supply and install quality flooring, paired with painting and plastering to match.
Built-In Joinery
Custom wardrobes, entertainment units, bookshelves and storage walls, built to your exact dimensions and finished to a high standard.
Electrical & Lighting
Updated power points, new light fittings, downlights, dimmer switches and data cabling, all by licensed electricians.
Painting & Plastering
Interior and exterior painting, skim coating, patching and full repaint, finished with precision and cleaned up completely.
Your South Yarra Home in 5 Steps
Meet & Greet
We get to know you and your specific needs. And you find out more about us to make sure we are a good fit.
Consult & Design
We ask lots of questions to understand your ideal outcome for your project. We discuss layout, budget, colours and more.
Quote
A comprehensive quotation outlining all the details, costs and timelines to complete your project.
Construct & Manage
Time to get to work with all our suppliers and trades to construct your project and deliver it as promised.
Deliver
We strive to deliver your project on time and on budget. We believe in 100% customer satisfaction from start to finish.
Home Renovations In and Around South Yarra
South Yarra (3141) is about 3 km south-east of the Melbourne CBD, and well within our regular service area. We renovate homes in South Yarra and its neighbouring suburbs, with the same team, the same fixed pricing and the same attention to detail.
Home Renovations MelbourneNearby suburbs we service
Which council handles planning permits for my South Yarra home?
Punt Road is the dividing line. East of Punt Road is the City of Stonnington, and west of it is the City of Melbourne. Each has its own planning scheme and heritage overlays, so the rules for an extension can differ between neighbouring streets. We confirm which applies before starting the design.
Did the South Yarra Heritage Review change the rules for my home?
If you are west of Punt Road, it may have. The City of Melbourne’s heritage review proposes changes to the South Yarra Precinct (HO6), including new heritage places and revised gradings, so check the current planning scheme for your address. We check the current planning scheme for your address rather than relying on older information.
Can I add a second storey to a South Yarra terrace?
Sometimes. In heritage areas, councils generally want an upper level set well back from the street so the original facade still reads clearly. It will need a building permit and usually a planning permit. We look at the overlay, the neighbours and the structure before designing.
Can we stay in the house while you renovate?
For rear extensions or a single room, many owners stay in the rest of the house, and we seal off the work area. For larger renovations or apartment renovations where the kitchen and bathroom are both affected, moving out for part of the job is usually more comfortable, and we plan the stages with you.
Should I renovate a South Yarra period home before selling, or leave it for the buyer?
Buyers of South Yarra period homes often value original features such as decorative ceilings, fireplaces and the heritage façade, but are put off by tired rear additions, poor light and rising damp. Repairing what an inspection would flag and presenting the period rooms well is often more sensible than a partial renovation of the back. Major changes need planning time with the City of Stonnington or the City of Melbourne, depending on your address.
Ready to Start Your Renovation?
No matter the project, our team has the right solution. Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation quote, and let's get your renovation underway.