Refurbishment and Reinstatement: Big Ticket, Bigger Impact
Image: Community centre refurbishment of Aveo’s Manors of Mosman by Laidre
Retirement village refurbishments are no longer minor upgrades – they’re strategic investments, and the numbers speak for themselves.
According to the latest StewartBrown Retirement Village Performance Survey, reinstating a two-bedroom unit averages around $15,000. But true refurbishment – the kind that gets a unit market-ready – now comes in at about $72,000. And nearly one in three refurbishments exceed $80,000, according to the 2025 PwC Retirement Living Census.
These aren’t just expenses – they’re capital works that directly influence market competitiveness and resident experience. Refurbishment is now a cornerstone of many operators’ CAPEX plans, delivering modern, comfortable, and accessible homes that meet today’s expectations.
It’s also a space shaped by legislation. While rules differ slightly between states, there’s a common distinction: reinstatement typically means restoring a unit to its original condition (and is usually the responsibility of the outgoing resident or their estate), whereas refurbishment refers to broader upgrades – an operator’s cost, often aligned with marketing or capital works strategies. Clear communication and contractual transparency are critical.
With so much riding on these decisions – financially, operationally, and reputationally – choosing the right partner is key.
That’s why we’re excited to welcome Laidre to the upcoming DCM Institute Professional Development Day series.
Laidre understands refurbishment is more than just a construction job – it’s a partnership.
“We take all of your woes out of room refurbishments and community centre upgrades,” says Henri Wolf, Laidre’s Senior Delivery Manager (pictured left).
Working within your budget, Laidre focuses on balancing cost and design intent, creating real value without cutting corners. With both national and international procurement power, they deliver consistent quality – whether it’s a single unit refresh or a full community centre transformation.
What really sets them apart is their people-first approach. “We know we’re not just working on a building – we’re working in someone’s home, in someone’s community,” Henri explains. Their in-house design and delivery team works closely with local site managers, trusted trades, and with residents’ wellbeing in mind – from dementia-sensitive finishes to appliance selection that maximises longevity and affordability
“We take all of your woes out of room refurbishments and community centre upgrades,” says Henri Wolf, Laidre’s Senior Delivery Manager.
Working within your budget, Laidre focuses on balancing cost and design intent, creating real value without cutting corners. With both national and international procurement power, they deliver consistent quality—whether it’s a single unit refresh or a full community centre transformation.
