Renovation Costs in the Gironde

What buyers should expect when renovating property in Bordeaux, vineyards and coastal areas

Renovating in the Gironde can be very rewarding. The department offers beautiful stone houses, vineyard properties, farmhouses, coastal homes and Bordeaux townhouses, many with strong potential. However, renovation costs vary depending on location, property type and condition.

The Gironde tends to sit slightly above the national average for renovation costs, particularly close to Bordeaux and the coast where demand for tradespeople is high. Rural inland areas can be more affordable, but availability of contractors may be more limited, which can extend timelines.

Understanding realistic renovation budgets is essential when buying in the Gironde.

Typical Renovation Cost Ranges – Gironde Guide

These are realistic planning figures (per project, not per m²):

Light cosmetic refresh: €10,000 – €30,000 (Painting, flooring, minor improvements)

Kitchen replacement: €8,000 – €25,000

Bathroom renovation: €6,000 – €15,000

Full internal renovation (small house): €40,000 – €80,000

Full internal renovation (medium house): €70,000 – €140,000

Full renovation (large stone house): €120,000 – €250,000+

Full renovation including structural work: €180,000 – €350,000+

Complete renovation of farmhouse with land: €200,000 – €400,000+

Cost per m² Guide (Gironde Typical)

Light renovation: €300 – €600 per m²

Medium renovation: €600 – €1,000 per m²

Full renovation: €1,000 – €1,600 per m²

High-end renovation (Bordeaux / coast): €1,400 – €2,200 per m²

These figures vary depending on property type and finish level.

Stone House Renovation (Very Common in Gironde)

Many properties in the Gironde are traditional stone houses. These are structurally strong but often require full internal updating.

Typical costs:

• Rewiring: €6,000 – €12,000

• Plumbing replacement: €5,000 – €15,000

• New heating system: €8,000 – €20,000

• Insulation: €8,000 – €18,000

• Windows: €8,000 – €20,000

Typical total renovation:€80,000 – €180,000 depending on size

Farmhouse & Rural Property Renovations

These are common in Entre-Deux-Mers and northern Gironde. They often include barns, land and outbuildings.

Typical additional costs:Roof replacement: €15,000 – €40,000

Barn conversion: €30,000 – €120,000

Drainage works: €3,000 – €10,000

Septic tank replacement: €8,000 – €15,000

Driveway / access works: €5,000 – €15,000

Total farmhouse renovation typical: €120,000 – €300,000+

Bordeaux Townhouse Renovation

Bordeaux properties often involve internal renovation rather than structural work. These can be high-end but expensive due to labour costs.

Typical costs:Full internal renovation: €80,000 – €180,000

High-end renovation: €150,000 – €300,000

Layout changes / wall removal: €5,000 – €20,000

Kitchen & bathrooms upgrade: €20,000 – €60,000

Coastal Property Renovation Costs

Coastal properties often require maintenance due to salt air and wind exposure.

Common costs:

Exterior repainting: €4,000 – €12,000

Roof maintenance: €5,000 – €20,000

Shutters replacement: €3,000 – €8,000

Decking / terrace repairs: €3,000 – €15,000

Coastal renovation total typical: €30,000 – €120,000

Heating Upgrades (Common in Gironde)

Many older homes require heating improvements.

Heat pump installation: €10,000 – €18,000

Pellet stove: €3,000 – €6,000

Wood burner: €2,500 – €5,000

Underfloor heating: €8,000 – €20,000

Full heating upgrade typical: €8,000 – €25,000

Energy Efficiency Upgrades

Common improvements:

Insulation (roof): €4,000 – €12,000

Wall insulation: €6,000 – €18,000

Double glazing: €8,000 – €20,000

Energy improvement total: €15,000 – €40,000

Hidden Costs to Budget For

Always allow for:

Notaire & legal adjustmentsArchitect (if needed): €3,000 – €12,000

Planning permission drawings: €1,500 – €5,000

Contingency budget: 10–20%

Temporary accommodation

Furniture & finishing

Recommended contingency: Add 15–20% to any renovation budget

Renovation Timeline Expectations

Light renovation: 1–3 months

Medium renovation: 3–6 months

Full renovation: 6–12 months

Large farmhouse renovation: 9–18 months

Bordeaux townhouse renovation: 4–8 months

Coastal renovation: 2–5 months

What Renovation Budget Typically Buys

€20,000: Cosmetic refresh

€50,000: Kitchen, bathroom, heating

€100,000: Full internal renovation

€150,000: Large stone house renovation

€250,000: Farmhouse full renovation

€350,000+: Major structural transformation

What Makes Renovation in Gironde Different

• Higher labour demand near Bordeaux

• Coastal maintenance requirements

• Stone house renovation common

• Large rural properties available

• Good resale value after renovation

• Strong lifestyle return on investment

Typical Buyer Renovation Scenarios

Light renovation buyer Budget: €30,000 – €60,000

Move-in and improve gradually

Mid renovation buyer Budget: €80,000 – €140,000

Update entire house

Full project buyer Budget: €150,000 – €300,000

Transform farmhouse or stone house

Major project buyer Budget: €300,000+

Create luxury property or estate

Renovating in the Gironde can add significant value, particularly in:

• Bordeaux commuter areas

• Vineyard countryside

• Arcachon basin

• Character stone houses

• Farmhouses with land

With realistic budgeting, the Gironde offers excellent opportunities to create a high-quality lifestyle property.