How much does a complete renovation cost in Lyon in 2026?

Actual prices, budget per square meters, furniture and interior design advice.

The cost of a complete renovation in Lyon is currently one of the most misunderstood topics for individuals. Many still approach their project with a rough estimate per square meter, without taking into account the real factors that structure a coherent renovation budget.

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Renovation of a silk weaver's apartment in Croix-Rousse | Interior designer in Lyon
Renovated silk worker's apartment in Croix-Rousse: contemporary interior architecture in Lyon

How much does a complete renovation cost in Lyon in 2026?

The cost of a complete renovation in Lyon is currently one of the most misunderstood topics for individuals. Many still approach their project with a rough estimate per square meter, without taking into account the real factors that structure a coherent renovation budget.

However, in 2026, discussing the cost of renovating an apartment or house in Lyon without mentioning:

  • the type of property,
  • the existing technical state,
  • the level of transformation,
  • the quality of the materials,
  • or even furniture,

It no longer really makes sense.

What budget should be planned to sustainably transform a property in Lyon, with a level of quality consistent with one's ambitions?

A canut apartment in Croix-Rousse, an old property in Presqu’île, an apartment from the 1980s in the 6th arrondissement or a house in the West of Lyon do not present the same technical constraints, the same architectural challenges, or the same budgetary realities.

The real question, therefore, is not simply:

“How much does a renovation cost in Lyon?”

The real question is rather:

What budget should be planned to sustainably transform a property in Lyon, with a level of quality consistent with one’s ambitions?

In a context where projects are becoming more demanding — both in terms of comfort and sustainability — budget planning is now one of the most important steps in a renovation project.

Interior designer in Lyon: what budgets should be planned for a renovation in 2026?

The amounts below correspond to residential projects actually observed in Lyon and its region, excluding exceptional cases.

They reflect current market realities:

  • business costs,
  • technical expertise of the construction sites,
  • quality of materials,
  • level of architectural requirement.

High-quality renovation without major alterations

Approximately €1,000 to €1,400 per m² including VAT

This first category concerns coherent and high-quality renovation projects, without major intervention on the structure or the overall organization of the spaces.

We generally find:

  • an electrical upgrade
  • high-quality paints and flooring,
  • a simple kitchen or bathroom renovation,
  • few custom-made furniture pieces
  • limited intervention on the networks.

This budget may apply to certain newer apartments or properties primarily requiring modernization.

In Lyon, this configuration remains relatively rare in older buildings.

Renovation with redistribution and optimization of spaces

Approximately €1,500 to €2,000 per m² including VAT

This is now the most common price range in apartment renovation projects in Lyon.

The project then incorporates:

  • a partial redistribution of the pieces
  • significant electrical and plumbing repairs,
  • a more ambitious cuisine,
  • customized layouts,
  • in-depth work on traffic patterns,
  • a global reflection on light.

This budget level already allows for a real transformation in the comfort and quality of use of the accommodation.

It is often in this range that projects supported by an interior designer in Lyon are situated as part of a complete mission.

High-end renovation and architectural transformation

€2,000 to €3,000 per m² including VAT… and sometimes more

À partir de ce niveau, la rénovation devient une véritable recomposition architecturale du bien.

The project can then incorporate:

  • a complete restructuring of volumes
  • the relocation of kitchens and bathrooms,
  • the creation of a master suite,
  • custom-built furniture
  • acoustic treatment,
  • technical information,
  • air conditioning or summer comfort,
  • more demanding materials.

In the most sought-after areas of Lyon — Presqu’île, 6th arrondissement, Croix-Rousse or Monts d’Or — high-end renovation projects now very frequently exceed these amounts.

Why can two projects of the same size have completely different budgets?

The most common mistake is to think that the cost of a renovation essentially depends on the surface area.

In reality, two 100 m² apartments can have a difference in price of several tens of thousands of euros.

The nature of Lyon’s buildings

The type of building strongly influences the final cost.

A concrete building from the 70s-80s is often technically simpler than an older building.

In Lyon:

  • The Canut apartments frequently involve complex renovations.
  • Older buildings often have irregular walls and wooden floors,
  • certain buildings on the peninsula make site access particularly difficult.

These constraints directly impact:

  • the costs,
  • the deadlines,
  • technical complexity.

Construction site accessibility

In Lyon, logistics sometimes represents a major position.

A construction site located:

  • on a high floor
  • without an elevator,
  • in a narrow street,
  • with limited parking,

mechanically generates additional costs.

These realities are rarely anticipated when purchasing the property.

The level of architectural ambition

Moving a kitchen, opening up the space, integrating custom storage or addressing acoustics profoundly transforms a budget.

These interventions involve:

  • more studies,
  • more coordination,
  • more technical expertise,
  • more time on site.

The budget therefore depends primarily on the actual level of transformation sought.

Complete renovation budget in Lyon: the most important items

Many people imagine that the budget is mainly focused on visible materials.

In reality, technical positions often represent the largest share.

Electricity

In old buildings, a complete overhaul became almost systematic:

  • security,
  • confort,
  • lighting,
  • new uses.

Plumbing

Relocating networks remains one of the most significant budgetary items.

Kitchen, master suite, walk-in shower or creation of additional sanitary facilities have an immediate impact.

Kitchen and bathroom

These two areas concentrate on:

  • technical,
  • equipment
  • finishes,
  • furniture,
  • pipes,

They often represent the most expensive areas of the project.

Complete renovation in Lyon: why the furniture budget is often underestimated

This is probably the biggest gap between the planned budget and the actual budget.

A successful renovation never stops at the construction work.

Furniture, lighting, curtains, rugs, seating, built-in bookshelves or storage units all contribute directly to the final quality of the project.

In 2026, the following should generally be expected:

  • €10,000 to €20,000 for complementary, coherent furnishings.
  • €20,000 to €40,000 for a complete, high-quality set.
  • more in line with a logic of structured and sustainable interior design.

A Lyon apartment of 85 m² undergoing serious renovation is therefore frequently priced between:

€120,000 and €220,000 including tax

renovations and furnishings included

The budget obviously depends on:

  • the level of requirement,
  • des matériaux,
  • furniture,
  • of the degree of transformation.

The most common mistakes in a renovation project

Certain errors recur consistently:

  • buying a property without a proper renovation estimate,
  • underestimating invisible costs,
  • Forget about the furniture budget,
  • do not include a contingency fund.
  • modify the project during construction,
  • to think that professional support costs more than it saves.

A renovation doesn’t usually go wrong because of more expensive tiling.

It goes off the rails mainly because of:

  • due to insufficient budgetary framework,
  • of a poorly defined project,
  • of a gap between ambitions and actual resources.

Why hire an interior designer in Lyon?

Why hire an interior designer in Lyon?

In a context where projects are becoming more technical and more demanding, the role of an interior designer in Lyon is not limited to aesthetics.

His intervention allows:

  • to optimize spaces,
  • to anticipate the constraints,
  • to structure the budget,
  • to coordinate workers,
  • to ensure overall consistency of the project.

In a complete renovation, this overall vision often helps to avoid costly mistakes and to sustainably improve the quality of the final result.

Conclusion: What is a reasonable budget to plan for a renovation in Lyon in 2026?

  • A high-quality renovation starts at around €1,000 to €1,400 per square meter.
  • A more ambitious transformation often costs between €1,400 and €1,900 per square meter.
  • High-end architectural renovations very frequently exceed €2,000/m².

In addition to this, there is a furniture budget that should never be neglected.

The right budget is not necessarily the lowest.

It is the one that remains consistent with:

  • the property’s potential,
  • les usages recherchés,
  • the intended uses,
  • and the expected quality of life.

If you are planning an apartment or house renovation in Lyon, the Monts d’Or, the Pays de Gex, Annecy or near Geneva, precisely defining the budget from the first stages profoundly changes the quality of the project and the control of its execution.

Transformation of a silk weaver's apartment in Lyon's Croix-Rousse district | Interior architecture project