Double Glazing Cost in Australia 2026 — Full Price Breakdown
Double glazed windows cost $750–$1,500 per square metre supplied and installed. A typical 3-bedroom retrofit of 8–12 windows runs $12,000–$25,000. Frame type is the biggest price lever.
Double glazing cost by frame type (2026, per m² installed)
| Frame type | Price per m² | U-value (lower is better) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| uPVC | $750–$1,100 | 1.4–1.8 | Best value + best insulator |
| Aluminium (thermally broken) | $1,000–$1,400 | 2.0–2.4 | Modern look, slim frames |
| Timber | $1,200–$1,800 | 1.6–2.0 | Heritage & premium builds |
| Aluminium (standard) | $650–$950 | 3.5–5.5 | Not recommended — conducts heat |
Tip: Standard aluminium double glazing loses most of the thermal benefit through the frame. Insist on thermally-broken aluminium or uPVC for real energy savings.
Retrofit vs full replacement
If your existing frames are sound, retrofit double glazing (glass swap only) costs about half of full replacement.
- ✓ Half the cost
- ✓ 1–2 day install
- ✓ Keep existing frames & sashes
- ✗ Only works if frames are in good condition
- ✓ Better seal & U-value
- ✓ New warranty on entire unit
- ✓ Can upgrade to uPVC / thermally-broken
- ✗ Longer install (1–2 weeks)
Whole-home cost by house size
| Home size | Windows (approx) | Total glass area | Full replacement (uPVC) | Retrofit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit / small home | 5–7 | ~10 m² | $7,500–$11,000 | $4,000–$7,000 |
| 3-bed home | 8–12 | ~18 m² | $13,500–$20,000 | $7,200–$12,500 |
| 4-bed home | 14–18 | ~28 m² | $21,000–$31,000 | $11,200–$19,500 |
| Large / 2-storey | 20+ | ~40 m²+ | $30,000–$55,000+ | $16,000–$28,000+ |
Energy savings
10–30% lower heating/cooling bills. Highest savings in Melbourne, Canberra, Hobart and cool-zone homes.
Noise reduction
Cuts external noise by 20–50%. Ask for laminated glass on one pane if you're near a main road or flight path.
Property value
Adds 5–10% to resale price and lifts NatHERS rating 0.5–1.5 stars — a growing factor in NSW/QLD disclosure.
Rebates & incentives (2026)
- VIC — VEU program: $500–$2,000 discount at point of sale via accredited installers.
- NSW — Home Energy Saver: Up to $15,000 no-interest loan covering glazing + insulation + HVAC.
- ACT — Sustainable Household Scheme: Zero-interest loan up to $15,000.
- TAS — Energy Saver Loan: Zero-interest up to $10,000 for eligible upgrades.
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