Planning a renovation and wondering how much it will cost? This comprehensive guide breaks down renovation pricing for HDB flats, condominiums, and commercial spaces in Singapore. Updated for 2026 with real market data from our project portfolio.
Get a Personalised QuoteHDB renovation costs in Singapore vary significantly based on flat size, the age of the property, scope of work, and material selections. New BTO flats generally cost less to renovate than resale flats because they do not require hacking of existing finishes. The figures below represent typical ranges for comprehensive renovations including carpentry, tiling, painting, electrical, and plumbing works.
| Flat Type | Basic Renovation | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Room Flexi (36-46 sqm) | $18,000 - $25,000 | $25,000 - $35,000 | $35,000 - $50,000 |
| 3-Room (60-68 sqm) | $25,000 - $35,000 | $35,000 - $48,000 | $48,000 - $65,000 |
| 4-Room (85-95 sqm) | $35,000 - $45,000 | $45,000 - $55,000 | $55,000 - $75,000 |
| 5-Room (110-120 sqm) | $40,000 - $55,000 | $55,000 - $70,000 | $70,000 - $95,000 |
| Executive / EA (130-150 sqm) | $50,000 - $65,000 | $65,000 - $85,000 | $85,000 - $120,000 |
Basic renovation includes essential works such as flooring overlay or partial re-tiling, fresh coat of paint, basic lighting replacement, and minor carpentry. Mid-range renovation adds custom built-in wardrobes, kitchen cabinet replacement, full bathroom overhaul, and feature walls. Premium renovation involves complete hacking and rebuilding, high-end materials, extensive custom carpentry, smart home integration, and designer fixtures.
Renovating a resale HDB flat typically costs 15 to 30 percent more than a new BTO of the same size. Resale flats require hacking of existing tiles, removal of old carpentry, potential electrical rewiring, and often waterproofing remediation -- works that BTO flats do not need.
Condo renovations in Singapore tend to cost more than HDB renovations for several reasons: larger floor areas, higher material expectations, restricted working hours imposed by MCST, and additional fees for renovation deposits and after-hours work permits.
| Condo Size | Basic Renovation | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom (45-55 sqm) | $30,000 - $45,000 | $45,000 - $60,000 | $60,000 - $85,000 |
| 2-Bedroom (65-85 sqm) | $45,000 - $60,000 | $60,000 - $80,000 | $80,000 - $120,000 |
| 3-Bedroom (90-120 sqm) | $55,000 - $75,000 | $75,000 - $100,000 | $100,000 - $160,000 |
| 4-Bedroom / Penthouse (130+ sqm) | $70,000 - $100,000 | $100,000 - $150,000 | $150,000 - $250,000+ |
Condo renovation budgets should also account for MCST renovation deposits (typically $1,000 to $5,000, refundable upon satisfactory completion), restricted delivery hours that may require multiple smaller deliveries, and potential overtime charges for weekend or after-hours work to comply with building noise regulations.
Understanding where your renovation budget goes helps you make informed decisions about priorities and trade-offs. Below is a typical cost breakdown by trade for a mid-range 4-room HDB renovation.
| Trade / Category | Typical Cost Range | % of Total Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Hacking and Disposal | $2,000 - $5,000 | 5 - 8% |
| Masonry and Tiling | $5,000 - $12,000 | 12 - 18% |
| Plumbing Works | $2,000 - $5,000 | 4 - 8% |
| Electrical Works | $3,000 - $7,000 | 6 - 10% |
| Waterproofing | $1,500 - $4,000 | 3 - 6% |
| Carpentry (Kitchen, Wardrobes, Storage) | $12,000 - $25,000 | 25 - 35% |
| Painting | $1,500 - $3,500 | 3 - 5% |
| Ceiling and Partition | $2,000 - $5,000 | 4 - 7% |
| Glass and Aluminium | $1,500 - $4,000 | 3 - 6% |
| Design Fee | $2,000 - $5,000 | 4 - 8% |
As the table shows, carpentry is typically the single largest expense, accounting for 25 to 35 percent of the total budget. This includes kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, shoe cabinets, TV consoles, and any other built-in storage. Choosing between laminate, veneer, and solid wood surfaces has a significant impact on this line item.
For a detailed analysis of renovation budgeting strategies, see our 2026 guide to renovation costs and budgeting.
Commercial renovation costs are typically quoted on a per-square-foot basis and vary widely depending on the type of business, fit-out complexity, and compliance requirements.
$50 to $150 per sq ft. Basic fit-outs with standard partitions and workstations sit at the lower end, while executive suites with premium finishes and integrated AV systems reach the upper range. Open-plan offices with minimal built-up generally cost less than heavily partitioned layouts.
$80 to $250 per sq ft. F&B spaces command higher costs due to commercial kitchen equipment, exhaust and ventilation systems, grease traps, specialised flooring, and NEA compliance requirements. A simple cafe costs less than a full-service restaurant with an open kitchen.
$60 to $180 per sq ft. Retail fit-out costs depend on display requirements, lighting design complexity, and brand-specific customisation. High-street boutiques with bespoke fixtures cost more than standardised chain store roll-outs.
No two renovation projects are identical, and several variables can push your costs higher or lower than the averages listed above. Understanding these factors helps you plan a realistic budget from the outset.
Older properties often require more extensive preparation work. Concealed plumbing may need replacement, electrical wiring might not meet current standards, and decades-old waterproofing membranes may have deteriorated. These remediation works add to the base renovation cost.
Material choices have a dramatic impact on cost. For example, homogeneous floor tiles from a local supplier may cost $3 to $6 per sq ft, while imported Italian porcelain tiles can reach $15 to $30 per sq ft. Similarly, laminate kitchen countertops start around $30 per linear foot, while quartz or sintered stone surfaces can exceed $100 per linear foot.
Custom built-in carpentry is the largest variable in most renovation budgets. A full suite of built-in furniture including kitchen cabinets, wardrobes for every bedroom, a TV console, shoe cabinet, and study desk can easily account for a third of the total cost. Reducing carpentry scope or choosing modular furniture alternatives is one of the most effective ways to control budget.
Intricate design features such as curved walls, recessed lighting coves, feature walls with mixed materials, and concealed storage mechanisms require more labour and specialised skills, adding to the overall cost.
Many homeowners are caught off guard by costs that were not included in the initial quotation. At Renobros Interior, we believe in full transparency, which is why we highlight these commonly overlooked expenses upfront.
For a comprehensive look at unexpected expenses, read our article on the hidden costs of renovation and how to budget for quality in 2026.
We recommend setting aside a contingency buffer of 10 to 15 percent above your agreed renovation cost to cover unexpected works and last-minute changes. This is standard practice in the industry and prevents budget stress during the project.
A 4-room HDB flat renovation in Singapore typically costs between $35,000 and $65,000 in 2026. A basic renovation covering essential works like flooring, painting, and kitchen updates ranges from $35,000 to $45,000. A mid-range renovation with custom carpentry and bathroom overhaul falls between $45,000 and $55,000. A premium renovation with high-end materials and full customisation can reach $55,000 to $65,000 or more.
Common hidden renovation costs include hacking and debris disposal fees ($2,000 to $5,000), electrical rewiring for older flats ($1,500 to $4,000), waterproofing remediation if existing membranes have failed ($800 to $2,000 per bathroom), structural assessment fees for wall removal ($500 to $1,500), MCST deposits and renovation fees for condos ($1,000 to $5,000), temporary storage or rental during renovation, and material price escalations if the project timeline extends.
HDB renovations are generally less expensive than condo renovations of comparable scope. HDB flats are typically smaller, have more standardised layouts, and do not incur MCST-related fees. Condo renovations tend to cost 20 to 40 percent more due to larger floor areas, MCST deposits, restricted working hours that extend timelines, premium material expectations, and additional approval processes.
Key strategies to reduce renovation costs include retaining existing floor tiles if they are in good condition (overlay instead of hacking), choosing laminate over solid wood for carpentry, selecting local tiles instead of imported options, keeping the existing kitchen and bathroom layout to avoid replumbing costs, using open shelving instead of full upper kitchen cabinets, and planning thoroughly before starting to avoid costly mid-project changes.
A full HDB renovation typically takes 8 to 12 weeks from commencement to handover. Condo renovations may take 10 to 16 weeks due to restricted working hours and additional approval requirements. The timeline can extend if custom furniture is imported, if design changes are made during construction, or if permit approvals are delayed.
No hidden costs. No surprises. Renobros Interior provides detailed, itemised quotations so you know exactly where every dollar goes. Contact us for a free consultation and site assessment.