Quick answer: Renovation in Singapore typically costs $20,000 to $500,000+, depending on property type. A 4-room HDB averages $40,000–$75,000, while landed property renovations start from $120,000 and can exceed $500,000 for full rebuilds.
Renovating a home in Singapore is one of the biggest financial decisions a homeowner makes, and one of the most confusing to budget for. Costs shift depending on whether you're moving into a new BTO flat, upgrading a resale HDB, refreshing a condominium, or rebuilding a landed property, and material, labour, and design fees have all climbed in 2026 due to inflation and rising demand for premium finishes.
This guide breaks down exactly what you'll pay in 2026 by property type, by room, and by renovation category, plus the hidden costs most homeowners forget and practical ways to keep your budget under control. Whether you're comparing quotations or briefing an interior designer in Singapore for the first time, this is the reference to work from.
Renovation Cost by Property Type (2026)
Your property type is the single biggest factor in your renovation budget. Here's what to expect across BTO, HDB, condominium, and landed homes in 2026.
BTO Renovation Cost
New BTO flats generally cost less to renovate because there's minimal demolition, no old fixtures to remove, and structures are in good condition.
BTO Flat Type Estimated Cost (SGD)
- 2-Room BTO: $20,000 – $40,000
- 3-Room BTO: $28,000 – $48,000
- 4-Room BTO: $38,000 – $65,000
- 5-Room BTO: $48,000 – $80,000
HDB Renovation Cost (Resale)
Resale HDB flats usually cost more than BTOs of the same size because of hacking, rewiring, replumbing, and repair work needed on older units.
HDB Flat Type Estimated Cost (SGD)
- 3-Room HDB: $30,000 – $55,000
- 4-Room HDB: $40,000 – $75,000
- 5-Room HDB: $50,000 – $90,000
- Executive Apartment: $60,000 – $100,000+
Condominium Renovation Cost
Condo renovation budgets vary widely based on unit size, existing condition, and whether MCST (management corporation) approval and renovation permits add extra timeline and fees.
- 1–2 Bedroom Condo: $40,000 – $60,000
- 3–4 Bedroom Condo: $ 60,000 – $100,000
- Penthouse / Large Unit: $ 100,000 – $180,000+
Landed Property Renovation Cost
Landed homes carry the widest cost range, since projects can span cosmetic upgrades to full Additions & Alterations (A&A) works or complete rebuilds. For a detailed breakdown of what drives landed property renovation costs in Singapore, see our full landed property renovation cost guide.
- Cosmetic Renovation: $120,000 – $200,000
- Major Renovation / A&A Works: $200,000 – $350,000
- Full Rebuild: $350,000 – $500,000+
Room-by-Room Renovation Cost Breakdown
Kitchen Renovation Cost
The kitchen is typically the most expensive single space to renovate due to carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work combined.
- Kitchen Cabinets: $5,000 – $18,000
- Countertops: $ 2,000 – $8,000
- Backsplash: $ 800 – $2,500
- Sink & Faucet: $500 – $2,500
- Flooring: $ 1,500 – $5,000
- Electrical & Plumbing: $2,000 – $6,000
Estimated Total: $12,000 – $35,000
Bathroom Renovation Cost
Bathrooms require waterproofing, tiling, plumbing, and sanitary fittings work that demands skilled contractors and can't be shortcut without risking leaks.
Key cost components: tiles, vanity, toilet, shower screen, waterproofing, plumbing, and lighting.
Estimated Cost: $6,000 – $18,000 per bathroom
Living Room Renovation Cost
Common inclusions: TV feature wall, carpentry, false ceiling, lighting, flooring, and painting.
Estimated Cost: $8,000 – $20,000
Bedroom Renovation Cost
Common inclusions: built-in wardrobe, vinyl flooring, feature wall, lighting, and curtains.
Estimated Cost: $5,000 – $15,000 per room
Flooring Cost by Material
Flooring Materials Average Cost (Per Sq Ft)
- Vinyl Flooring: $4 – $9
- Laminate Flooring: $4 – $8
- Ceramic Tiles: $5 – $12
- Homogeneous Tiles: $7 – $15
- Marble: $15 – $35
- Engineered Wood: $10 – $20
Carpentry Costs
Custom carpentry is consistently one of the largest line items in any renovation budget. Common examples include kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, TV consoles, shoe cabinets, study desks, and storage solutions.
Estimated Budget: $8,000 – $40,000
Electrical Work Costs
Typical electrical upgrades include additional power sockets, smart switches, lighting installation, ceiling fan installation, and distribution board upgrades.
Estimated Cost: $2,000 – $8,000
Plumbing Costs
Professional plumbing covers kitchen sink installation, bathroom fittings, water heater installation, and pipe replacement.
Estimated Cost: $1,500 – $6,000
Painting Costs by Home Type
- 3-Room HDB: $800 – $1,500
- 4-Room HDB: $1,000 – $1,800
- 5-Room HDB: $1,300 – $2,200
- Condominium: $ 1,500 – $3,000
Smart Home Installation Costs
Smart home adoption continues to grow among Singapore homeowners in 2026. Popular upgrades include smart locks, smart lighting, digital door viewers, home security systems, smart curtains, voice assistants, and smart thermostats.
Estimated Cost: $2,000 – $15,000
What Influences Home Renovation Costs in Singapore?
Several variables shape your final number beyond property type alone:
- Property type: BTO, resale HDB, condo, or landed each carries different baseline costs
- Size of the home: larger floor area means more materials, labour, and time
- Scope of renovation: cosmetic refresh vs. full hacking and reconfiguration
- Material and finish selection: budget laminate vs. marble, engineered wood, or premium fittings
- Labour and contractor rates: rates have risen in 2026 amid continued demand
- Customisation level: bespoke carpentry and smart home integration add significant cost
- Approval requirements: HDB permits or MCST approval for condos can extend timelines and fees
Hidden Renovation Costs Homeowners Often Forget
Many renovation budgets overlook these additional expenses:
- Permit fees and HDB renovation permits
- Professional design fees
- Temporary storage
- Haulage and debris removal
- Cleaning services
- Appliance installation
- Furniture purchases
- Contingency costs
Tip: Set aside 10% to 20% of your total budget for unexpected expenses.
How to Save Money on Home Renovation
- Set a realistic renovation budget before starting
- Prioritise essential upgrades over cosmetic changes
- Compare multiple renovation quotations
- Choose durable materials with low maintenance costs
- Reuse existing furniture where possible
- Avoid making design changes mid-construction
- Schedule renovations during less busy periods if feasible
- Work with experienced renovation professionals who provide transparent pricing
Conclusion
Understanding home renovation costs in Singapore allows homeowners to plan confidently and avoid budget overruns. Property type, renovation scope, materials, labour, and customisation level all shape your final number and BTO, HDB, condo, and landed properties each come with distinct cost profiles.
Partnering with a reputable interior designer in Singapore can streamline the renovation process, improve design outcomes, and help you make informed, cost-effective decisions. Whether you're renovating a BTO flat, resale HDB, condominium, or landed home, careful planning and realistic budgeting remain the keys to a successful renovation in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it cheaper to renovate a BTO or a resale HDB?
A BTO renovation is generally more affordable because it requires less demolition and repair work than a resale HDB.
2. How long does a home renovation take in Singapore?
Most renovation projects take 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the project's size and complexity.
3. Should I hire an interior designer in Singapore?
An interior designer in Singapore can help with space planning, project management, and budget control, making the renovation process more efficient and reducing costly mistakes.
4. How much should I set aside for unexpected renovation costs?
It's recommended to keep an additional 10% to 20% of your renovation budget for unforeseen expenses.
5. What is the average renovation cost for a landed property in Singapore?
Landed property renovation typically ranges from $120,000 for cosmetic works to $500,000+ for a full rebuild, depending on scope and Additions & Alterations (A&A) requirements.
6. Does condo renovation require MCST approval?
Yes, most condominiums require MCST (management corporation) approval before renovation works begin, which can affect your project timeline.
