How much does an HDB renovation cost in Singapore? (2026)
Typical HDB renovation costs by flat type (2026)
| Flat type | BTO (new) | Resale (full reno) |
|---|---|---|
| 3-room (~65 m²) | S$20,000–35,000 | S$35,000–60,000 |
| 4-room (~93 m²) | S$25,000–50,000 | S$45,000–75,000 |
| 5-room (~110 m²) | S$30,000–60,000 | S$55,000–90,000 |
| Executive / EM | S$40,000–70,000 | S$65,000–110,000 |
Ranges assume a design-and-build firm handling the whole project. Doing partial works or reusing existing carpentry brings numbers down; premium materials (natural stone, solid timber, imported fittings) push them up.
What actually drives the price?
- Carpentry (30–40%). Kitchens, wardrobes, feature walls and storage. Priced per foot run — a full-height wardrobe runs roughly S$280–450 per foot depending on internals and finish.
- Wet works (15–25%). Hacking walls, re-tiling bathrooms and kitchens, masonry. Bathrooms are the dense spot: a full re-do is typically S$8,000–15,000 each.
- Flooring (10–15%). Vinyl (S$4–8 psf installed) vs tiles (S$8–15 psf) vs engineered timber (S$12–20 psf).
- Electrical (5–10%). A full rewire of a resale 4-room with new DB box is commonly S$4,000–8,000.
- Painting, doors, glass, plumbing make up the remainder.
Where can you safely save?
- Keep HDB's flooring and doors in a BTO; spend on carpentry you touch daily.
- Choose vinyl over tiles in bedrooms — most guests cannot tell, and it saves thousands.
- Limit hacking. Every wall that falls needs permits, hauling and making good.
- Use laminate feature walls instead of real fluting or stone in low-traffic zones.
Where should you not save?
- Waterproofing and plumbing — failures here cost multiples later.
- Electrical capacity — modern homes need more points than the 1990s standard.
- Hinges, runners and internal hardware — the cheap ones fail within two years.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I budget to renovate a 4-room HDB flat?
For a 4-room resale flat, most homeowners in 2026 budget between S$45,000 and S$75,000 for a full renovation including hacking, carpentry, flooring, electrical and painting. A lighter cosmetic refresh of a BTO flat can come in between S$25,000 and S$40,000.
What is the most expensive part of an HDB renovation?
Custom carpentry is usually the single largest line item — often 30 to 40 percent of the total — followed by wet works (hacking, tiling, masonry) and then electrical rewiring.
Is it cheaper to renovate a BTO or a resale flat?
A BTO is usually cheaper to renovate because there is nothing to hack or dispose of, the wiring is new, and HDB finishes can be kept. Resale renovations carry demolition, disposal and rectification costs that typically add S$10,000 to S$20,000.
Do renovation packages include everything?
Rarely. Most packages exclude glass works, plumbing relocation, appliances, lighting fixtures and curtains. Always ask for an itemised quote listing what is excluded — reputable firms provide one before you sign.
Figures on this page are indicative estimates for Singapore as of 2026, gathered from our project experience. Your quote depends on scope, materials and site condition — WhatsApp us for a free, itemised quotation.
Planning a renovation?
Send us your floor plan — we reply with a styled render and an itemised quote.