HDB renovation cost in Singapore: what to budget in 2026

Most HDB renovations in Singapore land somewhere between the high $30,000s and the $90,000s, but the range is wide for good reasons: flat type, whether it is a new BTO or a resale, and how much custom carpentry you want. This guide explains what is behind the numbers so you can set a realistic budget before you talk to designers.

Typical HDB renovation cost by flat type

The ranges below are what Singapore renovation guides were quoting in 2026 for a standard specification renovation. Treat them as a starting point, not a quote.

For a 4-room flat, a basic specification is often quoted at roughly $30,000–$40,000 for a BTO and $40,000–$55,000 for a resale, while a premium specification can run from about $55,000 (BTO) to $75,000–$100,000 or more (resale).

Why resale flats usually cost more than BTO

A BTO flat comes with fresh finishes and original wiring and plumbing, so most of the budget goes into carpentry, flooring and painting. A resale flat often needs extra work first: hacking out old tiles or walls, rewiring, replacing old pipes and fixtures, and waterproofing. Guides commonly put the resale premium at around 20–40%, or roughly $15,000–$27,000 for a 4-room flat.

If you are buying resale, ask the designer to inspect the flat before you finalise a budget, because hidden condition issues are the usual source of cost overruns.

What drives the price up or down

• Custom carpentry. Built-in wardrobes, feature walls, a full-height shoe cabinet and kitchen cabinets are usually the largest single line item. Fewer, simpler built-ins save the most money.
• Hacking and layout changes. Removing a non-structural wall or merging rooms adds demolition, rebuilding and permit work.
• Flooring and wet areas. Retiling bathrooms and the kitchen costs more than leaving good tiles alone.
• Electrical and plumbing. Rewiring, extra points and concealed piping add up quickly in an older flat.
• Materials and finishes. Laminate versus solid surfaces, tile grade and fittings can move the total by tens of thousands.
• Designer versus contractor. A design-and-build firm bundles design, project management and the build; a contractor-only route can cost less but leaves the design and coordination to you. See how to choose an interior designer.

How to budget and compare quotes

1. Set a ceiling first. Decide the most you are willing to spend, then ask designers what that budget realistically buys.
2. Keep a buffer. A contingency of around 10–15% is commonly recommended for surprises, especially in resale flats.
3. Get itemised quotes. Ask for at least three, broken down by work type, so you can compare like with like instead of one lump sum.
4. Check the payment schedule. Payments should follow progress, not be front-loaded. See the section on deposits in our guide to CaseTrust and HDB licences.
5. Use an HDB-registered contractor. Works that need an HDB permit must be done by one. Read the HDB renovation permit and rules guide.

Ready to compare firms? Browse HDB interior designers on Layered or tell us about your flat and get matched.